Do I Need A Headshot Or Branding Images? What’s The Difference?!
In today's digital world, visual marketing for professionals is paramount - but there's a bit of confusion around the terminology of "headshots" versus "branding portraits." The two are often mistakenly used interchangeably when they are actually two distinct styles serving different purposes. (I’ve even seen photographers incorrectly label comprehensive branding sessions as "headshots.")
Let's clear up the difference.
Headshots - The Straightforward Professional Introduction
A headshot is a classic, closely cropped portrait composition that frames you from around mid-chest up to the top of the head. By minimizing excess elements and keeping styling simple, the focus is squarely on your face and expressing an authentic, approachable presence. Headshots are ideal for straightforward professional use like LinkedIn profiles, company bios, speaker pages, etc.
Their clean, no-frills aesthetic portrays credibility and trust. Think of your headshot as a quick, digital handshake that says, “Hi, I’m <insert name here>.”
Want to customize your headshot to show a bit more personality? That’s where expression, backdrop, and your wardrobe selection come into play. The perfect combination will take into consideration what you do for a living AND the energy you want to put out there when people “meet” you for the first time.
Pro Tip: since the space provided for your profile pictures on sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. are quite small, THIS is the perfect place to use your headshots! Your face won’t be able to be seen as well if you use a full body branding image as your profile pic when such a small area is provided.
Branding Portraits - An Immersive Brand Experience
While a headshot accomplishes a quick, professional introduction, branding portraits take a comprehensive visual approach to showcasing your brand’s identity. This multi-look experience can capture you in a variety of posed and candid compositions - including half-body, full-length, on-the-job action shots and even editorial-style spreads spotlighting your work. Stylists can artfully incorporate your brand aesthetics through makeup, hair, wardrobe and other elements.
Branding photoshoots can take place in studio or on-location depending on the narrative you want to tell!
Any way you plan it, the resulting branding portrait folio expresses your visual brand and showcases your story and personality - allowing you to shine your unique light into the world and connect with your audience in a deeper way.
For entrepreneurs, influencers, leaders and professionals, high-impact branding portraits elevate your presence by creating an unforgettable, signature brand experience. They go beyond an introduction to make a powerful brand statement that invites viewers to get to know you a bit better. Think of it like your own personal magazine feature spread. The only question is, would you be in Vogue, Vanity Fair, Forbes, Good Housekeeping, or Time?
As Seth Godin says, “People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories, and magic.” Brand imagery is how you offer your relations, stories, and magic for them to buy.
Pro Tip: get really clear on your brand voice and the stories that you want to share with your audience before booking your branding photoshoot OR look for a photographer that also does creative direction to help you plan your session. I do this for my Signature Branding Experience clients.
So, Which Do You Need?
If you need a simple, high-quality, credibility-boosting portrait for basic professional use, a headshot is the smart option. I think everyone should have a great headshot or two, no matter what kind of industry you’re in. It’s also the best place to start for those who are on a budget.
But for those who are ready to make a visual impact and need to connect on a higher level with their ideal audience? A full branding photoshoot is the way to go. You’ll have custom (read: NON STOCK!) images for your website, your socials, and any marketing materials you’re creating. A branding photoshoot is a higher investment, but one that pays off exponentially if you put those images to work. And if you work with me, we always make sure to get some great headshots during our full branding sessions!
Pro Tip: Clarify your goals with your photographer to ensure you get imagery that is in alignment with the impression you want to make!