Why I Don’t Do “Headshots”—and What You Receive Instead

You’ll see “headshots” all over my website because that’s the term people search for when looking for professional portraits. Since starting my business in 2015, I’ve learned that many people think they need a headshot and envision that tight crop—shoulders up, face filling the frame. It’s the kind of portrait we’ve been conditioned to think we need for LinkedIn and About pages.

But here’s the thing: I don’t actually create “headshots” in that traditional sense. What I deliver are “environmental portraits” or “personality portraits”—and there’s a big difference.

The Problem with Traditional Headshots

Traditional headshots follow a rigid formula: super tight crop, shoulders and face filling the frame. Modern cameras make this even more challenging—they’re incredibly sharp, magnifying every pore, crease, and detail you probably don’t notice when looking in the mirror.

The result? Stiff, limiting images that don’t adapt well to today’s diverse digital needs. You end up staring at minute imperfections instead of seeing your spark and personality.

My Approach: Portraits That Work Everywhere

I photograph from further back—typically waist up or showing more of your body. This gives you what I call the “Swiss Army knife” of brand portraits: one versatile image that adapts to multiple needs.

From a single wider portrait, you can:

• Crop tight for LinkedIn or traditional headshot needs
• Use horizontally for website banners
• Post vertically on Instagram or Pinterest
• Repurpose across press features, bios, and marketing materials

But the benefits go beyond technical flexibility. Wider portraits capture your body language, showcase your style, and include environmental context—all the visual cues that make you memorable and help your personality shine through.

While I still ensure you look polished and professional in the final images, my retouching is subtle. I want you to see the authentic, whole you—not a plastic version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need a headshot for LinkedIn?
Yes—and every portrait I create can be cropped into LinkedIn format.

What if I don’t like how my arms, waist, or neck look?
We’ll work together on flattering poses and angles. Wider portraits actually help because they create better balance and more natural posture.

How do I know which version to use where?
Usually, people find this intuitive as they start to utilize different platforms. Although, I’m always happy to sit down with you and help you get started.

Ready to Rethink Your Portraits?

If you’ve been dreading a traditional headshot session, you’re not alone. Instead of creating something stiff and limiting, I want to capture images that feel expansive, flexible, and authentically you—portraits that serve as multi-purpose tools for your business.

When you’re ready, let’s create images you’ll actually enjoy using everywhere.