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
“Worry-Sadness-Gratitude-Hope” Completes my #Rainbow Trilogy and sums up where I am. Worry, as many are, about forging ahead. Sadness, for those we have lost in death. Gratitude, for all those who have worked to keep us safe and sane. And Hope, for what the future holds. #chasetherainbow #healthcare #headshotcrew #gratitude #hope
May 28
“Worry-Sadness-Gratitude-Hope” Completes my #Rainbow Trilogy and sums up where I am. Worry, as many are, about forging ahead. Sadness, for those we have lost in death. Gratitude, for all those who have worked to keep us safe and sane. And Hope, for what the future holds. #chasetherainbow #healthcare #headshotcrew #gratitude #hope
The waterfall of hope springs eternal. Thanks to you all, once again, who are putting your life on the line every day, to help our families and friends. #gratitude #chasetherainbow #rainbow #healthcareheros #rainbowsofhope @yumi #godoxhomestudio #godoxad200 @godox_photo_equipment #pghcreative
May 7
The waterfall of hope springs eternal. Thanks to you all, once again, who are putting your life on the line every day, to help our families and friends. #gratitude #chasetherainbow #rainbow #healthcareheros #rainbowsofhope @yumi #godoxhomestudio #godoxad200 @godox_photo_equipment #pghcreative
I’d rather be in the action ... but I’m not an editorial photographer. So my next series-of-3 is inspired by the healthcare workers and other essential workers who have been assuming risk while I am #stayathome BTS “home studio” photo included. #gratitude #chasetherainbow #rainbow #healthcareheros #rainbowsofhope @yumi #godoxhomestudio #godoxad200 @godox_photo_equipment
May 1
I’d rather be in the action ... but I’m not an editorial photographer. So my next series-of-3 is inspired by the healthcare workers and other essential workers who have been assuming risk while I am #stayathome BTS “home studio” photo included. #gratitude #chasetherainbow #rainbow #healthcareheros #rainbowsofhope @yumi #godoxhomestudio #godoxad200 @godox_photo_equipment
Serenity. #6 Not ready to go back to work yet (although I’m still not sure when that will happen anyway) - I like playing! Although money would be nice. Enjoyed doing this project with @dan_jenworleyphotography #blackandwhite #pittsburghphotographer #peterhapak #stayhome
Apr 30
Serenity. #6 Not ready to go back to work yet (although I’m still not sure when that will happen anyway) - I like playing! Although money would be nice. Enjoyed doing this project with @dan_jenworleyphotography #blackandwhite #pittsburghphotographer #peterhapak #stayhome
“Not too sure about that.” #5, on to the right side (of the face). @dan_jenworleyphotography #blackandwhite #headshotcrew #pittsburghpa
Apr 29
“Not too sure about that.” #5, on to the right side (of the face). @dan_jenworleyphotography #blackandwhite #headshotcrew #pittsburghpa
“Uh, Really.” #4 Dishes never really end now, do they? Will these #shibainu puppies stop shedding and eating my furniture? #blackandwhitephotography #peterhapak #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots
Apr 28
“Uh, Really.” #4 Dishes never really end now, do they? Will these #shibainu puppies stop shedding and eating my furniture? #blackandwhitephotography #peterhapak #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots
“I hear ya.” The 3rd in our Series of 6. @dan_jenworleyphotography thought he looked like “the new guy” in this? I don’t know the reference. #headshotcrew #pittsburghphotographer #blackandwhite
Apr 27
“I hear ya.” The 3rd in our Series of 6. @dan_jenworleyphotography thought he looked like “the new guy” in this? I don’t know the reference. #headshotcrew #pittsburghphotographer #blackandwhite
Me “as is.” My first self-portrait (well, a combo effort with @dan_jenworleyphotography) during quarantine. #peterhapak #headshotcrew #pghcreative #pittsburghphotography
Apr 25
Me “as is.” My first self-portrait (well, a combo effort with @dan_jenworleyphotography) during quarantine. #peterhapak #headshotcrew #pghcreative #pittsburghphotography
Close your eyes and it will all be over soon. This series is part of a portrait probe by @headshotcrew studying the work of @peterhapak this month. I was instantly drawn to Peter’s photos of Alan Cumming and chose them for my inspiration. Thanks @dan_jenworleyphotography for being patient with my stern direction. #blackandwhitephotography #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots
Apr 24
Close your eyes and it will all be over soon. This series is part of a portrait probe by @headshotcrew studying the work of @peterhapak this month. I was instantly drawn to Peter’s photos of Alan Cumming and chose them for my inspiration. Thanks @dan_jenworleyphotography for being patient with my stern direction. #blackandwhitephotography #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots
Remembering one of my most spectacular trips. #earthday #nepal
Apr 23
Remembering one of my most spectacular trips. #earthday #nepal
Embrace the Stay-at-home Corona craziness! We are finding contentment with our current circumstances, while our thoughts are with families who are enduring sickness. #aslongasittakes #stayhome #workingfromhome #socialdistancing #socialdistancing2020 #socialdistance #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghartist #pittsburghbusiness #pittsburghpa @pittsburghpg @cbspittsburgh photo by @dan_jenworleyphotography
Apr 22
Embrace the Stay-at-home Corona craziness! We are finding contentment with our current circumstances, while our thoughts are with families who are enduring sickness. #aslongasittakes #stayhome #workingfromhome #socialdistancing #socialdistancing2020 #socialdistance #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghartist #pittsburghbusiness #pittsburghpa @pittsburghpg @cbspittsburgh photo by @dan_jenworleyphotography
And this has been my “office” for the past 1.5 months. With my own whiteboard list. If my actual studio had this many windows I’d be so happy - I love light! #pittsburghphotographer #workfromhome #homeoffice
Apr 22
And this has been my “office” for the past 1.5 months. With my own whiteboard list. If my actual studio had this many windows I’d be so happy - I love light! #pittsburghphotographer #workfromhome #homeoffice
Dan’s office and To Do List during our Stay at Home. Finally got him to make lists. Yeay!!! #workfromhome #stayhome #pittsburghphotography
Apr 21
Dan’s office and To Do List during our Stay at Home. Finally got him to make lists. Yeay!!! #workfromhome #stayhome #pittsburghphotography
My #shibainu puppies chillin outside on National Pet Day. @visitpittsburgh #nationalpetday
Apr 12
My #shibainu puppies chillin outside on National Pet Day. @visitpittsburgh #nationalpetday
#shibainu chilling out on this rainy morning. #pittsburghpuppies #rainydays
Apr 7
#shibainu chilling out on this rainy morning. #pittsburghpuppies #rainydays
Sorry you’ll have to put up with their wierd #shibascream and sisterly biting in this video. But I am so glad we made the decision in early December to welcome this litter into our life. They have been such great companions and sources of joy through this isolation period. #pittsburghdogs #shibainupuppy
Apr 4
Sorry you’ll have to put up with their wierd #shibascream and sisterly biting in this video. But I am so glad we made the decision in early December to welcome this litter into our life. They have been such great companions and sources of joy through this isolation period. #pittsburghdogs #shibainupuppy
Fun times. See the whole story in my stories. #pittsburgh Oh- my tin foil hat didn’t fit very well, so I didn’t end up wearing it inside.
