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
Kenneth. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghactors #pittsburghmodels
Jan 14

Kenneth. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghactors #pittsburghmodels
Jake. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Jan 12

Jake. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Emade. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghactors #pittsburghmodels
Jan 11

Emade. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghactors #pittsburghmodels
Mariah. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghactors #pittsburghmodels
Jan 6

Mariah. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghactors #pittsburghmodels
Elizabeth. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburgh
Jan 5

Elizabeth. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburgh
Nadia. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburgh
Jan 4

Nadia. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #corporatephotography #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburgh
What I’m looking forward to this year: -Being a gregarious hermit... which I truly think is my natural default. -Setting new business goals, including BHAGs (Big Harry Audacious Goals) despite everything. -Striving to stay healthy and happy, both spiritually and physically. -New projects, of course!!! Both professionally and personally.postproduction @dan_jenworleyphotography#pittsburgh #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Jan 2

What I’m looking forward to this year: -Being a gregarious hermit... which I truly think is my natural default. -Setting new business goals, including BHAGs (Big Harry Audacious Goals) despite everything. -Striving to stay healthy and happy, both spiritually and physically. -New projects, of course!!! Both professionally and personally. postproduction @dan_jenworleyphotography #pittsburgh #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Dan. October Pittsburgh post-shoot evening.postproduction @dan_jenworleyphotography#pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Jan 1

Dan. October Pittsburgh post-shoot evening. postproduction @dan_jenworleyphotography #pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Think I may be giving 2020 the side-eye here? From after a shoot back in October, where afterwards as the sun was going down, Dan and I decided to take some city portraits, cause why not?postproduction @dan_jenworleyphotography#pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Dec 31

Think I may be giving 2020 the side-eye here? From after a shoot back in October, where afterwards as the sun was going down, Dan and I decided to take some city portraits, cause why not? postproduction @dan_jenworleyphotography #pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Michael. 3 of 3.#pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Dec 30

Michael. 3 of 3. #pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Michael. 2 of 3.#pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Dec 29

Michael. 2 of 3. #pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Michael. 1 of 3.#pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Dec 28

Michael. 1 of 3. #pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #LovePGH #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Rebecca.#pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Dec 23

Rebecca. #pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Natalie.#pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Dec 21

Natalie. #pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Sara.#pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Dec 18

Sara. #pittsburgh #pa #alleghenycounty #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #bhphoto #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #coolpittsburghers #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Les.#pittsburgh #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Dec 16

Les. #pittsburgh #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Charlie.#pittsburgh #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Dec 14

Charlie. #pittsburgh #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Nevin.#pittsburgh #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Dec 8

Nevin. #pittsburgh #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #pittsburghprofessional
Anniversary day, #13 I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day.13 years ago my friends’ mom shared this insight: every year of your marriage will be different. I was fascinated by that thought, because I maybe assumed that once you commit to each other, it should be the same for eternity, right?But life isn’t stagnant. We change. So our marriage changes too. And we make the decision, probably mostly unconsciously, to either grow together or drift apart.Choosing to commit to my partner and friend 13 years ago was one of my best life decisions. And I am grateful I am part of a spiritual community that gives us the encouragement and tools to keep working on a strong bond.Love you, my love.#pittsburgh #marriage #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #anniversaryphoto #anniversary
Dec 1

Anniversary day, #13 I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day. 13 years ago my friends’ mom shared this insight: every year of your marriage will be different. I was fascinated by that thought, because I maybe assumed that once you commit to each other, it should be the same for eternity, right? But life isn’t stagnant. We change. So our marriage changes too. And we make the decision, probably mostly unconsciously, to either grow together or drift apart. Choosing to commit to my partner and friend 13 years ago was one of my best life decisions. And I am grateful I am part of a spiritual community that gives us the encouragement and tools to keep working on a strong bond. Love you, my love. #pittsburgh #marriage #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #anniversaryphoto #anniversary
Throw back to last year, of another great financial team that wanted to project an vibrant and modern image.How do you do that? Clothes and background. Ditch the black jackets, pivot from the banky-wood-boardroom background.Shot at the modern lobby of US Steel Tower (which is Pittsburgh’s tallest building, if you want to know) , back when they actually had placed for you to sit! Wow, does it look empty now when you drive by on 579 exit ramp. Thanks Covid.#pittsburgh #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #financial #ml #ussteel
Nov 18

