Subtle expression. Honest gaze. Timeless detail. Head and shoulders portraits focus on the face—where personality shines most clearly—and the medium you choose brings a distinct mood and texture to the final piece.

In this side-by-side comparison, we’re showcasing two of our most popular styles: charcoal and pastel. While both portraits capture the same level of detail and emotion, their overall feeling couldn’t be more different.

The charcoal portrait is rendered in soft black and white tones, giving it a quiet, sculptural quality. It has the elegance of old-world portraiture—clean, minimal, and deeply classic. The absence of color draws you inward to the emotion of the piece, making it a beautiful choice for families who prefer subtlety and timeless simplicity.

In contrast, the pastel portrait brings gentle warmth with soft, painterly color. Lightly blushed cheeks, delicate skin tones, and even the sparkle in the eyes are all captured in delicate hues. The pastel medium allows for softness and luminosity, resulting in a finished piece that feels quiet and light-filled.

Both portraits are hand-finished and professionally framed, printed on fine art hand torn paper for lasting beauty. Whether you lean toward the quiet sophistication of charcoal or the soft elegance of pastel, each piece offers an heirloom legacy of your child’s most memorable stages.

Explore which portrait style fits your family’s story.