When people first reach out to me at the studio, one of the most common questions I hear is:
” Do I need a headshot or a portrait?”
A lot of times, it seems like they’re the same thing. If you’re ever in the Facebook group, Headshot Photographers, you’ll find a common debate about what constitutes a headshot versus a portrait, and whether portraits are appropriate in a headshot Facebook group. But the truth is, they do serve very different purposes, and understanding those differences can help you feel more confident about investing in the kind of session that will support your goals.
Let’s Walk Through This Together.
What is a Headshot?
Think of our headshot as a professional handshake. It’s clean, simple, and designed to introduce you in a clear, approachable way.
A headshot usually frames you from the shoulders up, with the focus on your expression and presence. These photos will likely be used on LinkedIn, your company website, business cards, and in a press release. For my acting and modeling clients, a headshot will also be included in your portfolio for casting gigs. Basically, anywhere people need to recognize you quickly and form a sense of trust.
In your headshot, you need to communicate that you’re approachable, confident, and that you take yourself and your career seriously.
As tempted as I may be, it’s not about dramatic lighting or artistic elements, it’s about clarity, professionalism, and showing the world your best first impression.
What is a Portrait?
Portraits, on the other hand, go a little bit deeper.
A portrait session allows us to tell your story. It’s not just about showing your face, it’s about revealing your personality, your passion, and your presence. Portraits can be full-body editorial or styled in a way that reflects your brand or personal journey.
Well, a headshot says, “This is me, you can trust me.” A portrait says, “This is who I am and this is my story.”
Let’s unpack the difference for a second:
- A headshot might land you the job interview
- A portrait shows the world the leader, the creative, or the visionary you truly are once you’re in the room.
Why This Matters for You
Here’s the beautiful thing: you don’t have to choose wrong.
Many of my clients start with headshots because they need them for immediate career purposes. But once they see how empowering it feels to be photographed and how affirming it is to witness yourself through a professional, compassionate lens, they realize they also want portraits. Portraits permit my clients to celebrate themselves, their journey, and the life they’re creating. For many of us, it goes a lot deeper than climbing a corporate ladder.
Both serve a purpose, and both can change the way you see yourself.
And both deserve to be done with care.
I cannot stress that last Point enough. Having a positive mindset when following through on your investment goes a long way, even beyond The Day of the photo shoot.
Thinking About a Headshot or a Portrait Session?
Whether you’re preparing for a promotion, stepping into a new role, building your personal brand, or simply wanting to celebrate the person you’ve become, your images should support and elevate that moment.
That’s why I always begin with the consultation. It’s a chance to talk through your goals, your comfort level, and your vision. For many clients, the consultation marks the first time they’ve considered their vision. Think about how important that is to really build something and get excited about what you’ve built in just a short conversation.
From there, we’ll design a session that makes sense for you, regardless of whether that’s a polished headshot, a story-driven portrait, or a combination of both.
For me, my mission is simple:
To help you see yourself in a way the world deserves to see you, confident, radiant, and completely enough.
Ready to explore what kind of session is right for you? Let’s schedule a consultation and talk about what you need most right now.
FAQ
Do I need a headshot or a portrait for LinkedIn in Japan?
If you’re building connections for your career, business, or creative Journey, a strong image is essentially your storefront. A polished headshot gives people instant confidence in who you are and what you stand for. On LinkedIn, especially, it’s your very first introduction before you even speak. Imagine the difference between blending into the feed versus standing out as someone approachable, capable, and unforgettable. If you want your profile to attract the right opportunities, investing in a professional headshot is one of the most powerful steps you can take.
How much does a professional headshot in Tokyo cost?
I talk to you, we believe your headshot is more than just a picture, it’s an investment in how the world sees you. That’s why we’ve designed sessions that balance professionalism with a touch of luxury, so you feel taken care of every step of the way. You can explore our headshot page and pricing page to find the option that best suits your goals. Think of it as opening the door to new opportunities, promotions, and visibility. This all starts with a single image that truly reflects you.
What should I wear to a headshot session?
Please take a look at our headshot page here and pricing page here.
Wardrobe is such an essential part of how your confidence shines through in a headshot. If you’re a little lost, we’re here to guide you! For business professionals, we share classic tips that help you look polished and approachable. You can see a few of them here.
For actors and models, we’ve also put together advice that highlights versatility and personality. You can explore our list of tips right here. With the right outfit, your session becomes not just a photo shoot but an empowering experience where you see yourself in a whole new light.
