Headshots or Branding Photography? How to Choose for Your Business
In short:
Traditional headshots are perfect for a clean, professional profile image, while branding photography goes further—capturing your personality, story, and brand to help you make a memorable impression.
Your image matters, but so does your story. In today’s digital-first business world, the right photos can open doors and spark connections before you ever say a word. But should you book a classic headshot session or invest in a full branding shoot? If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or marketing lead, here’s how to decide what fits your goals—and why both have value.
What Is a Traditional Headshot?
A traditional headshot is a simple, tightly-cropped portrait designed for professionalism and clarity. You’ll see them everywhere: LinkedIn profiles, company directories, speaking engagements, and press releases. The focus is on your face and expression, set against a plain background to keep things neutral and consistent across your team.
Best for: Corporate bios and team pages, Company IDs and badges, Press releases and public speaking gigs
Limitations: Headshots don’t tell much of your story. If you want to show personality, context, or brand values, you may need something more dynamic.
What Is Branding Photography?
Branding photography takes you—and your brand—off the plain backdrop and into real life. These sessions include lifestyle portraits, action shots, and detail images that reflect your work, style, and values. You might be captured collaborating with your team, interacting with clients, or showcasing your workspace and products. The result: a versatile image library that makes marketing effortless. Best for: Websites and About pages, Social media and digital campaigns, Building trust and connection with your audience Bonus: You’ll leave with a cohesive, story-driven set of photos for every platform.
Which Session Is Right for You?
If you only need a formal, up-to-date photo for a profile or ID, a traditional headshot is your go-to. But if your business thrives on personal connections, storytelling, or online marketing, branding photography offers a bigger ROI. Still unsure? Many clients choose a hybrid session—combining headshots and branding images for the best of both worlds. A quick consult can help you pick what fits your current goals.
Can I use branding photos as headshots too?
Absolutely! Most branding sessions include a few classic headshots, giving you options for every platform.
How do I choose the right session for my business?
We start with a consultation to understand your brand, goals, and how you’ll use the images and then we recommend the best fit.
Is branding photography only for personal brands or influencers?
Not at all! Corporate teams, agencies, and service businesses all benefit from branding sessions that show what makes them unique.
How often should I update my photos?
Plan to refresh your headshots and branding images every 1–2 years, or anytime your team, services, or visual identity changes.
What’s included in a branding photography session?
A typical session covers pre-shoot planning, on-location photography, a variety of looks (including traditional and lifestyle), and a custom-curated gallery of high-resolution images.