Throw back to last year, of another great financial team that wanted to project an vibrant and modern image. How do you do that? Clothes and background. Ditch the black jackets, pivot from the banky-wood-boardroom background. Shot at the modern lobby of US Steel Tower (which is Pittsburgh’s tallest building, if you want to know) , back when they actually had placed for you to sit! Wow, does it look empty now when you drive by on 579 exit ramp. Thanks Covid. #pittsburgh #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #financial #ml #ussteel
Now this you can tell was a shoot from last year. Maybe I shouldn’t post it because seeing this many people close together now makes us nervous! 🤣Shot at the beautiful @uniontrustbuilding , this financial team does a group photo every year to send out to their clients. This year, we had to make alternative plans for their card.#pittsburgh #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #financial #sewickley
Nov 13

Now this you can tell was a shoot from last year. Maybe I shouldn’t post it because seeing this many people close together now makes us nervous! 🤣 Shot at the beautiful @uniontrustbuilding , this financial team does a group photo every year to send out to their clients. This year, we had to make alternative plans for their card. #pittsburgh #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #financial #sewickley
This was a bit of a tricky shoot. (But an absolute pleasure working with this team!)First off: Covid. Everyone in this Financial Group were tested first. Even then, we wouldn’t have done the shoot if it couldn’t be outside.Second: Tiny little kayaking dock, with only one narrow angle to get seven people lined up with the bridge behind them. Barely, and I mean barely, fit between the old rusty dock lights. But this was the spot that needed to be used, so I was determined to make it work!Third: Hazards. Boat tie-downs were pretty serious tripping hazards. Dock moved. Had to set one light on the catwalk, with Dan reaching around a light pole on the other end with another light on a boom. Yes, broke one light because of wind (forgot to weight properly!). And then I’m shooting tethered, on the beach about 20 feet away... all kinds of “river beach” debris, including a spike sticking up from the ground that I marked with beer cans (one again, debris), so the decision maker could walk over and wouldn’t trip, so we could approve and make adjustments to the scene.Would I do this again? Absolutely! But next time I would bring orange spray paint, caution tape, and make sure I actually attached the weight to my light stand! 🤣#pittsburgh #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #financial #sewickley
Nov 11

This was a bit of a tricky shoot. (But an absolute pleasure working with this team!) First off: Covid. Everyone in this Financial Group were tested first. Even then, we wouldn’t have done the shoot if it couldn’t be outside. Second: Tiny little kayaking dock, with only one narrow angle to get seven people lined up with the bridge behind them. Barely, and I mean barely, fit between the old rusty dock lights. But this was the spot that needed to be used, so I was determined to make it work! Third: Hazards. Boat tie-downs were pretty serious tripping hazards. Dock moved. Had to set one light on the catwalk, with Dan reaching around a light pole on the other end with another light on a boom. Yes, broke one light because of wind (forgot to weight properly!). And then I’m shooting tethered, on the beach about 20 feet away... all kinds of “river beach” debris, including a spike sticking up from the ground that I marked with beer cans (one again, debris), so the decision maker could walk over and wouldn’t trip, so we could approve and make adjustments to the scene. Would I do this again? Absolutely! But next time I would bring orange spray paint, caution tape, and make sure I actually attached the weight to my light stand! 🤣 #pittsburgh #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #financial #sewickley
Guys in grey: Vincent.#pittsburgh #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #downtownpittsburgh #actor
Oct 13

Guys in grey: Vincent. #pittsburgh #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #downtownpittsburgh #actor
Last for now on my Women on White series. Pearls match the background, and blazer matches the glasses. Sweet.#pittsburgh #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghwomen
Oct 6

Last for now on my Women on White series. Pearls match the background, and blazer matches the glasses. Sweet. #pittsburgh #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghheadshots #headshots #headshotcrew #canon #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghcreative #412project #steelcity #capturedpgh #Lovepgh #burghsnap #headshotphotographer #pghcreative #downtownpittsburgh #pittsburghwomen