The Difference Between Headshots & Portraits For Actors & Performers

There's always some confusion around exactly what the difference is between a headshot and a portrait. As a headshot photographer working within the performing arts industry this is something I get asked all the time. In this short post I'll go through some of the main differences so you can be sure the book the type of shoot you need!

Headshots For Actors & Performers

Crop

In short, headshots are usually cropped above the chest to showcase your face like the headshot of dancer, Rosanna, above (white background). Headshots are sometimes, however, cropped a little lower dependant on a photographers style (as in the image with a brown background above). It's very common for actor's and performer's 'headshots' to now feature the arms and hands too (like my image of performer Maya below), as this can help to convey more personality or a certain look. I usually use a combination of both within my images so that clients have a selection of different styles to choose between.

Location

Headshots are often taken in a studio (as mine are), but can also be taken outside. It's often trickier outdoors or on location to find even lighting and a fairly neutral background but it can definitely be done! Studio headshots give maximum control over lighting and how the image will end up which is why I prefer taking them this way. The client knows exactly what they'll be getting each time they step foot in my studio!

Lighting

Lighting in headshots is usually bright, even, and flattering. You'll see this in all of the headshots within my portfolio. Whoever will be looking at your images will need to see exactly how you look, your hair colour, complexion, and any scars/facial marks you have. Fancy lighting techniques that create dark shadows aren't usually used for this reason.

Use

Headshots are usually used to showcase your face! What do you look like? What will a casting director or agent see when you walk in the room? Would you fit the part/role that's being cast? There are obviously many uses for a headshot but long story short, a headshot aims to show the viewer not only how you look, but also some of your personality by conveying emotion through your expression.

See some example headshots below:

Portraits For Actors & Performers

Crop

In short, portraits can be cropped any which way dependant on where they'll be used! They can also feature any amount of the body! This could be anything from just above the chest, to full length shots where the whole of your body is in frame. You'll also often find fancier clothing used in the images and the model/client/performer posing a little more in some way. Portraits are often used to showcase the whole of a person so are therefore often cropped further out than a standard headshot.

Location

Portraits, just like headshots, can be taken outdoors/on location or in a larger studio setting. Obviously with the whole body potentially needing to be captured, larger studio spaces and lights are required for full studio portrait shoots.

Lighting

Lighting in portraits can be a lot more inventive/artistic than with a standard headshot. The purpose of a portrait is not just to soley showcase your complexion like a headshot, but to also create mood using posing and lighting etc. Check out two images of Michael below. The first is a heashot appropriate for any actor or performer with bright, even lighting. The second image I'd class as a portrait due to our use of deep shadows to create a moody shot. A casting director or agent would likely would prefer the first image as they can see exactly how Michael looks. This is why my headshots are lit like this!

Use

Portraits as mentioned are usually used to showcase your whole body, posing, dance skills, and clothing! Portraits are commonly seen in dance and modelling portfolios as whoever is looking at your images will need to see what you look like as a whole rather than just your face. Many dancers will have both headshots and portraits (commonly known as body-shots) in their portfolio. Portraits aren't usually used for actors or for those who wouldn't be applying for a soley dance based role. With a headshot you'll look to convey emotion/personality through your facial expression whereas with a portrait you can pose with your body a little more to help with this.

I now no longer shoot portraits but see some examples of the portraits I used to shoot here:

Hopefully this clears up any confusion for you around the differences between a headshot, a portrait, and what type of image you may need as a performer. The differences are fairly nuanced but actors and general musical theatre performers will usually just require headshots. However, dancers will often need full length portrait style shots within their portfolios too.

Looking to get booked in for a headshot shoot? Hit the 'find out more' button below and I look forward to shooting with you soon!

Jonny

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