Portrait vs Headshot
We realize we’ve been throwing around the words Headshot and Portrait a lot recently, without defining either of them. While some people believe the names to be interchangeable, they are actually two very different forms of photography. Today we’ll give you a quick overview of some of the distinctions.
Photo Composition
As we talk about photo composition, we are talking about how we place the subjects of the photo. Basically, how all of the visual elements are coming together.
Headshots are close-ups on one subject. These photos tend to show one’s head and shoulders, along with a white, or neutral, background and not much more. Usually shot in either a studio or onsite (ie. a business office), the purpose of the neutral background is to avoid any distraction in order make the subject stand out with an air of professionalism and confidence.
Portraits on the other hand are usually further back, showing ¾ or full body images. The background tends to be more colorful and add to the story the photo is telling rather than just provide a neutral background. Portraits contain one subject, or many, such as a family portrait. They can be a little more complex to arrange, but as a Pittsburgh portrait photographer I am trained and have been doing them for years. I will help you create the perfect photo to tell your story.
Facial Expressions
Facial expressions show different emotions, adding different tones, based on the goals of the photo.
In headshots, you want the subject to look approachable yet confident. Our headshot photographers will help you find the facial expression that works for you in order to achieve this look.
When it comes to portraits, your facial expression might really be anything. Your goal would be to match the story you are telling with the photo.
Photo Purpose
The goals of the two photos are the biggest distinction. Here is where you will determine which type of photo is right for you.
Headshots are created and used mainly for the use of business, to create an image for yourself. Where might you use them? Anywhere you are representing yourself, either as a brand, or your career.
Company Website
Social Media Marketing platforms (Instagram, Facebook, twitter)
Business Cards
Professional profile pictures (Facebook, LinkedIn)
Certain professions, such as i.e. actors, will use them as a part of a resume.
Portraits are more so used as a storytelling method. They tend to get used in more creative environments, such as magazines. Portraits get used more frequently on a personal level as well. You might have them hanging in your house, or in a family album in your living room.
Jen Barker Worley Photography
555 Grant Street, Suite 337 Offices at the William Penn Pittsburgh, PA 15219
https://jenworley.com
412-370-4520
Subba. Taken with new 13Pro on Portrait, then edited in Lightroom Mobile. #shibainu
Jun 18
Subba. Taken with new 13Pro on Portrait, then edited in Lightroom Mobile. #shibainu
In the line for the tour, the guide asked a little white girl what she knew about George Washington. She said: “He had slaves.” The enslaved people of Mt Vernon was one if my biggest takeaways from the visit. This was George Washington home, farm, and yes, plantation.The home was by no means the grand mansion that we would expect a man of Washington’s stature to have today. But the grounds were expansive. He had 5 large farms, tons of acreage of forests, a harbor on the Potomac, and beautiful personal gardens. In 1799 when he died, there were 5 family members who lived on the state. About a dozen white servants.But over 300 black enslaved workers. Some families were split up to work on the different farms, and so didn’t regularly see their spouse or children. When they died, there was no marker to signify where they had been buried; by contrast, at the end of his life Washington commissioned a new tomb & grave site be made for his family, with a big brick mausoleum complete with the obelisks typical to the period. Not even the smallest of stones for the enslaved people.#mtvernon #georgewashington
May 19
In the line for the tour, the guide asked a little white girl what she knew about George Washington. She said: “He had slaves.” The enslaved people of Mt Vernon was one if my biggest takeaways from the visit. This was George Washington home, farm, and yes, plantation. The home was by no means the grand mansion that we would expect a man of Washington’s stature to have today. But the grounds were expansive. He had 5 large farms, tons of acreage of forests, a harbor on the Potomac, and beautiful personal gardens. In 1799 when he died, there were 5 family members who lived on the state. About a dozen white servants. But over 300 black enslaved workers. Some families were split up to work on the different farms, and so didn’t regularly see their spouse or children. When they died, there was no marker to signify where they had been buried; by contrast, at the end of his life Washington commissioned a new tomb & grave site be made for his family, with a big brick mausoleum complete with the obelisks typical to the period. Not even the smallest of stones for the enslaved people. #mtvernon #georgewashington
Along the riverbank of the Susquehanna, hillsides of yellow wildflowers blossomed. Photo @dan_jenworleyphotography
Apr 23
Along the riverbank of the Susquehanna, hillsides of yellow wildflowers blossomed. Photo @dan_jenworleyphotography
Just playing around after our job. Dan and dogs brunch at @corkandforkpa (Great pistachio arugula pizza!)First time for me in Harrisburg. Impressed. Guess I wasn’t expecting much, as Erie PA is bigger, so I’m told.But love it! Reminds me a bit of a quiet and more spacious Old-City-Philly. With a small-time feel.The PA Captial building is amazingly beautiful, and in great shape! I had the privilege of being in the Superior Court rooms, and the artwork from 1920 (by Violet Oakley) was amazing. Not sure if I can post those though.Glad I extended my work trip by a tiny bit to see more of this city. Worth a trip. And stay at @hiltonhbg.
