Headshots vs. Branding Photography:
What’s the Difference?
(and which do you actually need?)
You thought you needed a headshots and now someone is telling you actually need a branding session. If you’re trying to figure out which is right for you, or even if headshots vs branding photography are the same thing… you’re not alone.
For starters, are headshots and branding the same thing? In a word… no. While both headshots and personal branding portraits involve a camera pointed at your face (ideally with good lighting and zero spinach in your teeth), they serve different purposes—and knowing whether you need headshots or branding photography will help you get the most value for your investment.
Let’s break it down.
A headshot is exactly what it sounds like: a professional portrait, usually from the shoulders up, focused on your face. It’s the image you might use on:
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LinkedIn or your email signature
- A business card
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A company’s “Meet the Team” page
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Conference speaker bios
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Job applications
Think clean background, polished look, “Hi, I’m a competent human” energy. Headshots are simple, direct, and all about putting a friendly face to your name.
To get the most out of your headshot session, choose an option that allows you at least one wardrobe change so you can maximize the variety in your images. Even if it’s just adding or removing your favorite blazer, having more than one look will ultimately give you more value from your session.
Branding photography goes beyond the basics. It’s a storytelling session designed to capture who you are, what you do, and why your clients should pick you. These sessions include several different types of imagery:
Documentary Imagery
Pictures of you or your team doing what you do. Shots of you working, interacting with customers, at your desk or in a studio/workshop/etc. They can include props that give a better picture of your personality, like your favorite coffee mug. These pictures reduce the unkowns of working with you by showing potential clients what you are like as a person, and exactly what it looks like to work with you.
Environmental Imagery
These pictures showcase where you work, and how it makes you different. Your unique tools, talents and workspace are highlighted.
Flat-lays
Perfect for word-overlays and backgrounds in your website and marketing materials, these versatile pictures reinforce your brand messaging and create cohesion across all your marketing efforts
Headshots
Yep, that’s right… Branding Portrait Sessions also include headshots!
A few other things that differentiate Branding Photography from a typical headshot are:
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Multiple locations or settings (think: studio, office, favorite coffee shop) to showcase different facets of you and your brand.
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More wardrobe options to show different aspects of your personality or services, and create a variety of images that don’t look as though they are all part of the same portrait session.
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More relaxed, candid, and narrative-driven poses
Branding photography is perfect for websites, social media content, sales pages, newsletters, and any place you’re telling the story of your business visually.
Branding Photography
A few other things to consider
A few other things that differentiate Branding Photography from a typical headshot are:
-
Multiple locations or settings (think: studio, office, favorite coffee shop) to showcase different facets of you and your brand.
-
More wardrobe options to show different aspects of your personality or services, and create a variety of images that don’t look as though they are all part of the same portrait session.
-
More relaxed, candid, and narrative-driven poses
Branding photography is perfect for websites, social media content, sales pages, newsletters, and any place you’re telling the story of your business visually.
Headshots vs Branding
So Which One Do You Need?
Ask yourself:
Are you just looking for a few strong professional images to use for profile pictures? Go for a headshot.
Are you trying to stand out online, needing a bank of social media content, launching something, updating your website, or building a personal brand? You’re ready for branding photography.
And if you’re still not sure… call me, I’ll help you figure out what’s right for you!
The Short Version
Headshots
Clean, classic, a few good images to represent you professionally.
Branding
A visual story of your personality, process, and business vibe.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes clients start with a headshot session—and then realize they really need more. Either way, I’m happy to help you figure out what fits your needs (and budget) best, whatever your current season.
If you’re not sold on the importance of a profossional portrait, I’d recommend this quick read from Forbes about the difference it can make.
No matter whether you need headshots or branding, both options should be updated occasionally so you look recognizable and current in your portrait. And yes, both can technically include your favorite blazer and your favorite coffee mug. You are the brand, after all!
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