The main difference between a headshot and a portrait lies in a question: are you simply introducing yourself or do you want to tell a story about who you are? A headshot is straightforward and introduces you to the world, letting people know what you look like. Portraits are more complex, highlighting who you are and telling the story behind your personality.
Reflecting on this difference, a headshot is a close-up photo of your face in a neutral background. A portrait is more artistic and tells more about your personality and your identity as a person or a professional.
Before you hire a photographer, you should reflect on how you want to use your photo. This will determine what sort of photo you want to take: a headshot or a portrait.
How Am I Going To Use My Photo?
Headshots are used for your LinkedIn account, a company website profile, newsletters, emails, business cards, or social media accounts. It’s a professional way to tell people what you look like.
Portraits, on the other hand, have an extra artistic touch to them. They are usually used in editorials, blog posts, stories, lifestyle postings, or book jackets to present a deeper peek into the person’s life. You even hang one on the wall—which you can’t really do with a headshot.
What Am I Trying To Tell Through My Photo?
All photos tell a story. The story you want to narrate will make the difference between a headshot and a portrait.
A headshot focuses on your professionalism and approachability. You want to tell prospective employers or customers how you will tackle a job and how they can relate to you through your work.
Portraits have a looser intent. Apart from telling what you look like, they also encompass emotions: a portrait will both display your emotions and generate an emotional response in the viewer. Whether it’s happiness, creativity, joy, or nostalgia, a portrait produces feelings.
What Does My Background Tell About Me?
In the case of a headshot, the background is usually neutral. Headshots are often taken in studios where the light and the background are tightly controlled. When a client wants an outdoor background for their headshot, the photographer may sometimes blur it to give prominence to the face.
On the other hand, the background can be part of the story in a portrait. The photographer can include props and a richer background for a portrait. The setting plays its own role and complements the story the person is telling. It can be an artist’s studio, a gardener’s garden, an architect’s loft, or a cook’s kitchen. The surrounding environment enriches the portrait’s power and adds further depth to the narrative.
How Much Light in a Portrait and a Headshot?
Headshots are uniformly lit, usually with a soft light that brings out the face without creating shadows. That’s where the technical experience of the photographer is invaluable.
A portrait has a more artistic flair. Shadows are often welcome as they add dramatic touches to the portrait. The photographer can highlight a specific area or use unusual angles in a portrait for optimal effect. This is where a photographer’s artistic side shows up.
What Is the Right Posture for a Portrait and a Headshot?
A headshot is usually focused on the head, face, and shoulders. Some clients want headshots from the bust-up while others want full-body headshots. Sometimes people feel more comfortable if their body is slightly turned away while still facing the camera. In general, however, you face the camera to display your face.
A portrait gives more freedom to the person. They can stand, lean, stare away from the camera, or look behind the camera. The portrait is a combination of the person, setting, and overall feel of the photo. Looking at the camera is not a prerequisite. People sometimes choose to engage in a favorite or typical activity of theirs while having their portrait taken. They can also hold props that relate to their profession or identity.
Headshots Are Functional, Portraits Are Deeper
A professional headshot introduces you to the world. Even though it’s functional, of course, a headshot still displays a person’s personality, approachability, and friendliness. A professional photographer will take headshot photos that highlight your identity and add to your professional brand.
A portrait goes deeper, telling a story about what makes you, you. There is a narrative behind your portrait, which is told through photography using interesting details, smart angles, and artistry.
Tell us how you want to use your photos and how you perceive yourself and let Jackie and Andrew take the right photos for you. Contact Denver Headshot Photos online or call now 720-712-4829 to book your session and let us make your brand and headshots match your expectations!
