What Is a headshot?

A headshot is a portrait that primarily focuses on a person’s, face, head, and shoulders. Typically the person is camera aware, meaning they make direct eye contact with the camera. Headshots are typically used for professional or personal purposes and serve to capture an individual’s facial features, expressions, and personality.

What a headshot is not ...

During a headshot session, I realized that the client expected full-body portraits, even though they had explicitly booked a headshot session. My bad for assuming everyone knows what a headshot is, in the future, I will be sure to educate clients before they complete their booking. Here is an example that illustrates what a headshot is and what it is not.

Image A is a half-body portrait. Image B is a headshot as only the subject's face and shoulders are featured.

Let's consider Image A above. This portrait is what we call a half-body shot, encompassing the subject's arms and hands while starting roughly around the waist. It's an excellent choice when you want to showcase more than just your facial expression. In this example, we see a makeup artist, with some of her tools integrated into the composition.

Conversely, Image B epitomizes the classic definition of a headshot. In this composition, only the subject's shoulders and head are visible, and their direct eye contact with the camera creates a strong and immediate connection with anyone who views the photograph.

What to look for in a headshot?

Key characteristics of a good headshot include clarity, sharp focus on the subject's face, good lighting, and an authentic representation of the individual's personality. Headshots should capture the subject's natural expressions and represent them in a flattering, professional, and engaging way.

The style of a headshot can vary, from formal and traditional to more creative and artistic, depending on the purpose and the preferences of the subject. A skilled photographer can work with their client to ensure that the headshot aligns with the desired message and branding goals.

Image A demonstrates a traditional type of headshot. Image B on the other hand leans more to the creative side.

Conclusion

In the world of photography, it's essential to know that not all portraits are created equal. A headshot is a specific type of portrait, distinct from full-body or half-body portraits. My recent experience with a client taught me the importance of clarifying these distinctions upfront.

A great headshot captures your essence, showcases your professionalism, and leaves a lasting impression. Its a powerful tool for your personal or professional brand. A photographers, we're here to guide you through the process and create images that resonate with your goals and vision.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to demystify the world of headshots. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. Together we can make your images stand out.

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Headshots by Oren Thomas Photography - All images taken onsite at the client's location.

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Oren Thomas is an Event & Portrait photographer based in the island of Jamaica. To get in touch send an email to info@orenthomas.com or call +1-876-835-3697.