what is a headshot

A headshot is a modern portrait in which the focus is on the person, usually a digital image. It is a tightly cropped photo of the face, from the shoulders up, and the subject is typically looking right into the camera lens. Headshots are used for professional profile images on social media, images used on online dating profiles, the about us page' of a corporate website, and promotional pictures of actors, models, and authors. In theater, film, and television, actors, models, singers, and other entertainers are often required to include a headshot, along with their résumé, when applying for a job. Headshots are intended to help casting directors understand the person exactly as he or she is, including age group and ethnic background, while the actor hopes that the headshot will inspire the casting director to hire him or her. Headshots often feature the actor or actress facing off-center, and performers will often have headshots expressing different poses and expressions to give a potential employer an idea.