Headshot vs Portrait for Business: A Simple Guide

You know you need professional pictures but you are not sure which kind. Should you get a close-up headshot or a wider portrait? The choice feels small, yet it changes how people see you.

A headshot is a close-up picture of your face, usually from the shoulders up. A portrait is wider. It shows more of your body, background, and even props that tell a story about you. Think of a headshot as your handshake. A portrait is more like sitting down for a chat.

How it works

Here is a simple way to see the difference:

1. Headshot – Used for profiles, ID badges, speaking events, press releases. It focuses on your face and builds instant recognition.
2. Portrait – Used for websites, articles, brochures, and campaigns. It gives context and shows personality, style, and environment.
3. Mixing both – The best approach is to have both. One builds familiarity. The other deepens your story.

Why it matters

Pictures are often the first thing people see. The right choice can:

• Build trust by making you look approachable and confident.
• Save time when you need a fast update for LinkedIn or press.
• Help you stand out in a market crowded with bland stock photos.
• Support leads and bookings because people feel they know you.

If you ignore this

Using the wrong picture costs you more than you think. A blurry portrait on LinkedIn makes you look careless. A stiff headshot on your About page leaves your story flat. You risk blending in, or worse, turning people away before they even read your work.

Quick wins

You can act today without hiring anyone:

• Check where your pictures appear online and offline.
• Ask yourself: “Do I want people to know my face or my story here?”
• Replace one outdated or low-quality picture now.
• Plan ahead by listing where you need both headshots and portraits.

Tiny example

Emma runs a coaching business. Her LinkedIn had a holiday snap cropped into a “headshot”. Clients struggled to take her seriously. She booked a photographer and got both types of pictures. Now her profile photo is a clear headshot, and her website uses portraits showing her working with clients. Within two months she reported more enquiries and warmer introductions at events.

Common mistakes and fixes

• Mistake: Using the same photo everywhere.
  → Do this instead: Match the photo to the platform. Headshot for LinkedIn. Portrait for your About page.
• Mistake: Cropping group shots into “headshots”.
  → Do this instead: Get a proper professional photo focused on you.
• Mistake: Thinking one photo lasts for years.
  → Do this instead: Refresh pictures every 18–24 months to stay current.
• Mistake: Choosing only one style.
  → Do this instead: Have both ready so you are never stuck when asked.

Next step

Now you know when to use a headshot vs portrait for business. The next question is where to take them.

Read On site or studio: which is right for your team

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FAQs

Do I really need both a headshot and a portrait?
Yes. They serve different purposes and give you more flexibility.

How often should I update my photos?
Every 18 to 24 months or if your appearance changes.

Can I just crop a portrait to make a headshot?
It rarely works well. Proper headshots are framed and lit for your face.

What if I am camera-shy?
A good photographer will guide you and help you feel relaxed.

Will these pictures help my business grow?
Yes. Clear, professional photos build trust and make people more likely to contact you.

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If you want everything in one place, bookmark my Personal Brand Guide

It details EXACTLY what you need to do to become a leader in your industry, the only thing it can’t do is provide you the photography to make the most out of everything, but that’s what I help with.