Headshots vs. Personal Branding Photography

In my capacity as a professional photographer specializing in brand photography and headshots, there’s a question that comes my way a lot, “Is headshot the same as branding photography?” 

I’m going to answer that question to clear up the differences, point out the similarities, give you examples of each and provide justification for using both headshots and brand photography types of photos.

What is a headshot?

Headshots are exactly what they sound like; a front on and close up photo of your head and shoulders. It uses a standard formal pose that almost always has a plain single color background., usually white, grey or black. It accents the person in the photo (the subject) rather than the environment, background, wardrobe etc. 

Think of this like your school picture day photos taken every year between kindergarten and 11th grade.

What is a branding photo?

Branding photos allow you to show your personality and emphasize the environment, props, and interesting backgrounds. Whereas headshots are taken in a studio, personal branding photos are taken on location in informal, organic, natural, and even outdoor type environments. Depending on your business needs, you might have photos taken while you interact with clients, type on your computer, or pose with your hot rod. 

Think of this more like your high school senior photos.     

Subject looking away from camera. Shot and cropped wider to include the environment. Casual pose. ¾ of body.

What are headshots used for?

A headshot is a time-tested business tool. Today it can be used for your social media profile,  the “About” section of your website, or “Meet The Team” type materials. Real estate agents often use headshots on their business cards.

Headshots are great for these applications because they are usually small and tightly cropped for these placements. There’s only enough space in these thumbnail uses for your head and shoulders.

What are branding photographs used for?

Branding photographs are used for a variety of different content. You’ll find them on website banner images, advertising pieces, blog posts, email marketing and many more.

You’ll want a handful of brand photographs so that you don’t have to place the same one everywhere. Because they show your personality they are great at making people feel like they know you by having only seen your picture.  

Your brand needs both headshots and branding photographs. 

Each type of photo serves a purpose. Using personalized and unique brand imagery on your website is one of the best ways to build your company. It’s very useful for instilling confidence in potential clients.

High-end photography which is completely custom to your business is key to gaining instant trust. This can’t be accomplished by stock photography.

Added Bonus: Personal branding photographs that are unique to your company are by-design 100% on brand! Plus you don’t have to spend hours and hours searching for usable stock photography that fits.

Using headshots gives your business a face. Potential customers research businesses before they make contact. They like to see who they are dealing with before they call.

A headshot shows a professional attitude and demonstrates a commitment to your brand. It shows that a real person is in charge, which is a very comforting thing in the world of computer automation, outsourcing and impersonal online connections.  

The branding photo gives a candid authentic off-the-cuff feel. The mood should be light and spontaneous but not silly or contrived.

What happens once I decide to book a personal branding photo session with Taylored Photo Memories?

During the booking process and prior to your session we’ll ask questions so we can learn about you and your business to prepare for your photo session. Knowing what makes you tick helps us bring out your best on the day of your session and ultimately gives you the pieces you need to complete your branding puzzle.

You’ll start by picking one of our comprehensive packages which are tailored to meet your usage requirments no matter where you are on your small business journey. They will give you exactly what you need for a successful website and a beneficial social media strategy.

Our two main packages provide anywhere from 25 to 75 or more final images. There’s a range of packages offering in-studio, city park or urban environment sessions. You’ll also have the option of selecting a package with a single wardrobe or with several wardrobe changes. Plus, you can choose according to the desired length for your personal brand photo session  –  a short, long or recurring session.

Next we’ll put together a strategy that will ensure you get everything you need and nothing you don’t out of your brand photo session. On your photo day our goal is to be efficient and thorough so that we can maximize our time with you. Finally, we’ll teach you how to make use of your images to make your brand shine.

The Complete Branding Photography Experience Awaits

Now that you’ve got a handle on the differences and similarities between headshots and personal branding photography and the options available to you, we hope you’ll choose us to handle your personal brand photography needs. Get started today.

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