The Difference Between Headshots and Portraits: Understanding Professional Photography

A headshot is a portrait but a portrait is not necessarily a headshot. Got it? I know, it can be a little confusing but let’s run through the details.

Focus and Purpose

Understanding the Core Differences

Headshots are all about the face and should try to keep the viewers focus there. Portraits do usually show a person’s face but it isn’t always the main focus of the image. Keeping the viewer’s focus on the face in a headshot is a very important characteristic of a great headshot. Headshots are a sub section of portraiture.

Key Characteristics of Headshots

Technical Elements

Headshots are meant to be cropped in tight to again, help keep the focus on the face. Headshots are also meant to have eye contact with the camera, this way it looks like the subject is looking directly at you.

A great headshot puts the subject in a place of authority and gives the viewer a sense that they know what they are doing.

How Portraits Differ

Style and Composition

Portraits can also display the subject in this way but usually involve showing more of the body in the frame. Half body or full body shots are more in the category of a portrait. Also, while both headshots and portraits can be shot in a non studio environment, portraits usually show more of the environment in the photo.

Creativity

I classify some of my close up work as portraiture, because I take more creative freedom in the photos. I might add some color grading and experiment with lighting a little bit more to create a dramatic look. A headshot is a more clear and literal portrayal of the person while a portrait not does necessarily do that.

Usage and Applications

When to Use a Headshot

A headshot is perfect for:

• LinkedIn profile photo
• Company website
• Email Signature

When to Use a Portrait

A portrait may work better for:

• Magazine features
• Book covers
• Larger format displays

This is not to say that a headshot would not work in those cases, as it is totally dependent on the layout and the look you are going for.

Role in Personal Branding

Professional Context

Both headshots and portraits have their place in your branding. A headshot is the new business card or logo. A portrait is used in more specific environments. Again, headshots are portraits but portraits are not necessarily headshots.

Expert Opinion

Both portraits and headshots have a place in your marketing materials and achieve similar things. I do receive this question quite often so I thought I would follow up with this article to help explain the two and how they are both similar and different.

Want to know how to minimize distractions in your headshots? Check out my article here!

Making the Right Choice

Consider Your Needs

When deciding between a headshot and a portrait, think about:

• Platform requirements - LinkedIn and professional sites typically need headshots
• Message you want to convey - Headshots are direct and professional, portraits can be more artistic
• Where the image will be used - Small profile pictures need tight crops, larger displays can accommodate full portraits

Working with Your Photographer

A professional photographer who understands both headshots and portraits can guide you in making the right choice. They’ll consider your industry, personal brand, and how you plan to use the images to recommend the best approach.

The Investment Value

Whether you choose headshots, portraits, or both, investing in professional photography pays dividends. Quality images that accurately represent your professional brand will serve you across multiple platforms and opportunities for years to come.