Apr 21
Just playing around after our job. Dan and dogs brunch at @corkandforkpa (Great pistachio arugula pizza!) First time for me in Harrisburg. Impressed. Guess I wasn’t expecting much, as Erie PA is bigger, so I’m told. But love it! Reminds me a bit of a quiet and more spacious Old-City-Philly. With a small-time feel. The PA Captial building is amazingly beautiful, and in great shape! I had the privilege of being in the Superior Court rooms, and the artwork from 1920 (by Violet Oakley) was amazing. Not sure if I can post those though. Glad I extended my work trip by a tiny bit to see more of this city. Worth a trip. And stay at @hiltonhbg.
I love doing #teamphotos. My goal is to make sure that each person shines in the group, and that no one gets lost in the photo. You know what I mean - the person back in the third row that looks really tiny, trying to stick their chin up so you can see their head. 🤣And I love working with #financialadvisors and helping each different team produce a photo that highlights their uniqueness.Fun fact: this building I shot at was featured in the movie “Love and Other Drugs”, and the team shared with me some stories from filming day.
Apr 1
I love doing #teamphotos. My goal is to make sure that each person shines in the group, and that no one gets lost in the photo. You know what I mean - the person back in the third row that looks really tiny, trying to stick their chin up so you can see their head. 🤣 And I love working with #financialadvisors and helping each different team produce a photo that highlights their uniqueness. Fun fact: this building I shot at was featured in the movie “Love and Other Drugs”, and the team shared with me some stories from filming day.
Had the amazingly talented @amy_madalinsky in studio last week! Looking forward to seeing where her career takes her! #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghnews
Feb 16
Had the amazingly talented @amy_madalinsky in studio last week! Looking forward to seeing where her career takes her! #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghnews
Back in December, I was hired to bring my skills for an event promoting Women Leading Women , a non-profit whose goal is to empower women through female-led conversations exploring career, family, and well being.I had 22 amazing women in front of my lens, with the goal of capturing their confidence and beauty.As a female photographer, I know the struggle women in business face in trying to do it all, while not letting go of their standards. Of standing their ground and not shying away from confrontation when needed. And supporting our community, as we are owed the same respect as our male colleagues. My hope is to continue these missions in my role as President of the Pittsburgh chapter of ASMP: The American Society of Media Photographers
Jan 26
Back in December, I was hired to bring my skills for an event promoting Women Leading Women , a non-profit whose goal is to empower women through female-led conversations exploring career, family, and well being. I had 22 amazing women in front of my lens, with the goal of capturing their confidence and beauty. As a female photographer, I know the struggle women in business face in trying to do it all, while not letting go of their standards. Of standing their ground and not shying away from confrontation when needed. And supporting our community, as we are owed the same respect as our male colleagues. My hope is to continue these missions in my role as President of the Pittsburgh chapter of ASMP: The American Society of Media Photographers
Epic photo shoot time! This is what happens when you have an over-zealous new president. Ahem. The new Pittsburgh board of the American Society of Media Photographers is up for the challenge of supporting professional photographers/video/creatives in their hometown, and what a better way to show that than to collaborate as a team for this shoot. @asmp_pghEveryone had a part in making this shoot happen, and crafting it as we went. I am so excited to be working with @elanmizrahi our VP; @wdophoto our Secretary, @jwramp our Treasurer, @adrieshoots , @dprephoto .If this kinda looks familiar to you, then you are probably a @nbcbrooklyn99 fan. @aspictures awesome work on the show’s last promo photo was our inspiration. I loved this piece from the first time I saw it, and been dreaming a way of recreating it using our hometown @visitpittsburgh . “Sincerest form of flattery.”I was so giddily excited about it (think Jake) and determined to get it done (think Amy), that I was unyielding in my decision to finish it that night (Captain Holt.). Ok, I’m a total dork who geeked out about this for hours, with the help of @dan_jenworleyphotography , to finish the creation that evening.Other credits: to @asmpnational, who as a 75-year old organization is embracing change and promoting inclusivity. I don’t believe the Pittsburgh Board has ever had a women President before. (But correct me if I’m wrong.)Looking forward to what’s ahead. #pittsburghphotographer
