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
What an incredible branding portrait session with Katie, as part as my Ultimate Headshot Session. When she walked in with skis, I was like, “this is going to be awesome.” #pittsburghheadshotphotographer #personalbranding
Mar 20
What an incredible branding portrait session with Katie, as part as my Ultimate Headshot Session. When she walked in with skis, I was like, “this is going to be awesome.” #pittsburghheadshotphotographer #personalbranding
Jill Priscott is the owner of Priscott Legal, LLC, a five attorney team in the Pittsburgh area. They represent investment firms in the negotiation of NDAs, joinders, NRLs, finder’s fee agreements, vendor contracts, engagement letters, and other routine contracts. They are also available for outside general counsel services for small businesses.
Mar 15
Jill Priscott is the owner of Priscott Legal, LLC, a five attorney team in the Pittsburgh area. They represent investment firms in the negotiation of NDAs, joinders, NRLs, finder’s fee agreements, vendor contracts, engagement letters, and other routine contracts. They are also available for outside general counsel services for small businesses.
Garrett Williams is the new Annual Giving Coordinator at Achieva in the SouthSide of Pittsburgh, a non-profit that seeks to support all people with disabilities through any life stage they are in.Achieve is having its largest fundraiser, the Pittsburgh Promenade, on March 25th, 2023. Be sure to reach out to Garrett for more information about Achieva or their upcoming events!#pittsburghheadshotphotos
Mar 10
Garrett Williams is the new Annual Giving Coordinator at Achieva in the SouthSide of Pittsburgh, a non-profit that seeks to support all people with disabilities through any life stage they are in. Achieve is having its largest fundraiser, the Pittsburgh Promenade, on March 25th, 2023. Be sure to reach out to Garrett for more information about Achieva or their upcoming events! #pittsburghheadshotphotos
Shannon. #pittsburghheadshots
Can you tell there’s a baseball fan here? Enjoyed my shoot with Connor; here’s his thoughts on the experience:"I don't always like the "professional" tag or the look, but I know its importance. In the marketing world, it's always important to express yourself respectfully. Being able to show off personality and experiences in a digital world full of them, it's good to stand out where you can and be memorable. Sometimes the business world can be a little too serious, but life isn't always about seriousness. It's good to have fun, which I have always tried to do in everything I take part in. So, here is professional done my way, with the help of the immaculate Jen Worley photography."#pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
Mar 2
Can you tell there’s a baseball fan here? Enjoyed my shoot with Connor; here’s his thoughts on the experience: "I don't always like the "professional" tag or the look, but I know its importance. In the marketing world, it's always important to express yourself respectfully. Being able to show off personality and experiences in a digital world full of them, it's good to stand out where you can and be memorable. Sometimes the business world can be a little too serious, but life isn't always about seriousness. It's good to have fun, which I have always tried to do in everything I take part in. So, here is professional done my way, with the help of the immaculate Jen Worley photography." #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
The team at Very Law:Nicholas DiNardo joins Very Law from the highest court in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court, where he served as a Judicial Law Clerk. Before that, he clerked with the Superior Court, and before that, the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. He has experience helping to decide hundreds of cases across a wide-range of practice areas, as well as experience in private practice. A Latrobe native and an alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Mr. DiNardo is a legal dynamo committed to assisting his fellow citizens in their most challenging times.Vincent Krawiec is a first-generation attorney whose commitment to justice drives him to achieve results for those in need. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Krawiec attended the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, and instantly felt a connection with the city’s people and culture. Mr. Krawiec possesses a wealth of legal experience from mid to large-sized law firms, where he represented commercial and corporate clients in civil litigation and real estate matters. Now, he vigorously fights for his Pittsburgh neighbors. #pittsburghlawyers
Feb 28
The team at Very Law: Nicholas DiNardo joins Very Law from the highest court in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court, where he served as a Judicial Law Clerk. Before that, he clerked with the Superior Court, and before that, the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. He has experience helping to decide hundreds of cases across a wide-range of practice areas, as well as experience in private practice. A Latrobe native and an alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Mr. DiNardo is a legal dynamo committed to assisting his fellow citizens in their most challenging times. Vincent Krawiec is a first-generation attorney whose commitment to justice drives him to achieve results for those in need. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Krawiec attended the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, and instantly felt a connection with the city’s people and culture. Mr. Krawiec possesses a wealth of legal experience from mid to large-sized law firms, where he represented commercial and corporate clients in civil litigation and real estate matters. Now, he vigorously fights for his Pittsburgh neighbors. #pittsburghlawyers
Great Monday shoot with the writer Meredith Mileti. Enjoyed talking about her next book! #pittsburghwriters
Feb 27
Great Monday shoot with the writer Meredith Mileti. Enjoyed talking about her next book! #pittsburghwriters
“Brianna focuses her practice on business and corporate matters. Before attending law school, Brianna worked for several years in the communications industry where she advised clients on public relations issues and advocacy initiatives, as well as advising on campaigns and ballot initiatives. Brianna was a summer associate at Tucker and returned upon completing her Juris Doctor degree. To learn more about Brianna, visit her bio at Tucker’s website.
