Do I need a headshot or a brand photo? What’s the difference?

A typical headshot is a photo of a person’s face and head, usually from the shoulders up.

It is customary to use a standard headshot for professional purposes, such as for actors, models, and business professionals, but today’s digital landscape and the popularity of influencer marketing have led to another type of business photography that goes a few steps beyond a headshot.

These types of images are called Personal Branding Photos and they are a genre within the commercial photography space.

For brands that have a more robust online presence, like Real Estate Agents, Business Coaches, and Online Educators, personal branding photography is the perfect choice for not only showcasing their image but also their brand as a whole.

As a business owner, there is no denying the need for a high-quality professional image. But now that everyone is doing business online it can be tricky to know what kind of image is best for your business.

Today, you have options.

For the more corporate-leaning brand, headshots have been, and continue to be the norm, but the kind of headshot you choose will depend on how you want your brand to be portrayed.

Just because you are a lawyer or doctor doesn’t mean you have to settle for the boring, sit-and-grin head and shoulders shot of old.

Opt for a still professional but more modern approach by using your environment as the backdrop. This kind of headshot gives you more personality while still maintaining your professionalism.

Pro Tip: Check with your company’s marketing department for any company photo guidelines that may be in place.

Once you have a professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile and email signatures, you might consider investing in personal branding photography to expand on your brand presence.

Unlike a headshot, which is usually a head and shoulder portrait, a personal branding photo offers a more robust representation of a person or business. They are shot in a way that reflects their values, personality, and unique selling points.

Personal branding photos are often used on websites, social media profiles, and other online platforms to help you and your businesses stand out.

While headshots and personal branding photos both show your face and are used for professional purposes, personal branding photos are typically more focused on representing you and your business in a way that aligns with your brand identity.

This means they may be more creative, showing you in a variety of poses and environments and they go great with other visual elements such as graphics or text.

Overall, the main difference between a headshot and a personal branding photo is the focus and purpose of the photograph.

A headshot is typically used to show your face in a professional context, while a personal branding photo is used to represent you or your business in a way that reflects your brand identity.