WHAT IS A HEADSHOT PHOTO?
A headshot is a tightly cropped portrait that focuses on your face, traditionally taken from the shoulders upward
The terms professional headshot and portrait are often used interchangeably. While these types of photos do have some overlap, there are differences.
In simplest terms, a professional headshot is a type of portrait. A headshot is a tightly cropped portrait that focuses on your face, traditionally taken from the shoulders upward. The subject is camera aware — typically looking right in the lens.
A headshot is a professionally photographed portrait of a person’s face. The photograph’s quality is crucial as headshots are utilized for professional and business objectives. Therefore, headshots should be sharply focused, well-lighted, and include only one person, usually from the shoulders up.
In today’s socially connected world, a modern headshot comes in handy for anyone looking to market themselves professionally (or personally — don’t forget about online dating profiles).
If you don’t have a professional image of yourself (or the staff in your organization), then I always recommend starting with a headshot.
A portrait is a much broader term — essentially any image where the subject is aware she’s being photographed (even if she’s not looking at the camera). Depending on the specifics, you might be able to use a portrait where a headshot really makes the most sense. But because there are few rules when it comes to portraits, working in the context of a headshot is much simpler as you discuss possibilities with your photographer.
Headshots are the key to breaking in as a professional actor. It’s just a fact. It doesn’t matter how brilliantly talented you are: without the right headshot, the chances of anyone taking the time to discover that brilliance plummet. Headshots for actors are like business cards for busy corporate climbers or stunning Instagram grids for aspiring influencers. An actor’s headshot is their professional calling card—and the best ones do more than just catch a casting director’s attention in the moment. A great headshot is also memorable enough to pop back into the CD’s mind the next time a role suited for your type crosses their desk.
Years ago, headshots were reserved for actors and models. For talent, these images are in some ways more important than a resume. A casting director can scour through hundreds of photos in search of the perfect face for the role at hand.
The idiom “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is pleasing but not entirely believable in the real world.
The reality is that we all are judged by the way we look. Especially when it comes to professional situations such as job interviews, networking and making connections. We have a short amount of time to make a good first impression. That’s why it’s tremendously important to always appear professional, both in-person and online.
Therefore, instead of using a selfie-stick to take your next LinkedIn photo, consider a professional headshot instead.