What’s the Difference Between a Headshot and a Portrait?
There are so many parts to photography that it’s easy to confuse them. This is common when it comes to understanding the difference between a headshot and a portrait.
Each is used for a distinct reason and has its own process, from setup to lighting. Let’s break down what defines these types of photography and how they differ.
What Is a Portrait?
In general terms, a portrait involves snapping a picture of someone who’s aware that they’re being photographed, but the end result should look natural and emotive.
Portraits are typically artistic in style, reflecting the subject’s character and invoking an emotional response from the viewer. They come in different forms, such as lifestyle, environmental, glamour, and self-portrait.
However, they share certain qualities:
The elements above are at the heart of what makes portraits and headshots different. Keep exploring them alongsideways to improve your portrait photography.
What’s the Difference Between a Headshot and a Portrait?
A headshot is a kind of portrait with a narrower set of rules. For starters, it’s mainly used for professional reasons, like enhancing a resume, online profile, or promo.
Looking at a headshot’s qualities, here’s how they differ from a portrait:
Whether the headshot is for a modeling job or a marketing campaign, the setup is more precise. In some ways, it’s simpler to shoot than a portrait—buttaking good headshot photographshas its tricks and pitfalls.
Learn to Tackle the Differences Between Portraits and Headshots
Now that you see what sets these types of photos apart, get ready to handle them both. Alternatively, specialize in portraits or headshots. Either way, develop your skills and show your clients that you know what you’re doing.
Knowing what the difference is between a headshot and a portrait doesn’t just boost your confidence. It also helps you design the perfect studio for your photographic needs—its equipment, lighting, layout, and more.
If you’re serious about your photography, you’ll need to get accustomed to studio work with artificial lighting. Here’s what you need to know.
The best features aren’t the ones being advertised.
I found my TV was always listening—so I shut it down.
Unlock a world of entertainment possibilities with this clever TV hack.
The fix was buried in one tiny toggle.
I gripped my chair the entire time—and then kept thinking about it when the screen turned off.
