A picture is worth a thousand words, but a portrait is worth so much more

Someone recently asked me a simple, yet profound question: what is the difference between a picture and a portrait?

I thought the question to be a good one to ask yourself as a photographer, so you can find the answer yourself. I’m a portrait photographer so I’ll make the distinction with portraits. However, if you are a product, food, wedding, etc. photographer, then just swap out portrait for your niche.

It took me a little bit longer than I’d like to admit to come up with a good answer, but here’s how I responded.

A picture captures a moment in time, but a portrait captures the essence of a person. When you look at the latter, you should be able to see the subject’s personality and soul staring back at you. That’s what makes portraits so special.

What is the difference between a picture and a portrait?

While a picture is simply a photograph of someone or something, a portrait is so much more. A portrait is an opportunity for the artist to capture the very essence of the subject matter. Whether it’s through painting, drawing, or photography, a good artist will be able to inject their own personality into the work while still remaining true to their subject.

It can be said that all portraits are pictures, but not all pictures are portraits. The best way to differentiate between the two is to think about the intent behind the image. If the goal was simply to capture a moment in time, then it’s just a picture. But if the goal was to try and capture the spirit of the subject matter, then it’s a portrait.

Are you looking for someone to take your picture, or are you looking for someone to create a lasting work of art? The answer to that question will determine whether you want one over the other. While both serve their own purpose, only one will truly capture your life story in all its glory.

So which one will you choose?