What Makes a Headshot Different From a Portrait?
What makes a headshot different from a portrait? Aren’t they both about WHO the subject is?
Well, yes. But that is not the question to ask. The question to ask is WHO will be looking at it . . . and what is the message to convey?
Headshots Are to Impress Strangers
That may sound strange but think about it - your professional headshot is there to impress that person whom you haven’t met. That is the person who will hire you, choose to use your services, or cast you in a movie. It is not just an old saying - first impressions do count.
But not just anyone. If you are in business, you should know your demographic when it comes to clients and customers. What will appeal to them? And is it always the same?
There are many guides about what to wear for a headshot or how to style your hair - I advise my clients to take a different approach and think about the viewer and what would impress them. Sometimes it can be very simple. As an example, a bank president should be in professional attire and chances are a simple white background is sufficient, especially if it being used less to sell and more as a “meet the team” on a website. But what if it is a therapist who specializes in working with survivors of PTSD? That is a headshot that should convey a message of warmth, compassion, and safety to potential clients.
A Portrait is For You
When someone comes to me for a portrait, now the focus (no pun intended) is pointed inward. Who do you want to be? How do you see yourself? Are you celebrating a milestone in your life such as a pregnancy?
Portraits are the images that live on our walls, and in our folios and albums. They are the pictures that we look at and make us feel happy. They are pictures that change in meaning as time passes. A portrait of your loved one while they are still with us grows in value once they no longer are. A milestone portrait takes us back to “remember when.”
A headshot primarily serves a professional or promotional purpose. A portrait aims to convey a deeper understanding of the subject’s character. Both have an intended audience that drives how the image is made. As your photographer, I do my work mindfully to ensure your expectations are met.