Personal Branding Photos vs. Headshots: What Chippewa Valley Entrepreneurs Need to Know

Photos can help your business image consistently grow. They help people understand who you are and what you stand for. They give the viewer a way to go beyond a resume and get to know the person on the other side. If you have been considering booking brand photos as a way of growing your brand or trying to figure out if you need just an updated headshot, I am here to help you out! As a storytelling brand photographer, I love working with clients to plan their perfect session. If you have been wanting to learn more about booking personal branding photos vs headshots, here’s what you need to know.

Personal Brand Photos:

Showcase your Personality

Personal branding photos are more personal than headshots. They tend to be a favored option for people whose personality is their brand. Because of that, you get a little more freedom throughout your session. You can be bold, choose colorful options, and play around with the environment. If your headshot is your resume, then think of personal branding photos as the cover letter.

Tell your Brand’s Story

This is your chance to tell people all about the brand you have so lovingly created. You can show off the work that goes into it with action shots. For example, if you’re a baker, fire up that KitchenAid, or if you’re a personal trainer, lift some weights. You can also show off your home office to show people where you get your work done. By the end, the viewer should understand how you’ve taken your brand to the next level.

Build Trust in your Marketing

Personal branding photos are an excellent way to build your client’s trust because you get to add some extra personality to your photos. Think of it like a Taylor Swift song. Of course we don’t know her, but her songs are so personal, sometimes, we feel like her best friend. Personal branding photos do the same thing. Because you’re inviting your client in to see how you do business, they are going to feel like they know you, which can translate to more partnerships and greater opportunities.

Headshots:

Represent YOU in a more Formal Setting

Headshots tend to be a bit more formal than personal branding photos. They often take place in front of a backdrop in a studio or in a beautiful spot outdoors. These are the pictures that will be on your LinkedIn profiles, your business cards, or your company’s website. While personal branding photos highlight your services, headshots emphasize your professional identity.

Introduce Yourself to Your Audience

Your headshot will give your audience the chance to briefly know you. This is less about the story of your business and more about the force behind the work. Headshots are an easy way to introduce yourself to a group, whether the image is on your profile or the dust jacket of your book.

Create a Clean and Polished Way to Market

Your headshot is a marketing tool that drops all the fuss and distraction so your audience can just focus on you. As a result, you don’t have to worry that much about your entire outfit or your location of choice. The sessions are shorter and easier to schedule so you can keep your marketing up to date!