Best Places Outdoor in Sydney CBD for Headshots
When you’re looking for a unique and professional way to update your headshot with a more relaxed and approachable look. Consider asking to take your photos outdoors in Sydney CBD. The city has a stunning skyline, (especially in soft light), Has lush parks, and historic landmarks that make for the perfect backdrop for a stylish headshot.
On this page we share nine of our favourite places in Sydney CBD for environmental headshots. We’ll also provide examples of headshots taken at each location, as well as map directions to help you meet us there. And there’s more photo examples at the bottom so scroll all the way down to see them.
Whether you’re looking for a classic headshot against the Sydney Opera House or a more creative shot in one of the city’s many parks, we’ve got you covered. So read on for inspiration and start planning your next outdoor headshot session!
Table of Contents – Jump to Headings
Near Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and First Fleet Park using green natural background. This spot is a long a short footpath heading towards George St
Tip; This area can get a little busy and may be intimidating for shy clients. The lighting here is soft and best in the afternoon.

Outside the Museum of Sydney (MOS) north facing sandstone brick wall. Perfect spot for quick headshot with a neutral-ish natural wall
Headshot Outside The Museum of Sydney (MOS) with a traditional sandstone wall. Model is facing Bridge Street in the mid afternoon light.

Iconic Landmark headshot background such as Sydney Opera House or Harbour Bridge is one of the best places.
If your in a company that has an office in Sydney, you might want to brand your staff headshots by having anyone of the iconic landmarks in the background. Nothing says we’re based in Sydney more than a world recognisable landmark. If it is windy, women’s headshots may be tricky if they have long hair.

Early morning shoot with a Cityscape background to give a sense of place. Photographed from northern end of the boardwalk just by the stairs
Pro tip; Avoid early morning shoots in this direction as the light can be quite harsh and or the contrast between model and background is huge. Which can be challenging in getting soft environmental headshots.

Hyde Park in Sydney has many great places for headshots / portraits with a natural background
Check out some of the areas in both Hyde Park North and South. This one is next to Sandringham Memorial Garden, enter from Park St. It’s a curved and tiered garden area that has many great options for singles and couples shoots.

The Rocks has an abundance of great outdoor locations for both portraits and headshots especially if you like textured backgrounds
The Rocks has an abundance of great outdoor locations for portraits or headshots. Anything from rustic door ways, green walls or old weathered sandstone and rocks, lot’s of choices

Another professional portrait at The Rocks. This example is in one of the laneways, just to one side is a café area with this rustic sandstone wall that was chosen by the client.
With so many options at The Rock for business style portraits it can get a little bewildering. Just select one of the options on this page and make the best of it.

Neutral Background using the atrium in your office building
When you’re in a big hurry and just need to get some fresh shots for a press release, using your building entrance for your headshot can work. This one is at 9 Castlereagh Street, Sydney CBD.

Headshots Outside under the Sydney Harbour Bridge at Dawes Point
An impromptu and recent discovery of another option for outdoor headshots. This example is at the top George Street, Dawes Point, under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It has some afternoon sun filling the space. The green plant background was only small but worked well.
