Understanding Headshots in Portrait Photography

If you’re just getting started with portrait photography, it’s useful to first understand what a headshot actually is before attempting to create one.

Portraits
In broad terms, a portrait photograph is a visual representation of a person. Portrait photography covers a wide range of styles and settings, including studio sessions, street candids, fashion shoots, and more. Essentially, if a person is the primary subject in the frame, it qualifies as a portrait.

Headshots
Headshots are a specific type of portrait with a clearly defined purpose. Whether it’s for actors, corporate professionals, or personal branding, headshots are designed to market something—be it an actor’s suitability for a role or an individual’s professional image.

Unlike general portraits, headshots are more tightly framed. They typically focus on the subject’s face and may include the head and shoulders, or sometimes a half-length composition. Before taking a headshot, it’s essential to understand how and where the image will be used. This ensures you capture the right style and expression to serve its intended purpose.