Headshots Are Out! Business Portraits Are In!

I never really liked the term "Headshot"!

Black and white portrait of a woman with short, white hair, wearing dark shirt, resting her head on her right hand while seated. The background is dark, and a she is posing for a professional headshot and branding photography. Her expression is calm.

I adore creating business branding images that reflect character!

I think it sounds a bit aggressive, and I misspell it more often than I care to mention, which is a disaster (What genius idea to put the "i" and the "o" so close on the keyboard!).

I only use the term "Headshot" because it has become so ingrained in the public's psyche that I cannot get away from it.

I much prefer to use the term “Business Portrait”!

It is much more descriptive of what I offer you, if you work with me, especially because it does not bring to mind passport photos - And we know what those are like!

The Headshot Misconception

I think that the image loses so much when cropped as a headshot 

A headshot, in its most literal sense, is a photograph that focuses primarily on a person's head.

This is the type of image you'd find on a passport or driver's license. It's a functional image, meant to identify an individual.

It is not an image which will necessarily engage your audience in a positive manner

It fits is well with your social media profile photo, but that's about it...

The Business Portrait Advantage

A smiling woman with short, auburn hair poses for a business portrait with neutral background. She is wearing sleeveless black dress and green shawl draped over her arms. Her right hand is resting on her cheek as she leans slightly forward.

The difference between a rigid headshot and a characterful, full of movement and personality, Business Portrait, could not be more obvious!

A business portrait, on the other hand, goes beyond simple identification.

It's an image that tells a story about a person's professional persona. It's a tool for branding, networking, and making a lasting impression.

Why I Capture “Business Portraits” and Not Headshots (even though I have to use that term!)

  1. Professionalism: Business portraits convey a sense of professionalism and competence. They're designed to inspire confidence and trust in viewers.

  2. Branding: A well-crafted business portrait can align with a person's brand identity, reinforcing their professional image.

  3. Versatility: Business portraits can be used in various professional contexts, from websites and social media to marketing materials and presentations.

  4. Personality: Unlike headshots, business portraits can capture a person's personality and unique qualities. This can help them stand out in a competitive market.

Choosing the Right Image

A smiling woman with curly blonde hair poses against dark background, wrapped in colorful shawl in shades of purple, blue, and green and she holds the shawl close. The composition lends an artistic touch to this unique business portrait.

Consider what you need the image for and, if you have a beautiful Business Portrait, you can always crop it to be used as a headshot for your social media avatars!

When selecting a headshot or business portrait, consider your specific needs and goals.

If you're simply looking for a basic identification image, a headshot might suffice. However, if you want to make a statement and enhance your professional image, a business portrait is the way to go.

Let's Create a Business Portrait, Fit To Showcase Your Brand!

woman with short hair sits against a pink, background. She is dressed in white blazer and trousers, grey top, and heart-shaped necklace. She is smiling and appears relaxed and confident—capturing the essence of professional branding photography.

We'll use your brand colours and choose a look which represents your business, perfectly!


If you're ready to invest in a high-quality business portrait, I'd love to work with you.

My goal is to create images that not only look great but also effectively communicate your professional brand.

Contact me today and let’s schedule an informal chat to find out how I can help you!

Andrea de Gabriel

Cornwall Portrait Photography For Women, and Branding Photography For Small Businesses, by Andrea de Gabriel Photographer - Cornwall & Devon

http://www.cornwallportraits.co.uk
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