top of page
Writer's pictureKaylinn Gilstrap

Headshot vs Professional Portrait: Understanding the Differences

Updated: May 3, 2023

A headshot and a professional portrait are two types of photographs that have different purposes and styles.


Headshot for Gina Ditta-Donahue - alternative medicine practitioner

A headshot is a close-up photograph of a person's head, typically used in a professional settings such as forresumes, social media profiles, or acting and modeling portfolios. The focus of a headshot is on the person's face, and it is usually taken in a neutral or plain background to keep the focus on the subject.


Headshot for John Larkin - Investigative professional

On the other hand, a professional portrait is a photograph that captures a person's likeness in a more artistic or creative way. The portrait can be a full-body or close-up image, and it often includes the person's surroundings or context. Professional portraits can be used for various purposes such as personal branding, corporate profiles, magazine editorials, or as a gift for a loved one.


Portrait of Bob Stargel for GA Tech

Portrait of Darren Waller - Football Player

It's important to think about how you intend to use the images when scheduling a session. If you need a tight photo of your face to put on your LinkedIn profile, a headshot is all you need. If you want to give your audience more a sense of who you are, you need to schedule a professional portrait session.


For each session, whether a headshot or a portrait, I include tips for helping you get the best final image possible. I also work with talented Hair & Makeup Artists and Stylists if you want help with your look. Each session is custom-built with your needs in mind. Reach out today!


Portrait of Coco Papy for The Bitter Southerner

All images Copyright Kaylinn Gilstrap.

165 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page