Confused about portraits and headshots? You’re not alone. Folks new to using the services of a professional portrait and headshot photographer often wonder about the difference. There is a difference and it’s important that you know it so you can help your photographer deliver the results you want in your session.
Understanding what you, the client, needs from your photo session is where a great photo session starts. Most of my clients want images that display their true self. Business professionals, health professionals, actors and social media users want to look as good as they can while looking like happy and approachable. Their goal is to look their best while being honest to what they actually look like in day-to-day life. This is especially true for actors who risk surprising a casting director with headshots that mis-represent themselves by looking too young or hiding particular facial features.
A headshot is often tightly cropped to show just the head and shoulders, focusing on the face. It usually has a neutral or simple background to keep the attention on the subject. Headshots are usually clear, evenly lit, and focused on making the subject look approachable and professional.
Portraits can be more expressive and diverse while headshots are more standardized and repeatable. Portraits will use the subject’s surroundings or the photographer may invest the time to create special backgrounds that convey a specific look. It’s all about using the photographer’s skills to create a look that brings the subject forward in the photo. In a portrait you and your photographer are trying to create a mood that shows your brand or defining characteristics.
Let’s take a look. Can you tell which image is the headshot and which image is the portrait?
The headshot on the left is brightly and evenly lit. Client Dean is looking straight into the camera which means he’s looking right at you. This conveys a sense of confidence, honesty and openness. The cool coloring (cool as in more mid-day light) conveys a feeling of action and things being accomplished. The background is clean and has a slight highlight radiation which again, sending an upbeat message.
The portrait on the right sends a completely different message. The image’s coloring is warmer and conveys a rich feeling. The light is directional from the left which creates a moody shadow on the opposite side of his face. Dean is looking just slightly off the axis of the camera’s lens which gives the feeling you’re looking at a piece of art as opposed to a headshot.
Make sure that you think through what type of photos you want -before- you visit your photographer!
