Headshots vs a Personal Branding Session: Which One is Best For You?
In this digital age, we’ve become notoriously accustomed to developing social connections online. Whether through working, dating, or simply socializing, a large percentage of our world exists through the screen. This means we’ve also become reliant on images. For example, did you know research shows that the first impression we make is based on an image and will stick even after meeting face-to-face? It’s true, and our Zoom, dating, and social media profiles tell the world who we are and how we want to be remembered. That’s why both headshots and personal branding sessions are creating quite the buzz right now.
Many want to elevate their image and put their best foot forward digitally speaking. But which one is right for you? The answer is that it depends. Both are important and beneficial for different reasons. Yet, whether you need a headshot for LinkedIn or you need a branding session for multiple platforms, the image(s) you upload represents your brand, and your brand is what makes that first and memorable impression. So, let's dive in and discuss the differences to help you decide the best direction to accomplish your goals, professionally and socially.
What is the difference between a headshot and a branding session?
Headshots
When you think of headshots, you probably imagine a stuffy, corporate, or boring photo of someone. You're not wrong, but those headshots were more indicative of the 80s or 90s. Thankfully with the rise in creativity and technology, headshots can be a little more contemporary and exciting, clean and simple, yet still showcase your unique personality.
Want to know what it's like to receive a headshot? At Judith Hill Photography, clients typically come to us for various reasons. For example, they may want updated headshots for their staff or team. Or an individual wants one look and an updated headshot for their LinkedIn, Zoom profiles, email signatures, and company website.
But we don't take your typical company headshot. As mentioned above, headshots today are about the it-factor. Indeed, we amp it up with a contemporary approach to boost your image. Whether you are a company or individual, these guided sessions are quick, efficient, and beautiful, with a focus on simple poses. This is the closest thing to a mini-session that we offer, as they don’t include professional hair and makeup, and last between 15 and 20 minutes. Yet don't let the time scare you. Twenty minutes is more than enough time to display your personality and professionalism and help you stand out.
The above is an example of team headshots for a company.
Points To Consider for Headshots:
To determine if a headshot is right for you, reflect inwards to discern how a headshot will align with your professional goals.
You only need one image to represent you professionally
Your company needs new headshots for their staff or team
You need a new headshot for your job search and a resume/CV
You’re only looking for a quick session that gives results
You have a small budget
Personal Branding Sessions
As a photographer, I can't count how many clients come to my studio requesting a headshot when they really want branding images. And there's a reason why. Branding images are all about elevating your image in the marketplace so you show up with authority, leadership, and approachability across all platforms.
Your branding photos reveal the why behind who you are. For example, say you're a female empowerment coach, and your mission is to uplift women to tap into their power and personal revolution. Your headshot says who you are and drives the initial impression, but your branding photos amplify your likeability factor and say why your clients should form a relationship with you.
Their purpose is to foster a relationship that drives trust, empathy, heart, and loyalty beyond the surface. Therefore, when you receive your branding photos, you set yourself apart by telling a story about who you are, the mission of your business, its values, and why you have the solution they require.
In fact, the quickest way to get attention and change the narrative is to update your branding images.
At our studio, we look at your marketing and content plan for your business and photograph the vibe according to your professional goals. Unlike a headshot session, these sessions include 3-4 outfit changes, professional hair and makeup, a fully guided photoshoot, and professional retouching. We aim to give variety so you have a collection of images that introduce the story and message you want to convey. With all of these elements, it's safe to say you'll instantly stand out in a sea of growing competition, and the world will remember you and your brand exactly how you want them to.
PLUS, I always like to throw in a personal look. If you are already here being professionally photographed, why not let one of your outfits or looks be something fun, just for you.
Points To Consider for Personal Branding:
There are many reasons you might need a branding session. But the main and probably most popular is anyone who wants to elevate their business profile with contemporary images. For example, branding images are perfect for team leaders, c-suite executives, entrepreneurs, coaches, bloggers, real estate professionals, members of nonprofit boards, speakers, bloggers, and authors. Yet, if you’re still torn, here are other points to consider.
Do you want the full experience with professional hair and makeup and 3-4 outfit changes?
Do you want professional styling as part of your session?
Are you on non-profit boards?
Are you a subject matter expert that is interviewed in trade publications, asked to speak, etc?
Do you have a marketing and content calendar that you need a variety of images for?
Are you selling a product or service? If so, branding photos translate trust and move your customers through the sales funnel to establish a connection to your business and what you're selling.
It's time to shine and stand out in the marketplace. A branding session is a powerful method to hone in on who you are, the focus of your company, and what you represent.
If you're starting a new business, podcast, or side hustle, you'll need branding images for marketing and other web platforms.
Whether you're a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, your images articulate you're ready to show up as the leader you are with poise, confidence, authenticity, and of course, professionalism.
Unfortunately, our attention span is getting shorter by the minute. Yet when your customers see your brand, they'll quickly become conditioned and associate your photos as someone to remember.
Bonus: At least 1 outfit in your branding session can also be used for your personal dating profile or something just for you.
Did I forget to mention that one of the best parts about branding photos is their versatility? Some clients come in to empower their business with a branding session and use one look for their dating profiles. And sometimes, clients just want fun images just for themselves or their partner.
Remember, we spend a large percentage of our lives online, so why not go for it and show how exceptionally beautiful, unique, and captivating you are? Your branding photos are a powerful and versatile form of content that allows you to make your website more engaging, make your social media accounts stand out, and capture who you are professionally and personally.
The opportunities are limitless.
Ready to receive photos that represent who you are and help you achieve your goals?
Both headshots and branding sessions, if executed correctly, can establish a connection to anyone you’re striving to attract.
But if you want to transform your business and what you represent, personal branding sessions are the answer. In one session, you can show your audience what you do, how your business is their solution, what you stand for, and why you’re special. While headshots introduce who you are, branding photos strengthen the connection so the world can like, trust, and remember you.
So, if you’re ready to up-level your online presence, book a session with us to determine how you want to be seen. As a photographer and entrepreneur, I take a holistic approach to creating your branding photos. My team and I analyze how your current image represents you in the marketplace and how you want to elevate it. We also include your marketing plan and how these images will tell the story you want to share with the world and your ideal clients.
We know your photos are your chance to solidify a bond and accomplish your goals. That’s why we use a unique approach to ensure how you show up in the world aligns with what you desire.
Your images, content, and marketing are how you control the narrative and create the life of your dreams.
Are you ready to elevate? If you are, we are ready to deliver.