If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, creative professional or just updating your online presence you’ve probably come across both headshots and branding photography terms. While they may seem similar on the surface, they serve different purposes and offer distinct benefits. So what’s the difference between a headshot and branding photography, and how do you know which one you need?

Let’s break it down.

What is a headshot?

A professional headshot focuses on your face because the purpose is to show who you are. These images are typically formal or traditional and are taken from the chest up. They usually feature a simple background, either in a studio or on location and aim to make a strong first impression. While they’re often more formal, modern headshots can also be relaxed and show a bit of personality, depending on your industry. Headshots are often displayed in a small manner, like the LinkedIn profile circle for example, so a clear face portrait from your session is a must!

Common uses for headshots include:

• LinkedIn and other professional profiles
• Company websites and team pages
• Email signatures
• Business cards
• Resumes and bios
• and more…

What are branding portraits?

Branding photography (also called personal branding photography) goes beyond just showing what you look like. The purpose of personal branding photography is to help you connect with your audience and market your business, service, product, or yourself in a more personalized and custom way. Think of branding more as a vibe than just a head-and-shoulders shot. It’s a collection of images designed to visually represent your brand, values and the experience you offer. It can include your actions, hands, workspace, props, products—pretty much anything that helps tell your story. These sessions are highly personalized and can take place in a studio, outdoors, in your office, or at a location that aligns with your brand. The tone can be fun, polished, candid, warm, edgy—whatever fits your unique style.

Branding sessions may include images of:

• You working in your environment
• Products or tools you use
• Interactions with clients or behind-the-scenes moments
• Flay lays, props, or styled setups that reflect your brand
• Candid and lifestyle-style portraits
• Creative or environmental portraits with personality

How Are Headshots and Branding Photography the Same?

There’s definitely some overlap! In fact, all of my branding sessions include traditional headshots to ensure you get both professional and versatile images.

Similarities include:

• Both can be in studio or on location
• Both allow for multiple outfit changes and backgrounds
• Both are professionally lit and posed

How are they different? While headshots are all about a clear, recognizable image of you, branding photography provides a wider variety and create images to support your marketing and storytelling across all the mediums you use. That could include creative cropping, unique angles, props and more.

To put it simply:
A headshot’s purpose is to show who a person is.
A branding image’s purpose is to tell a story or convey the vibe of the person, product, or service.