What Is A Headshot?

FAQs: What Is a Headshot

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For some people, a headshot may seem to be self explanatory. But from a photography standpoint, it is understand exactly what it entails. There are different uses for them and more importantly, it is important to understand how they are taken, edited, etc. Here are three things that help answer the question – “what is a headshot?”

Headshots Are Cropped Differently Than Traditional Portraits

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Perhaps the most obvious part of a headshot is that it is cropped to include mostly your head. Hence the term “headshot” 🙂 Depending on the style of the headshot, different Photographers may crop the finished image a certain way. For example, some Photographers may crop the headshot more agressively – so that your face accounts for the majority of the image. Before hiring a Photographer, it is important to visit their website to see the style that they shoot in. I like to crop headshots to have a few inches above the top of your head, with a good amount of space on the left and right of the image. And the bottom of the image is cropped at the second or third button of a dress shirt.

They Must Convey A Specific Business Purpose

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Secondly, your headshot must convey a specific business purpose. Headshots cannot be as casual as a “selfie” and serve a different purpose than an employee badge photo. If you have ever been on LinkedIn, you will see a wide variety of “headshots.” Some are clearly taken with a cell phone or are cropped from a different portrait. But professional headshots should convey a specific business purpose.

Headshots Require Set Up And Lighting

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Lastly, headshots require more set up than a general portrait. Often times, I will be taking family portraits and someone will ask me to take a headshot for them. Although I have a camera and can take a “headshot” – it often takes more set up than a family portrait. For example, most of the headshots I take require a two light set up. Things like the background and the type of lens I would use for a headshot can also be different. Like I mentioned above, you want your headshot to have a different look and feel to it than a casual portrait.

Hopefully this begins to answer the question, “what is a headshot.” Remember, headshots are cropped different than a portrait, must serve a specific business purpose, and often times requires a little set up. If you are looking to update your headshots, I would love to connect with you. The best way to reach me is through the contact form on my website or with a quick email ([email protected]). Thanks!