As a professional headshot photographer, I’m often asked the question, “Is headshot photography the same as portrait photography?” It’s a great question and one that requires a little bit of clarification.
At its core, headshot photography and portrait photography are similar in that both are images of people. However, there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand. In this post, I’ll explore the differences between headshot photography and portrait photography and why they are not the same.
Headshot Photography
Headshot photography is a type of photography that focuses specifically on capturing a person’s face and upper body in an image. These images are often used for professional purposes, such as business websites, LinkedIn profiles and modelling portfolios. Even though these are all different types of headshots the goal of headshot photography is the same. Saying that however, actors’ headshot photography in 
particular is a specialist genre requiring an expert to help the actor market themselves successfully. In essence, the goal is to create a clear and concise image that showcases the person’s face, personality, and professional demeanour. But an actor’s headshot is more than that.
When it comes to headshot photography, it’s important to have a well-lit and properly framed image. This means that the lighting should be flattering and not too harsh, and the image should be framed in such a way that the person’s face is clearly visible. A good guide is to follow the rule-of-thirds principle and locate the person’s eyes in the top â…“ of the frame.A headshot should also be a true representation of the person, there is more latitude when producing model headshots as the whole point of this genre is to ‘create images’ (often that sell a product).
One of the key elements of a successful headshot is the expression on the person’s face. A headshot should convey a sense of the person’s personality and show confidence, so it’s important to encourage an expression that reflects these qualities. This could be a slight smile, a serious look, or something in between, depending on the individual’s personal style and the purpose of the headshot. For an actor, you should be portraying the kind of characters they can play.
Portrait Photography
Portrait photography, on the other hand, is a broader category of photography that encompasses a wider range of images of people. Portrait photography can include family portraits, newborn photography, senior portraits, and more. The goal of portrait photography is to capture a person or group of people in a way that showcases their personality and emotions.
In portrait photography, the focus is not just on the person’s face, but on their body as well. This means that the photographer has the 
freedom to capture a wider range of poses and expressions and to include more of the person’s surroundings in the image. For example, a family portrait might feature a group of people sitting on a couch, with the photographer capturing the entire scene.
One of the key differences between headshot photography and portrait photography is the level of creativity involved. With portrait photography, the photographer has more freedom to be creative and explore different poses, expressions, and backgrounds. This allows for a more personal and unique image that truly captures the subject’s personality and emotions.
On the other hand, actors need to inject their own creativity and personality into the headshot. There is less room for creative backdrops and fancy lighting. The actor’s headshot photographer needs to have the skill to encourage expression and capture it in a split second.
Why They Are Not the Same
While headshot photography and portrait photography both involve capturing images of people, they are not the same. Headshot 
photography is a specific type of photography that focuses on the person’s face and upper body, while portrait photography is a broader category that can encompass a wider range of images.
Anyone can take a photograph of a person from the shoulders up and make a headshot. But, understanding the subtle differences and having the skills and confidence to produce eye-catching headshots every time is not for everyone.
With all due respect, your regular High Street photographers might not be able to deliver industry-standard headshots but they may take fantastic family portraits.
Let’s Sum Up Headshot Photography
In conclusion, while headshot photography and portrait photography may seem similar on the surface, 
they are distinct forms of photography with their own unique goals and styles. Understanding the differences between these two forms of photography is important for anyone looking to have their own images captured, whether for professional or personal reasons.
As a professional headshot photographer, I believe that understanding the differences is critical. Making sure you do your research and finding the right headshot photographer for you is a crucial part of the photographic process.
