professional headshot vs portrait
What’s the Difference?
The Face of Professional Success
In the world of professional photography
the terms “headshot” and “portrait”
headshots
are often used interchangeably – but they serve very different purposes and carry unique stylistic differences. A professional headshot is typically a tightly cropped image of your face and shoulders, designed for business or personal branding. These are commonly used for LinkedIn profiles, corporate websites, and speaking engagements. They’re clean, focused, and intentionally simple to keep the attention on your expression and professional presence.
portraits
Portraits, on the other hand, allow for more creative freedom and storytelling. While a headshot is all about presenting a polished version of yourself, a portrait can showcase your personality, mood, profession, or even hobbies. Portraits might include wider framing, different backgrounds, and full-body shots, and a more artistic or editorial style. They’re often chosen for marketing materials, websites, author bios, and personal branding when a sense of individuality is key.
Despite their differences, headshots and portraits do share common ground – they both aim to capture your essence in a way that feels natural, confident, and true to you. Lighting, composition, and styling are important in both, and a professional photographer like Liane Morgan brings experience in using subtle details to highlight your best self, whether you’re in a suit or something more expressive and casual.
So, which one should you choose?
That depends on your goals. If you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, applying for a job, or need a clean and professional image for business use, a headshot is the way to go. If you’re looking to tell a story, develop a personal brand, or express your identity more fully, a portrait session may be more appropriate. Sometimes, a combined session that includes both can offer the best of both worlds – especially for entrepreneurs, creatives, or anyone in a client-facing profession.
Ready to update your image?
Contact Liane Morgan of LR Morgan Photography in Charlotte, NC to book your personalized session. Whether you’re looking for a sharp headshot or a stunning portrait, she’ll guide you through the process to make sure your photos reflect the best version of you.