Jan 18
Epic photo shoot time! This is what happens when you have an over-zealous new president. Ahem. The new Pittsburgh board of the American Society of Media Photographers is up for the challenge of supporting professional photographers/video/creatives in their hometown, and what a better way to show that than to collaborate as a team for this shoot. @asmp_pgh Everyone had a part in making this shoot happen, and crafting it as we went. I am so excited to be working with @elanmizrahi our VP; @wdophoto our Secretary, @jwramp our Treasurer, @adrieshoots , @dprephoto . If this kinda looks familiar to you, then you are probably a @nbcbrooklyn99 fan. @aspictures awesome work on the show’s last promo photo was our inspiration. I loved this piece from the first time I saw it, and been dreaming a way of recreating it using our hometown @visitpittsburgh . “Sincerest form of flattery.” I was so giddily excited about it (think Jake) and determined to get it done (think Amy), that I was unyielding in my decision to finish it that night (Captain Holt.). Ok, I’m a total dork who geeked out about this for hours, with the help of @dan_jenworleyphotography , to finish the creation that evening. Other credits: to @asmpnational, who as a 75-year old organization is embracing change and promoting inclusivity. I don’t believe the Pittsburgh Board has ever had a women President before. (But correct me if I’m wrong.) Looking forward to what’s ahead. #pittsburghphotographer
Maybe you got their card in the mail? Always a challenge getting a big group together and making sure everyone "shines." Thanks to @omniwilliampennhotel for being flexible to allow CooksonPeirce and I to utilize the lobby.
Dec 24
Maybe you got their card in the mail? Always a challenge getting a big group together and making sure everyone "shines." Thanks to @omniwilliampennhotel for being flexible to allow CooksonPeirce and I to utilize the lobby.
Eliza. #pittsburghwomen #pittsburghprofessional
Karissa. #pittsburghprofessionals #headshotphotographer
Dec 19
Karissa. #pittsburghprofessionals #headshotphotographer
Marlana. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
Dec 15
Marlana. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
Susan. #pittsburghwomen #photographer
Tionna. This is the last week of fall, and she's wearing one of the best fall colors. I think. #pittsburghpeople
Dec 13
Tionna. This is the last week of fall, and she's wearing one of the best fall colors. I think. #pittsburghpeople
Fun at work! #pittsburghcreative #pittsburghbaker
Sam. #pittsburghlegal #headshotphoto
Caryn. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghheadshots
Dec 8
Caryn. #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghheadshots
Carly. #pittsburghlegal #pittsburghphotographer
Linda. #pittsburghprofessional #powerfulbeautiful
Fun headshots to brighten your Friday. Gardening season is right around the corner! (If you consider “the corner” four months from now. 😆) Beautiful subject and great hobby! #pittsburghphotographer
Dec 3
Fun headshots to brighten your Friday. Gardening season is right around the corner! (If you consider “the corner” four months from now. 😆) Beautiful subject and great hobby! #pittsburghphotographer
14 years and 2 dogs later. Partner and business partner. Love and friend. #happyanniversary
Dec 1
14 years and 2 dogs later. Partner and business partner. Love and friend. #happyanniversary
Kim. #pittsburghpowerfulwomen #pittsburghphotographer
Nov 30
Kim. #pittsburghpowerfulwomen #pittsburghphotographer
Shades of black&white and color. @laurenlevenson #pittsburghlawyer
Nov 23
Shades of black&white and color. @laurenlevenson #pittsburghlawyer
Gia. I would love to see this concept on a company’s web bio page. From cool smile to smilie, on everyone. #pittsburghphotographer
Nov 19
Gia. I would love to see this concept on a company’s web bio page. From cool smile to smilie, on everyone. #pittsburghphotographer