Portraits - ADI RINGER

Portraits & headshots

Do I need a headshot?

A professional headshot can make the difference between you landing the relationship, business or job you’re seeking. When you meet someone in person, you have a chance to make a connection. Usually, you introduce yourself by shaking hands, which combined with a smile and looking into your prospect’s eyes, sets the tone for what comes next. But what happens when it’s not in person? When someone is checking out your online profile, be it LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or any other platform, your HEADSHOT will set the tone for how they feel about what they read. The focus is your face, free of distractions because it’s your online handshake. You’ll want to make a good first impression; one that displays confidence, approachability, professionalism and attention to detail.

Portrait vs Headshot: Is there a difference?

Portrait

A portrait is a picture that includes your face and a section of your body. How much of your body and how you pose will depend on the intended use and personal preference. While there are best practices for cropping, it is very flexible and fluid; and will range from upper torso to full body. A portrait can be formal and serious or creative and fun. The options are limitless, and usually driven by the message you're trying to convey.

Headshot

A headshot is a sub-category of portraits, but just because your head is in the picture doesn't mean it's a headshot. A headshot is intended to focus on your face, with minimal distractions. Usually cropped from just below the shoulders or upper chest to the top of your head, and looking straight at the camera. Personal preference can change the look, like color background, lighting, cropping below the top of the head or bottom of the chin, but always focused on the face.

Does it really matter?

In my opinion it does. When I look at a portrait, I see a person posing. I will notice the wardrobe, body language and anything else I see in the picture. When done right, I'll receive the intended message it's trying to convey. It's branding. But when I look at a headshot, my eyes continue to shift back to their eyes, and that is a powerful way to connect. It's all about the individual, and I'm not distracted by clothing, signs, hands, etc. It's personal branding.