Difference Between Headshots and Portraits

portraitsA common question asked from clients is what is the difference between a headshot and a portrait? Headshot and portraits are two different types of pictures. Below is a brief explanation of the differences between the two.

Headshots are a professional representation of the subject for the desired use of the photograph. They are about marketing, branding and the business of your industry and are a visual representation of your competence and reputation. Headshots are a high-quality picture that captures the individual’s personality, but is primarily designed to look very clean cut. In this day and age of online living, practically everyone needs a headshot for their LinkedIn, Facebook page and website.

Portraits, on the other hand, can be experimental. They are more about personality than about professionalism and tells more of a story. Dramatic lighting, coloring, and expressive poses can take the same subject wearing the same outfit with the same hair and make-up and transform the image completely.

Angle and editing will differ between the two as well. The average headshot is cut closer to a person’s face than a portrait often will be. Headshots will also have much less editing. A portrait, on the other hand, might be only of the subject’s face, but they can also be of the top half or the entire body, depending on what the subject wants to convey with their portraits.

Headshots are usually realistic. The point of a headshot is to show the subject as they really are. In order to do this, most photographers will have their subject adopt a natural smile or a neutral expression. Portraits, however, allow the photographer and the subject a much looser leash. They can be serious or funny, hopeful or sad.

Neither the headshot nor the portrait is strictly better than the other. Both have their places. Understanding the difference between the two can ensure you get the picture that you need, whether you want something for business and branding purposes, or you want something that is more akin to a piece of art.

At Capitol Photo Headshots we are more than happy to discuss your unique needs and design headshots or a portrait especially for you. For more information, contact us today at 203-255-4002.

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