Headshot
Category: Photography Technique
Definition: A tightly framed photograph showing the subject's head and shoulders, focusing on facial features and expression. In fashion e-commerce, used to show neckline details, jewelry, accessories, makeup, and hair styling.
Why It Matters: Shows facial diversity and representation; highlights neck and face accessories; demonstrates makeup and hairstyling; creates emotional connection; shows collar and neckline construction; useful for beauty and accessory products.
Use Cases: Jewelry photography, eyewear showcasing, hat and headwear modeling, makeup application examples, neckline and collar details, scarf and necktie styling, hair accessory display.
Example of Real Use Case: A jewelry brand uses headshot photography to show their necklaces on diverse models with different skin tones, helping customers visualize how metals and stones look against their own complexion. Conversion rate increases 28% compared to flat lay jewelry photos alone.
Software/Service: Portrait lenses (85mm, 105mm), beauty dish lighting, ring lights, standard photography equipment
Common Issues: Unflattering angles, poor lighting creating harsh shadows, expression management, maintaining consistency across multiple models, background distractions, over-retouching creating unrealistic appearance.
Do's and Don'ts:
✓ Do use flattering lighting and angles
✓ Do ensure diverse representation
✓ Do focus on the product being showcased
✓ Do maintain natural, relatable expressions
✗ Don't over-retouch models' faces
✗ Don't use distracting backgrounds
✗ Don't neglect product visibility for artistic expression
Related Terms: Half-Body Shot, Full-Length Shot, On-Model Photography, Catchlight, Expression Control
Also Known As: Portrait Shot, Face Shot, Close-up Portrait