What is headshot photography – tips for different types of headshots
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Loading... - Jeremy MOORE
- 02 Sep 2022
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In our very connected online world a good headshot is as essential as business cards used to be. So professional headshots are now very important and therefore a good source of income for professional photographers. No wonder it’s become a very popular genre of portrait photography. But before you can offer clients headshot photos for personal or professional use, you need to know the finer details of what is headshot photography?
Here we look at the difference between headshots and portraits and the big variety of types of headshots that professional photographers offer for marketing purposes.
What is a headshot photo?
The main function of a headshot photo is to introduce you to potential clients or casting agents. Or anyone new that you’re hoping to attract. Which is why they’re not just for business.
Headshots have also become increasingly more popular for dating sites, because the viewer will feel more connected to the subject than they would with, for example, a full body portrait.
In fact, headshots are used in all aspects of life now. Probably more than you think. I’ve gone into more detail on this further down as there are different types and ways of capturing headshots for different uses.
In a nutshell, a headshot photo is a close up, personal introduction that allows the viewer to look into your eyes and meet you virtually. A good, professional headshot will convey a sense of who you are.
Is a headshot just your head?
No. While the point of a headshot photo is that it’s a close up of your face, you need more than just a head in a photo.
From a composition point of view, people look odd with just a head in shot or even just a head and neck. You need shoulders in shot as well. Headshot photos are generally from the chest up and, at the very least, from the shoulders up.
Some headshot photoshoots include three quarter length and even full body photos as well as headshots, but a true headshot is a head and shoulders shot.
What should a headshot include?
While a headshot includes head and shoulders, hands, held up near the face, also often appear in headshot photos. For this reason I always advise my headshot clients to ensure that their nails are neat and tidy ahead of the photoshoot, even for headshots.
Because shoulders are included in headshots, the top worn by the subject is also important. It should be a solid color, without logos or printing. Our eyes are drawn to writing, so this would distract from the subject. Read More…
