Should You Book Headshots or Branding Photos?
When a new client reaches out to me, as a metro Seattle photographer, one of the first things we talk about is what they’re looking for from their photo shoot so that I can book the perfect type of session for them. That’s not just the case with family portraits and senior photos - it’s true for more business and career-oriented photography too.
In fact, it’s so common for clients to mix up headshots and branding photos, not knowing the difference or knowing which one will give them what they’re looking for. To help you know which direction to go, let’s look at headshots vs. branding photos and which circumstances are the best fit for each.
What Are Headshots?
Headshots are very specific types of photos - a head-and-shoulders portrait that’s designed for professional use like your company website, LinkedIn profile, e-mail signature, and so on. The goal of these sessions is typically to get one great photo, or maybe a couple of them at most, so it’s a very narrowly focused photo shoot.
What Are Branding Photos?
Branding photography is a far broader type of photo shoot than a headshot session. You’ll come away from this session with a whole collection of photos that communicate your company’s brand.
A branding photo shoot typically includes headshots, but it’ll also include a wider variety of portraits and poses. For example, it can include photos of you “at work” doing what you do best, photos within your place of business, and more. The goal of these sessions is to create images that you can use to market yourself and your brand, from your website to social media to ads and brochures.
Headshots vs. Branding Photos: Which One Do You Need?
So which one is the better fit for what you’re looking for: headshots or branding photos? It’s just a question of what you need.
Headshots are best if you…
Only need one straightforward but high-quality photo
Are a professional who needs an updated photo for your LinkedIn profile, business cards, e-mail signature, website bio, or other simple uses
Want a professional but concise photo shoot
Branding photos, on the other hand, are the best fit if you…
Are a business owner or freelancer who wants to market yourself well
Are building or updating your website and need a variety of fresh new photos
Are rebranding, building a new brand, or updating and strengthening your brand
Want your photo shoot to produce a collection of varied photos that you can use across many different marketing needs, from ads to your website and beyond
Are willing to invest time and resources into a highly customized photo shoot that’s designed exclusively for your brand
Still not sure which one is the better fit for you, between headshots vs. branding photos? I can help! Contact Jaimié Birtel Photography on Mercer Island, and let’s talk through your goals and how I can help.
