When people search for a photographer, two terms come up often: headshot photography and portrait photography. They sound similar, but they serve very different purposes. If you’re wondering which one you need, here’s an explanation.
What is Headshot Photography?
Headshot photography is about creating a professional image of you, usually from the shoulders up.
- Purpose: Used for LinkedIn, company websites, speaking engagements, press releases etc
- Style: Clean background, natural light or studio lighting, direct eye contact, approachable expression.
- Goal: To make you look professional, confident, and trustworthy.
In short, a headshot is your professional picture that you can share so that people know what the professional vision of you looks like.
What is Portrait Photography?
Portrait photography goes beyond the headshot. It’s designed to show personality, character, and context and tell more of a story about what you do.
- Purpose: Used for branding, website content and showing how it is to work with you.
- Style: Can be in-studio or on location, may include props, environments you work in and will show more that just head and shoulders
- Goal: To tell a story about you – your role, the way you work, your personality.
A portrait might capture a CEO in their office, a therapist in a consulting room, or an entrepreneur in a space that reflects their work.
Headshot vs Portrait Photography: Which Do You Need?
- If you need a profile photo for LinkedIn or your company’s “About Us” page → headshot photography.
- If you want images that tell a story about you and your work → portrait photography.
- If you want to cover all bases → many clients choose both.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Headshot = professional clarity.
- Portrait = personality and story.
Both have value, and both can be tailored to your needs.