Apr 2
Fun times. See the whole story in my stories. #pittsburgh Oh- my tin foil hat didn’t fit very well, so I didn’t end up wearing it inside.
We finally addressed this on our website. Yes, we won’t be taking appointments at least until April 30th. Maybe not until May 30th. Until June 30th??? Hope not that long. #stayhome #stayhealthy #staysafe #stayathome
Apr 1
We finally addressed this on our website. Yes, we won’t be taking appointments at least until April 30th. Maybe not until May 30th. Until June 30th??? Hope not that long. #stayhome #stayhealthy #staysafe #stayathome
I need a Wonder Woman kind of day. (Disclaimer: not #wonderwoman but definitely reminds me!) Here’s to having a powerful day despite gloomy weather here in #Pittsburgh
Mar 30
I need a Wonder Woman kind of day. (Disclaimer: not #wonderwoman but definitely reminds me!) Here’s to having a powerful day despite gloomy weather here in #Pittsburgh
Funny how this word can actually be a very positive thing. My husband’s chronic bronchitis has been unusually long (5+ weeks!) and more severe than it has ever been before. Two rounds of antibiotics haven’t helped. And the doctor refused to prescribe a test for the Coronavirus, which gave us additional hopelessness and anxiety. A kind man at the Aliquippa outreach clinic had pity on us, and he was able to get tested yesterday. Although we don’t have an answer on why Dan is having respiratory problems, this is a huge relief knowing that COVID-19, at least for now, is not the problem. #hope Our thoughts and prayers are for all those currently suffering through this disease.
Mar 26
Funny how this word can actually be a very positive thing. My husband’s chronic bronchitis has been unusually long (5+ weeks!) and more severe than it has ever been before. Two rounds of antibiotics haven’t helped. And the doctor refused to prescribe a test for the Coronavirus, which gave us additional hopelessness and anxiety. A kind man at the Aliquippa outreach clinic had pity on us, and he was able to get tested yesterday. Although we don’t have an answer on why Dan is having respiratory problems, this is a huge relief knowing that COVID-19, at least for now, is not the problem. #hope Our thoughts and prayers are for all those currently suffering through this disease.
The sun will come out tomorrow. I hope so - although rainy weather can be cozy when stuck at home. #headshotcrew #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Mar 20
The sun will come out tomorrow. I hope so - although rainy weather can be cozy when stuck at home. #headshotcrew #pittsburghphotographer #headshots
Day 3 of Isolation. Our #shibainu puppies had their spay surgeries yesterday. One good thing about #nowork for at least two weeks is that I can take care of them. #nonessentialbusiness
Mar 18
Day 3 of Isolation. Our #shibainu puppies had their spay surgeries yesterday. One good thing about #nowork for at least two weeks is that I can take care of them. #nonessentialbusiness
With Allegheny County officials calling on all nonessential businesses to close until March 29th, I feel it would be socially irresponsible (and unloving) for me to keep my appointments during this time. It's humbling to have to acknowledge your business as "unessential", and I know I am not the only small business who will be severely affected by COVID-19 across the world.But I know that we can do what is necessary to get through the next few months. In the meantime, I'll be home with my husband and puppies, finishing up my post-production work for my last clients, and working on business "maintenance" stuff that we are usually too busy to do. And we'll be making time to stay close to, and encourage, our family and friends through FaceTime and Zoom.May you and your family find things to keep you positive during this unique time. #pittsburghphotographer #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots #headshotphotographer
Mar 16
With Allegheny County officials calling on all nonessential businesses to close until March 29th, I feel it would be socially irresponsible (and unloving) for me to keep my appointments during this time. It's humbling to have to acknowledge your business as "unessential", and I know I am not the only small business who will be severely affected by COVID-19 across the world. But I know that we can do what is necessary to get through the next few months. In the meantime, I'll be home with my husband and puppies, finishing up my post-production work for my last clients, and working on business "maintenance" stuff that we are usually too busy to do. And we'll be making time to stay close to, and encourage, our family and friends through FaceTime and Zoom. May you and your family find things to keep you positive during this unique time. #pittsburghphotographer #headshotcrew #pittsburghheadshots #headshotphotographer
A peaceful day. #shibainupuppy