Make sure you know whether you want a headshot or a portrait, because they're not the same thing. A headshot is a type of portrait that's typically a formal photo of your face and head, used for business and networking purposes. The image is closely cropped to showcase the subject from mid-chest or shoulders up. Headshot photography often uses a simple backdrop; you may be photographed in profile or may face the camera. The result is a very engaging face shot that stands out on business cards, website directories, and networking platforms like LinkedIn. For a less formal approach, you can choose to have a lifestyle portrait taken and use that in lieu of the traditional headshot. As more and more people have personal websites and use social media to market their business services, the use of portraits instead of headshots can be more appropriate in some fields, especially if you want a visual representation that has a more artistic or personalized vibe. Many people also choose to have portraits taken for online dating purposes, as a way to express their personality visually.