Headshot vs Portrait

So what is the difference?

I have heard many use the term Portrait when it’s a headshot and vice versa. If you ever wondered or was unsure which is which and why, then read on.

Put simply, the biggest difference between the two is purpose. Headshots are close-up pictures of your head and shoulders in a neutral, but professional, setting. Whereby in contrast a portrait is a distinct image of an individual, often shot from a greater distance, and which can be for any number of uses.

Professional business headshots will normally have relaxed and friendly feel to it. The subject will often smile and the reason for that is the subject is communicating a message to the observer. This can be honesty, approachability and friendliness. You will find this common place for professional business headshots and often visible in Linkedin profiles or business websites.

Sometimes my clients will request a professional headshots that communicates a different message. This can be robustness, confidence and intellect and so forth.

Whereas professional portraits, on the other hand, are usually are more straightforward. In professional portraits you can see wider variety of moods. Portraits can often be more dramatic, are less smiley. In portraiture the subject is often looking away from the camera or is engaging in some kind of activity.

A portrait is more about telling a story, whereas the professional headshot is more about introducing yourself and communicating a quick message to the observer.