Headshot vs. Branding Photography

What’s the difference?

Raise your hand (or coffee mug) if you’ve had this experience before? You are browsing a website for a product or service. There is one fabulous headshot of the owner next to a random assortment of stock photos that don’t quite go together. Whether you realize it or not, you feel a little bit stressed browsing the site. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but the visual inconsistencies make you a little nervous. Without a strong referral from a friend, you might want to leave and look for someone else.

Does that sound familiar? That is how I describe the difference between headshots and branding. Headshots will give you a few killer photos for social media and your website. Don’t get me wrong that is useful, but branding sets you apart. Branding help portrays a sense of consistency and trustworthiness with your customer. 

 I realize when you run your own business, there is often an endless number of things fighting for your focus. You don’t always have the money or funds to put everything you can into marketing yourself. Yet if one of your major priorities is a trustworthy website and marketing materials, that means you may be ready for a branding photoshoot. 

 

What to expect from a branding shoot.

Consistency

Branding photoshoots take planning. We spend time coordinating the backdrop, locations, outfits, props, and products. This work helps things look and feel cohesive. The effort here counts when establishing trust with your customers. 

Confidence

Everyone, even photographers, needs some time to warm up in front of the camera and feel confident. Branding photoshoots tend to be longer. This is great for giving you a chance to warm up and feel great in front of the camera. 

Options

Headshot sessions usually include about 5 photos in total. With branding photoshoots, you end up with a wider variety of pictures and more options to choose from when creating your website. This will help you fill out your website, feel confident, and give you more to post on social media.

 

Pulling it all together

Still feeling unsure about the difference, Let’s recap! Headshots give you a few solid photos to work with on social media, your website, or LinkedIn. Branding photoshoots provide trust and consistency for your brand.