Environmental Portraits Will Make You Look More Professional

Environmental portraits make you look more professional, so why do so many professionals get more traditional headshots instead?

One reason is likely cost. After all, environmental portraits can cost more than a traditional headshot. In addition, for many professionals their business portraits or corporate headshot is one that needs to be uniform. Alternatively, some professionals might not feel like their position warrants such photos. While any of those might factor into your choice of professional headshots let's explore why you should consider getting environmental portraits next time you need new corporate headshots.

What Are Environmental Portraits

Before we can talk about why you should get environmental portraits rather than normal headshots, let's talk about what environmental portraits are.

Headshot Similarities

Environmental portraits are similar to headshots. First, they're used for the same thing - to show who you are in a professional capacity. Second, they're used in the same places that headshots are, LinkedIn, resumes, company websites, PR photos, etc.

Environmental Portrait Differences

Despite their similarities, environmental portraits do more than traditional headshots. First, they tell a greater story about you. They often show your place of work, your office, restaurant, or a place you care about, a local park, the city you're working in, etc. In doing so they show off your values, place in the corporate hierarchy, or other clues that don't come across in regular headshots.

 Another big difference is the amount of you that appears in the photo. Headshots are exactly that, a photo of your head. Sure, they include a bit more, shoulders for example. However, environmental portraits feature more of your body. Additionally, they can include props. Finally, you pose differently - in a way that tells more about you.

One last difference I'll mention is how many different poses you may come away with from an environmental portrait session. Typically, your photographer will provide you with a wider range of photos which can each be used for specific things.

For example, if you're quoted in a lot of publications, or are writing a book, you might want a specific photo. For example, you may want one shows you in your place of work so that people see that you're an expert in that field.

Headshots vs Environmental Portraits

One way to think about headshots vs environmental portraits is like senior photos. If you had senior photos done in high school then the yearbook photo is your headshot. It doesn't tell anyone much more than this is what you look like. Whereas environmental portraits work like the rest of your senior photos. These photos tell people what you like, about your personality, they tell the story of you - professionally.

In Conclusion

So, if you're due for new corporate headshots consider getting environmental portraits instead. After all, these will make you stand out and tell those looking at them more about you. For more tips and tricks check out my articles such as what to wear for professional headshots and how to look your best in your headshots. In addition, consider subscribing to my newsletter for more great articles. Also, if you own your own business be sure to read about the difference between branding photos and headshots.