Feb 20
“Brianna focuses her practice on business and corporate matters. Before attending law school, Brianna worked for several years in the communications industry where she advised clients on public relations issues and advocacy initiatives, as well as advising on campaigns and ballot initiatives. Brianna was a summer associate at Tucker and returned upon completing her Juris Doctor degree. To learn more about Brianna, visit her bio at Tucker’s website.
If you haven’t been to the Air Heritage Museum out in Chippewa, put it on your Pittsburgh “to-do” list. These are some of the guys that I took gratis, after a paid shoot. Great group of guys, and very welcoming.
Feb 16
If you haven’t been to the Air Heritage Museum out in Chippewa, put it on your Pittsburgh “to-do” list. These are some of the guys that I took gratis, after a paid shoot. Great group of guys, and very welcoming.
Great photo shoot with the Air & Waste Management Association, an environmental nonprofit in the Koppers Building. Founded in 1907, A&WMA provides a neutral forum for information exchange to over 5000 members worldwide through multiple conferences and webinars, magazines, networking opportunities, and more. #pittsburghbusinessphotographer
Feb 14
Great photo shoot with the Air & Waste Management Association, an environmental nonprofit in the Koppers Building. Founded in 1907, A&WMA provides a neutral forum for information exchange to over 5000 members worldwide through multiple conferences and webinars, magazines, networking opportunities, and more. #pittsburghbusinessphotographer
Was really interesting on our shoot to hear about what they invented... wish I had them when doing my invisible aligners!Dr. Dave Pechersky is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Movemints, LLC. Dr. Pechersky invented the company’s sugar-free mints as a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients to promote optimal tooth movement, fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. To date, the company has shipped more than 15 million Movemints to customers in more than 40 countries. Dr. Pechersky is also a practicing orthodontist and leads Pechersky Orthodontics in Pittsburgh, where he’s been since 2011.Drew Goldstein is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Movemints, LLC. The company’s sugar-free mints are a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients, enabling them to fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. More than 15 million Movemints have been shipped to customers in more than 40 countries. Drew is also the Principal of the RoundSquare Group, a member of NEXUS Global, and a strategic advisor and sponsor to Lost Tribe.#clearaligners #pittsburgh #orthodontics
Feb 8
Was really interesting on our shoot to hear about what they invented... wish I had them when doing my invisible aligners! Dr. Dave Pechersky is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Movemints, LLC. Dr. Pechersky invented the company’s sugar-free mints as a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients to promote optimal tooth movement, fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. To date, the company has shipped more than 15 million Movemints to customers in more than 40 countries. Dr. Pechersky is also a practicing orthodontist and leads Pechersky Orthodontics in Pittsburgh, where he’s been since 2011. Drew Goldstein is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Movemints, LLC. The company’s sugar-free mints are a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients, enabling them to fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. More than 15 million Movemints have been shipped to customers in more than 40 countries. Drew is also the Principal of the RoundSquare Group, a member of NEXUS Global, and a strategic advisor and sponsor to Lost Tribe. #clearaligners #pittsburgh #orthodontics
Ben Lacomis loves his new blue sweater, but he loves helping people to save money on their student loans even more.With the distinction as a Certified Student Loan Professional™ (CSLP ®) and a background in financial planning, Ben uses his unique expertise to guide hundreds of individuals/families to navigate repayment and forgiveness programs for a cumulative $80+ million dollars of student loan debt. By committing to working with people with six-figure student loan balances, often healthcare professionals and teachers, Ben is living out his personal mission of empowering others to overcome the negative mental health associations of mismanaging finances, and specifically large debt burdens like student loans for advanced degrees like medicine and law.As a recreational photographer himself, he hopes to use his largely remote career to gain more time behind the lens. #pittsburghphotographer
Jan 30
Ben Lacomis loves his new blue sweater, but he loves helping people to save money on their student loans even more. With the distinction as a Certified Student Loan Professional™ (CSLP ®) and a background in financial planning, Ben uses his unique expertise to guide hundreds of individuals/families to navigate repayment and forgiveness programs for a cumulative $80+ million dollars of student loan debt. By committing to working with people with six-figure student loan balances, often healthcare professionals and teachers, Ben is living out his personal mission of empowering others to overcome the negative mental health associations of mismanaging finances, and specifically large debt burdens like student loans for advanced degrees like medicine and law. As a recreational photographer himself, he hopes to use his largely remote career to gain more time behind the lens. #pittsburghphotographer
Deborah Gallant is the Manager of Program Innovation at Entrepreneurs Forever where she facilitates small business peer group meetings and creates other valuable workshops and programming to help business owners. Previously she was the Executive Director of EforAll in Berkshire County, Massachusetts and has been a business coach for over twenty years. #pittsburghphotographer
Jan 26
Deborah Gallant is the Manager of Program Innovation at Entrepreneurs Forever where she facilitates small business peer group meetings and creates other valuable workshops and programming to help business owners. Previously she was the Executive Director of EforAll in Berkshire County, Massachusetts and has been a business coach for over twenty years. #pittsburghphotographer
Ainsley is a dancer, choreographer, and graduate of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s high school program. She is pursuing a dance degree at Skidmore College and is also a teacher certified in the ABT National Training Curriculum. She has trained with the Kirov Academy, Alvin Ailey, and Point Park Conservatory. Ainsley is currently auditioning for summer training and company positions @ainsleydancer909 #pittsburghdance
Jan 20
Ainsley is a dancer, choreographer, and graduate of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s high school program. She is pursuing a dance degree at Skidmore College and is also a teacher certified in the ABT National Training Curriculum. She has trained with the Kirov Academy, Alvin Ailey, and Point Park Conservatory. Ainsley is currently auditioning for summer training and company positions @ainsleydancer909 #pittsburghdance
This is what it took. #shibainu #familyphoto
Every anniversary we take a photo. Sometimes arranged, sometimes not. Helps us remember what our year was like, when looking back. Here’s to 15, 3 now with Rue and Subba. (Will see if we can get a more epic sunset tomorrow though.)
