What is the difference between portrait and headshot photography?
Portrait Photography tends to be a much more intimate experience, between the photographer and the person, where an experienced photographer will capture the person’s essence and personality in their best angle and light. Generally, there are no set rules laid down for portrait photography, as the person may be sitting or standing, full length, or cropped tightly.
Portrait Photography is also known to have great emphasis on the background, whether it be using props or furniture. Headshot photography is usually performed in a studio setting whereas portrait photography could be done as an interior or exterior shot. Portrait Photography is more creative than headshot photography as you can experiment with different hairstyles, make-up and wardrobe changes.
Headshot and Portrait Photography
Over the years I have done literally thousands of headshots and portraits, both for companies and Individuals, for personal use, whether it be printed onto canvas, framed and hung on the wall, or used for online purposes, for example, profile pictures on social media sites, such as Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, etc. or even as gifts for friends and family.
Since Covid, I have noticed that there has been a huge increase in the number of companies contacting me, I think this is probably due to the large number of staff that were working from home, instead of being in the office, they could be put on the company’s website so that their prospective and current customers can put a face to the name, or even so the management could remember what their staff looked like.
What backgrounds work best for portrait photographs and headshot photography?
Ideal Headshot photography background
For headshot photography, ninety per cent of the headshots are photographed on a white background, as headshots are usually used on a company website. Headshot photography needs to be kept consistent with all the other images and the design and feel of the website; such as the backgrounds and whether the images are going to be in colour or black and white. Black and white headshot photography is ideal, as it blends well with the other images, such as the fact someone is wearing a dayglow pink tie or a bright multicoloured dress. Black and white headshot photography can have a slight tint to them, for example, a cool blue, or something that compliments your Company’s corporate colours.
At times, headshot photography could have a blurred office background, or any blurred background for that matter.
Ideal portrait photography background
For portrait photography, I have always been a massive fan of black-and-white images, as I believe it can show the true character of the person being photographed, and the image can be manipulated to give different effects, for example, harsh and grainy, or dark and contrast, which is not as easy to achieve with colour photography as the colour can over-saturate when you start editing the image with the contras
For portrait photography, the background can literally be anything, whether it be a studio backdrop, which doesn’t have to be plain and could have some interesting lighting on it. With portrait photography. I tend to light the background separately from the person. I am always happy to suggest whether the portrait be taken as an interior or exterior shot. Personally, I would always try to keep the background quite soft, unless
there is a reason for it being in sharp focus.
How do I prepare myself for headshot or portrait photography?
Headshot Photography
It is always convenient if everyone is there on time. Be relaxed and happy. Wear your favourite hairstyle, and keep make-up and accessories to the bare minimum. The images will be professionally retouched.
Portrait Photography
Portrait photography has many uses, personal, for our partner or family, where you would probably do your own hair, make-up and styling. Discussing your shoot in advance would prepare me for what equipment to bring.
Those of you who need portrait photography for professional use, such as your website, blog or social media, may opt to have a professional hair and make-up artist. You may even consider a specific location. I am happy to discuss your project with you and even offer one of my preferred business contacts.
Planning your look in advance and being ready on the day of the shot would allow more time for variety.
How long do portrait and headshot photography take?
Headshot Photography
For headshot photography, it normally takes about 5 minutes to photograph each person. The whole session is usually a quick process, as generally there could be 20-30 or more people to shoot. I pride myself on being a patient, relaxed and charismatic person, which really helps with those people who feel nervous about having their photo taken. Luckily, most people are usually pleasantly surprised by the result when they see their image on the back of the camera.
Portrait Photography
If it’s a proper portrait photo session with just one person, It could run into one or two hours, and there would usually be a couple of background changes, and maybe two or three changes of outfits, it just really depends on what you want, maybe you want to do some shots in the studio and some on location.
