It’s important to under the differences
between headshots, and portraits as they are two different photo styles that
have different looks. For more professional uses, you’ll want to go with a
headshot. If you want to showcase more of your personality and look then you
will want to consider portraits.
What Is The Difference Between
Headshots And Portraits?
Headshots
Headshots:
A headshot is a close-up shot of your head and
shoulders, which can be used for branding, marketing, and distinguishing
yourself on online and offline platforms. With headshots, the expression of the
subject is everything, since it is on the only thing that the viewer sees.
Lighting: Lighting for headshots is usually brighter and more evenly lit
with the use of natural light and studio lights. They are generally softer with
no harsh lights or bright highlights that heavily contrast one another.
Framing:
Headshots won’t show very much of the subject’s
background, and if taken somewhere with a busy background, it will be put out
of focus, so the focal point is the subject.
Portraits
Portrait: A portrait is another type of photograph of a person. They can be
close-ups or full body shots, in a studio or outdoors. Expressions can show any
emotions, and sometimes the subject isn’t even looking at the camera. A
difference between headshots and portraits is that they can be of more than one
person (siblings, families, couples, etc.). Since they can be a wider shot that
includes the body and background, how the subject poses can influence the overall
look of the photograph.
Lighting: Portraits can be evenly lit, but they usually will have more
shades and highlights to create a more dramatic look.
Framing: Portraits, unlike headshots, can feature a background, depending
on how wide the shot is.
The best way to get a photograph that will suit your needs is to talk to your
photographer and tell them more about yourself, what you intend to use the
photographs for, about your business, and the message that you are trying to
convey. With that information, they will be able to determine whether a
headshot or portrait will be the most effective.
Questions To Ask Your
Photographer Before Getting Started
●
How many photographs will come
with a session?
●
How long will the session last?
●
What should I wear and how many
looks can I bring?
●
Will you provide make-up and hair
or do I need to provide my own?
If you would like to take headshots to elevate
your online presence, or a portrait with your loved ones, look no further than
the Book Camera Man. We work with you to create images that you will be proud
of. Contact us today to book a session in Vancouver or Toronto!