Dec 2
Every anniversary we take a photo. Sometimes arranged, sometimes not. Helps us remember what our year was like, when looking back. Here’s to 15, 3 now with Rue and Subba. (Will see if we can get a more epic sunset tomorrow though.)
Taking time to enjoy the Beautiful weekend with Subba, Rue and @dan_jenworleyphotography
Nov 26
Taking time to enjoy the Beautiful weekend with Subba, Rue and @dan_jenworleyphotography
Many companies have me take photos to their specs in studio, so their marketing departments can adjust them for consistency of brand. An example of what’s on the web, and what we did in studio. #legalphotos #pittsburghphotographer
Nov 1
Many companies have me take photos to their specs in studio, so their marketing departments can adjust them for consistency of brand. An example of what’s on the web, and what we did in studio. #legalphotos #pittsburghphotographer
So yeah, we don’t do #seniorphotos But when a friend asked, Dan said he wanted to do it, and I said I’d be his lighting assistant.Dan and I didn’t want these type of pictures you always see at the yellow sister bridge (Clemente, Warhol, and 9th). Wanted to bring a little more “epic” to it.#pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghportraits
Oct 30
So yeah, we don’t do #seniorphotos But when a friend asked, Dan said he wanted to do it, and I said I’d be his lighting assistant. Dan and I didn’t want these type of pictures you always see at the yellow sister bridge (Clemente, Warhol, and 9th). Wanted to bring a little more “epic” to it. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghportraits
Have I mentioned recently how much I love my job as a #professionalteamphotographer and #headshotphotographer? I get to work with a ton of fun people.
Oct 28
Have I mentioned recently how much I love my job as a #professionalteamphotographer and #headshotphotographer? I get to work with a ton of fun people.
This is one of my favorite portraits that I’ve taken in the historic Supreme Court of PA courtroom in Pittsburgh.I remember our shoot, Justice Baer was very down-to-earth and wasn’t in a rush, and we had a nice conversation. I liked it that he wanted his portrait in a suit, not his robe, and he liked my vision for setting up this shot.My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Obituary in Oct 1 @pittsburghpg
Oct 3
This is one of my favorite portraits that I’ve taken in the historic Supreme Court of PA courtroom in Pittsburgh. I remember our shoot, Justice Baer was very down-to-earth and wasn’t in a rush, and we had a nice conversation. I liked it that he wanted his portrait in a suit, not his robe, and he liked my vision for setting up this shot. My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Obituary in Oct 1 @pittsburghpg
Thanks to @culturaltrust @asmp_pgh to organizing such a great event. Looking forward to January! @elliottcramer @elanmizrahi @adrieshoots @farzeenghavam @dprephoto @jwramp @cathykellyphotography @shelleyliptonart @wdophoto
Sep 24
Thanks to @culturaltrust @asmp_pgh to organizing such a great event. Looking forward to January! @elliottcramer @elanmizrahi @adrieshoots @farzeenghavam @dprephoto @jwramp @cathykellyphotography @shelleyliptonart @wdophoto
From our “photoshoot” in Maine. Haha. Hard to time the dogs looking at the camera with the crashing waves.
Sep 23
From our “photoshoot” in Maine. Haha. Hard to time the dogs looking at the camera with the crashing waves.
Love all the cool #professionalpittsburgh people who come in, and get some amazing #selfconfident #professionalphotos. Love my job as a #headshotphotographer
Aug 23
Love all the cool #professionalpittsburgh people who come in, and get some amazing #selfconfident #professionalphotos. Love my job as a #headshotphotographer