What Is Headshot Photography?

Headshot photography is a specialised genre of photography that focuses on capturing a person’s face, specifically their head and shoulders. This type of photography is typically used for professional purposes, such as corporate headshots, modeling portfolios, and acting headshots. That’s the technical definition, but what is it really?

The Purpose Of A Headshot

The goal of headshot photography is to create a portrait that captures the subject’s personality, professionalism, and unique features. In Sydney corporate headshots, the photographer’s goal is to capture the subject in a way that portrays them as confident, approachable, and trustworthy. The image and lighting is usually customised to each person’s business and target audience.

Most headshots find their place on for business cards, websites, and LinkedIn profiles. Additionally, business portraits are captured at the same time and used for a wide variety of marketing collateral.

Despite everyone sporting professional headshots on their profiles, and generally looking very slick, polished, and confident, most people actually dread taking a headshot. It’s usually something that’s put off as much as possible.

Some people first look around because their business coach or web designer tell them they need a headshot. Others may have an old portrait, but want to lift their game and refresh their personal brand.

Whatever your reason, we can help you.

What’s Not A Headshot?

Funnily enough, when you look at a headshot photographer website, many the photos you see will not be headshots. You’ll see a range of business portraits and personal branding images. It’s just all lumped under the heading of “headshots” and is implicitly understood. The difference is subtle in its usage, and shows how business has evolved to be more personal in a connected city like Sydney.

While a headshot is only there to grab attention and be your first impression, business portraits are there to show more of your personality and to tell a story about you. People want to know more than that you’re a licensed lawyer, tradie, accountant, consultant. They want to know who you are, what you stand for, and whether they like you. A portrait includes more of your body and environment, and may be standing, sitting, or leaning against a wall. You don’t even need to be looking at the camera for a business portrait.

In personal branding, the goal is to create variety of different types of images that can be used across different communication channels, such as websites, social media profiles, marketing materials, and press releases. It may include headshots, action shots, lifestyle images, and several changes of clothing. The images are designed to be consistent with your brand message and resonate with your target audience.

Should I Get Headshots Or Personal Branding Portraits?

Overall, the key difference between a portrait and a headshot is their purpose and focus. A portrait aims to capture the subject’s personality and character in a more expansive and creative way, while a headshot is a more standardised and professional image identity.

When deciding whether to get headshots or personal branding portraits, it’s important to consider your usage and target audience. You might need different shots depending on where it’s published. Your photographer should be able to execute both styles in a way that shows off your best qualities.

Some photographer call themselves personal branding experts, perhaps as it implies a higher level of quality compared to a production line headshot. But names don’t matter, because your photographer should be able to explore your needs and help you discover the range of photographs that fits best.

How Do You Choose Your Headshot Photographer?

There are as many types of headshot photographers as there are types of restaurants. You have people offering $50 for 100 photos (50c shots), people offering $1000 for 1 photo ($1000 shots), and everything in between. They all have different happy clients – where do you fit?

A basic headshot might mean a production line situation where you get technically correct lighting, and photos that are good enough for internal ID usage and not much more. It’s more of a tick the box exercise. They might charge by the hour, adjust their speed to fill those hours, and your staff will feel like boxes on a conveyor belt.

You might find someone who is creative jack-of-all-trades type, but not really understanding of the business intent of headshots. They’ll take you to different locations, show you how to stand, try creative lighting. They may feel more like personal or dating portraits. Your friends may love them, but your customers may be confused about how to feel.

Some photographers have been offering headshots for 20+ years. They may still be doing it the same way as the 90s. You end up with formal shots where you’re just staring out into space.

If you want to look professional and genuine, not nervous and stiff, then find a photographer with expression coaching skills. You want a shot that connects with the viewer, make them want to contact you and find out about your services. You only have space for one headshot on your LinkedIn profile, so having one great shot is more effective than 50 no-quite-right shots.

If you’re looking to rise to the next level, to grow and expand your business, you might be thinking about having imagery that matches the level you’re aiming for. You’d benefit from a photographer who will work with you to plan and create the series of photographs that are consistent and lift your brand image. There will be a lot more time spent beforehand, and the ability to adapt to circumstances on the day is paramount.

Of course you should expect to pay more for the detailed service. But the resulting photographs will also last you a longer time.

How Can We Help?

In our history we have done everything from the 30 seconds each headshot, to the 30 minute headshot. We’ve found ourselves most useful to clients who are trying to grow their business and lift their level.

If you want something quick and easy, you just want to pop in and not put any effort, then we’re not a good fit for you. There are others who may suit you better.

We need you to book in, we send you heaps of info on how to prepare and what to bring. We ask you questions about your business that will require thought and consideration.

If you want a headshot and portrait that grabs attention, is awesone, effective, but totally you, and you’re willing to work with us to reach that goal, give us a call!