What is a headshot? Well, the answer you receive will really depend on who you ask. A headshot is a term used in a lot of different industries from photography to professional sports.  When we talk about headshots in terms of professional headshot photography, the definition is pretty simple and understanding all of the benefits can be the first step to taking your personal brand to a whole new level. 

What is a Headshot Photo?

A headshot in photography can refer to a couple of things, it can describe an actual photo, taken by a professional headshot photographer (like the team in our Vancouver studio) or it can be the physical 8x10 print of the photo often used by actors and performers auditioning for roles.

The framing of a headshot is pretty self-explanatory. It is typically an image of the head and sometimes shoulders of an individual. Sometimes wider shots might be necessary but typically a headshot photographer will be focused on capturing that winning smile in a close-up image that works perfectly for you and your business or profession.

When it comes to aesthetics and style, headshots are typically more commercial than full body shots, often due to a need for a more serious tone because of the profession or industry they are to be used for. 

Photographs like headshots are typically designed to show authority and professionalism and are more likely used in a business setting. They could be used for business cards, websites, advertisements or even professional profiles on sites like LinkedIn. 

Professional headshots are essential for industries like law, recruitment and financial advice because customers really need to know that they can trust you. Putting a face to a name can go a long way in reassuring them of your expertise. In industries that require this trust, a personal brand is really important for ensuring positive relationships with clients. Photos are an easy and affordable way to help strengthen this aspect of your brand.

The great news is that not all professional headshots need to be super boring to be professional. They can be executed perfectly and still show off all of that personality that you have to offer. When you work with a pro, they can help you find a good balance for your industry and really make the most of your session with them. After all, personality really does sell!

Want to learn more about what can be done to make your headshots professional and also personable? Speak to our Vancouver studio team.

Who Would Need A Headshot Photograph?

A headshot photograph can be useful to almost any working professional. For those working in business leadership or as brand representatives or professional speakers, your professional headshot will add more to your personal brand than you might think. Corporate headshots really show you mean business. 

What is a headshot good for if not to build familiarity? Headshots help customers to connect with those contact points for your company. Corporate headshots are no longer used just for senior leadership, they can be great for customer service workers and account managers who are regularly in contact with new and existing customers.

For performers, actors or models, headshots are an absolute must. On top of your more formal headshots, it’s always a great idea to take some headshots that really show your personality — they don’t all have to be serious!

The Art of a Great Headshot 

There are a number of aspects involved in getting a professional headshot just right. These are what set apart a professional headshot from a selfie or amateur photograph.

It’s not all about equipment, but being able to use a professional camera and high-quality lighting setup will dramatically impact the final headshot. Using a professional studio is the most cost effective way to achieve this final result and allows you to not only take advantage of the professional headshot setup, but also means you are making the most of a professional's many years of experience.

The framing or composition of a shot is incredibly important for achieving a high-quality final photograph. We typically use our studio in Vancouver, British Columbia because it provides us with a polished setting and access to high quality backdrops. The specialized setting allows us to take the time to properly frame a shot without interference from things like weather, unwanted lighting and passers-by. 

Most often these studio headshots are framed to focus on your head and shoulders but very occasionally these shots can be slightly different, especially if your industry is along the lines of fitness or modelling and demands to see more of you to properly show off all of your best features.

A really underappreciated bonus of heading to a studio is how much easier the experience can be. The photographer can help with posing and ensure you always feel comfortable and relaxed — even if you really hate having your photograph taken! You’ll leave feeling like you really got a lot from the session and, of course, you’ll have those great new photos to show off to anyone who will take a look.

Finding A Professional Headshot Photographer

So, we’ve answered the question ‘what is a headshot?’ Now it’s time to find out where the best places are to get these important pictures taken. 

Rather than investing in all of the gear and having a go yourself, we highly recommend paying a visit to a professional studio. Not only will the setup be excellent but you’ll also be taking advantage of many years of experience from the pro you choose.

If you’re in the Vancouver area, pay our studio a visit. Otherwise, look for headshot photography specialists in your area and be sure to take a look at some examples of the work to check if it's what you’re looking for. 

If you aren’t too sure whether you need corporate or more lighthearted headshots, give the studio a call and talk to them about what you’re hoping to achieve. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction and get a shoot organized in no time!