What is Headshot Photography ?

Headshot photography has become a standard choice and style for modern branding, such as websites, social media and even the traditional business cards.  A headshot in simplest terms means a modern portrait  for branding.

Bradley and Joelle Portrait headshot used of the article on what is a headshot photography

Its been said that an image speaks thousand words, but a headshot goes beyond thousand of words and speaks to the sub-conscious mind to a deeper level.  Upon looking at a headshot, a complex biassed towards an individual lights up the synoptic brain to decide how to accept and build a relationship with the portrait.  In milliseconds we will either accept or dismiss the being behind the image viewed.

While a modern portrait “headshot”, may seem quite similar to a regular old photograph.  Don’t be fooled a seasoned headshot photographer uses the latest software to make an image that will help your mind respond favourably towards the client photographed.  The eyes are sharper than the rest of the image, situated at the 1/3 rd quadrant, the amount of contrast is precisely intended for the viewer to see what the photographer had designed.  A master photographer will make his clients feel at ease and comfortable, almost forgetting being photographed, due to his or her experience – the client will feel so comfortable and at times adulated that eventually the image will portray a deep sense of the subjects personality or aura.

Another element that is important for a headshot is having a portrait image optimized for web with additional files optimized for social media.  A headshot portrait will be files that the client has full control and able to use at his or her own discretion.  With the traditional portraits, the photographer would keep all the files and the files rights so they could sell fine prints.