9 Differences Between Headshots And Portraits

A lot of people think headshots and portraits are more or less the same thing. And I get why - they both involve a camera and your face. But trust me, they are completely different types of photography and are most often used for completely different purposes. I see why on the surface headshots and portraits are similar and it can be confusing when all you want is a corporate photo to update on your business’ website. But with my experience in photographing both headshots and portraits over the years, I’m here to settle the headshot vs portrait argument once and for all. By the end of this blog, you will know exactly which one you need before you book your next shoot. So let me break it down for you…

What Is A Headshot?

Headshots are like your digital handshake. They’re the very first impression people have when they come across your LinkedIn profile or your website’s ‘About Me’ page and see your face pop up. The impact this photo has is often overlooked. But if your headshot is just a cropped photo from someone’s wedding with slightly better lighting than the average snap, then I hate to break it to you, but you’re not getting anywhere with it.

A proper headshot is so much more. It shows who you are professionally. It’s usually framed from the shoulders up, with the kind of expression that says, “Hi, I know what I’m doing and yes, I am someone you’d want to work with.” Headshots are clean, simple, and confident. Think less “look at my outfit” and more “look at my face, isn’t it trustworthy?”

What Is a Portrait?

Now unlike headshots, portraits are where you have room to be a bit more creative and expressive. You can play around, be more expressive and basically just tell a story beyond just what you do for work. Your portrait could be you standing in your studio or walking through Hyde Park. They can be wider framed and show more of your body than just your head and shoulders, which gives you more opportunity to portray mood, movement and personality! So, when it comes to portrait vs headshot photography, for professional connections pick headshot. Want to capture more of who you are in the moment? Think portrait.

What’s The Difference Between Headshots And Portraits?

Alright, so I’ve defined what they are, but when you’re thinking about portraits vs headshots, there are quite a few key differences and once you can spot them, you won’t have trouble getting them confused again. 

• Use

First things first: the main difference between a headshot vs portrait is what you will actually use them for. Need a new LinkedIn profile photo? Headshot. Applying for a job? Headshot. Whenever you need to be super professional that’s typically a headshot job. I would normally shoot a portrait for other projects like for a personal website/portfolio, for social media or for a press feature. There's more room to breathe and more space to show personality.

• Lighting

Lighting can also be different. I like to keep headshots simple. I’ll opt for soft, flattering light - nothing too dramatic or that’s going to take away from what the image should be. Portraits on the other hand? That’s where I can play. Golden hour or side lighting are welcome, of course depending on the vibe you’re after but there is more room to set the tone you want.

• Framing

This is an easy one to spot when it comes to a headshot vs portrait. The former is close in - face and shoulders in full view. You’re the main focus after all. Portraits go wider. Waist up, full body, or even environmental shots that show you in your space. If your background tells part of your story, we’ll include it.

• Body language

When I’m shooting headshots, most of the direction I give is in the eyes, shoulders, jaw - those tiny micro-movements that make you look open, calm, and confident. With portraits, you’ve got more freedom. Want to sit cross-legged on a stool? Lean against a wall? Laugh mid-movement? Great. It’s less about stillness, more about honesty.

• Mood

The mood of a headshot tends to be consistent - think friendly and professional. But the difference between portraits vs headshots is that you set the mood, whether that’s serious, playful or joyful - whatever feels true to you in the moment.

• Background

Plain backdrops, soft blurs and clean lines are what headshot backgrounds are all about. Basically anything that’s not going to steal attention away from your face. But in portraits? The background becomes part of the story. Your favourite café, your office, that bit of exposed brick in your flat that everyone always compliments. Whatever makes sense for you and your story.

• Orientation

While most headshots are shot vertically, they can also be shot horizontally but that’s typically to leave enough room to crop it later. Portraits are often (you guessed it) portrait orientation. That vertical format gives us more to play with in terms of composition and can work beautifully for web banners, social media posts, or printed material.

• Room to experiment

Headshots don’t leave a whole load of space for experimentation - and that’s kind of the point. They’re consistent. They’re clear. They do what they say on the tin. Portraits are the opposite. They’re where we get to stretch a bit. Use props. Play with movement. Go weird. Go bold. Whatever suits you.

• Lens

For headshots, I use a lens that flatters your features without distorting anything. It compresses the background nicely and gives a natural feel without weird proportions. With portraits, I might mix things up depending on where we are and what we’re aiming for. A wide lens for context. A longer lens for a dreamy blur. Basically - more tools to play with.

Portraits vs Headshots - Which Is Better?

What’s better portrait vs headshot photography? I get asked this all the time. And honestly? Neither is better, it just depends on what you’re going to be using them for. If you’re trying to stand out in a sea of sameness on LinkedIn or want to show people you take yourself and your work seriously, headshots are a no-brainer. But if you’re building something more personal, launching a brand, or just want to finally have some beautiful photos of yourself that aren’t cropped group shots from weddings in 2016 - a portrait session might be the way to go.

And if you’re not sure? We can do both. A lot of my clients end up with a mix - one or two clean headshots for professional use, and a few looser portraits that they can use across their website. You don’t have to choose just one if both would serve you well.

Book Shot By Andrew For Headshots And Portraits

If you’re ready to stop relying on that grainy selfie from three phones ago and finally want photos that actually feel like you, I’d love to help! I shoot headshots and portraits in my studio in Wimbledon and across locations in London - my aim is to create a relaxed and personal experience. You’ll get plenty of direction (so you’re never standing there thinking “what do I do with my hands?”). Drop me a message and let’s make something you’ll actually want to share. You can see more of my work here. Now let’s make you look great!