Your Image Is your Calling Card

The one photo you choose to be your profile picture on your social media platforms is more important than ever. With that one image you will be identified. So, what are you wanting it to say?

Let's go over some of the different types of photography so that you can choose what you want with confidence.

THE PORTRAIT

A portrait is simply an image of an individual. There are many styles and kinds of portraits. The one thing they have in common is that it is an image of people. There are group portraits and single portraits. Couples portrait and family portrait. If there is a person in the image, it is generally a portrait.

THE HEADSHOT PORTRAIT

Almost everyone need this type of portrait for something like your drivers licence, passport, work directory or on your business card. A headshot is a head and shoulders only portrait. It showcases your face and your eyes are looking right at the camera. There are a few different types of headshots.

*The Actors Headshot

Actors typically have 4-6 headshots that can be used for different roles they are going for. In NY the headshot is a bit more classic and timeless, in LA they like more animated personality.

*The Entrepreneurs Headshot

Showcases you and your business. Possibly shot in your office or on location if your work is remote.

*The Real Estate Headshot

Similar to the one above.

*The Corporate Headshot

This headshot matches the company roster. Many companies choose a board room as a background, or a studio setting. Company attire is worn and the images match in style and context.

*The Beauty Headshot

Typically found on the front of a models card or booking page. It is still a headshot, but with some glam sprinkled in. The beauty shot is a variation on the headshot where the model can look away from the camera. It can also be even tighter than a headshot, cropping out the top of the head and sometimes even the chin. Think cosmetic ads.

THE LIFESTYLE PORTRAIT

The branding session has been super popular for entrepreneurs and is lifestyle photography based. Lifestyle photography draws you into someone's life as if you are a part of it. The focus is on the peronality of the subject. The lifestyle session looks like it is not posed. The camera becomes the other person in the room. So that the person looking at the photo becomes involved in the image. They are watching you work, having a conversation with you or watching you explain your work to someone else. The subject may be looking at the camera, but more often is looking somewhere else. This is "slice of life", "fly on the wall", generally informal and uplifting imagery.

THE FASHION PORTRAIT

Also called "editorial" photography. Moody and aloof with a focus on the clothing, accesories and make up, rather than the personality of the subject. Very posed. Posing becomes a huge factor here as the way one holds their body has a great affect on how the clothing, or whatever is being shown, looks. It can be very creative as being "real" is not a factor at all. Just showcasing the products well, in an enticing way for the target client.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAIT

Captures the subject in an environment. The environment is just as much a part of the image as the subject and tells a story about the subject. These can be real or exagerated and playful. The key here is that the space around the subject is also crafted or documented for the shot.

THE BOUDOIR PORTRAIT

Generally speaking this is a portrait done in lingerie, nude or semi nude. It can be lifestyle, environmental, fashion or some combination or those. All with the body as the main focus.

You can see, knowing what you want your portrait to portray can chage it significantly. Your intent really is everything! You can playfully mix generas or stay true and clear. It's totally up to you and your photographer. You can just wing it, but a good planning session is essential to achieving your photo goals and a prepared client who comes with a shot list will get the best results.

So, what kind of portrait are you looking for?

Here are some examples of the above generas, see if you can pick out the style of each one!