A headshot is generally a close-up style shot of head and shoulders that the subject uses for branding, marketing and for identifying themselves in the marketplace. Headshots may be in studio or on-location. The subject’s expression is approachable and confident. Subject is normally looking at the camera but not always. The goal is to recognise/identify the subject. All online social media outlets use profile pictures which are headshots.
A portrait is any other kind of shot of a person. The options are limitless. Closeups, 3/4 lengths, full body shots, in studio or on location where the setting may be important to the story of the portrait. Expressions can really show any kind of emotion and subject may not even be looking at the camera. Portraits can be of one person or more than one person. ( In my portfolio I have portraits of individuals, siblings, families, business teams, couples etc.) Photographers have great artistic and creative license to capture a subject and tell a story.
A headshot could be a portrait but a portrait is not necessarily a headshot. The main difference being that a headshot is a professional representation of the subject for the desired use of the photograph, while a portrait is an artistic representation of the person.
