The Difference Between Headshots and Branding Photos -

Confusing headshot and branding photos can result in a major disconnect from either highlighting your personal uniqueness or your brand’s USPs. As an experienced branding and headshot photographer, I’m going to explain the difference between headshots and branding photos so you’ll know which one is right for your business needs.

The Difference Between Headshots and Branding Photos

Headshots mainly serve as professional identification while branding photos aim to represent a brand’s essence. A headshot often focuses on the face and shoulders, whereas branding pictures can encompass full-body shots and lifestyle imagery. Headshots typically feature neutral backgrounds and professional attire, while branding photography utilizes on-brand backgrounds and a range of emotions.

Three women smiling for branding photo shoot

While both have their place in showcasing who you are, their purpose and photo shoot process still vary. I’m going to take you through their differences so you can determine which one would be more useful in your situation.

Element	Headshot	Branding
Purpose	Personal identification	Storytelling and brand representation
Focus and composition	Tight crop and centered, focusing on the face and shoulders	Diverse compositions, full body shots, environmental portraits
Background	Simple, neutral	Varied, on-brand, or contextual
Expression	Formal, approachable smile	Range of emotions and activities
Clothing	Professional attire	Brand-appropriate, different outfits
Applications	LinkedIn, company website, ID badges	Marketing materials, social media, websites
Quantity	Usually few	Multiple images in a set

Purpose

While some may think they look similar, branding pictures and headshots serve distinct purposes in visual communication and personal or business representation.

Headshots: These photos capture a person’s facial features and personality in a professional context. These can be used to introduce yourself to your audience.
Branding images: These shots are designed to convey a broader message about a person’s or company’s identity, values, and offerings. They often incorporate elements like brand colors, logos, or lifestyle imagery to create a cohesive visual representation of the brand’s essence.

Focus and Composition

Another way to differentiate headshots from branding shots comes from what the camera aims to capture.

Headshots: These zero in on your face and shoulders, creating an image that portrays your professional personality. These photos are up-close, often from the chest up, and have a simple background to keep the attention solely on you.
Branding photos: These images encompass a broader view. They might show your full body and often include elements of your environment or lifestyle. These details help to tell a fuller story.

Photo Shoot Background

When planning your photo shoot, the background can greatly affect the tone and message of your image.

Headshots: For headshots, I generally use a simple, neutral background that will draw the viewer’s attention to your face.
Branding images: For branding shots, you can choose colors and elements that match your company’s style. The background can include your workplace or a location near your business to add context.

Facial Expressions

Your viewers will only spend a few seconds looking at your pictures, so your facial expressions are important to create a good first impression. They will rely on non-verbal communication like your facial expressions to get a sense of who you are.

Headshots: Expressions in headshots are usually more formal. Think of a professional, approachable smile that shows you’re both competent and welcoming. This is the look you would want on a LinkedIn profile or a company website.
Branding photos: Expressions for a branding shoot show off your brand’s personality with a variety of emotions. For instance, smiling broadly in a relaxed setting or looking thoughtful while observing or trying out your products.

Clothing

Whether for branding or a headshot photo shoot, a photography session with me always includes a brainstorming session and recommendations on what you can wear. This ensures you communicate who you are and what you represent in your pictures.

Headshot: Formal attire, like a business suit, is a good starting point for a headshot session. Wear solid colors or subtle patterns to keep the focus on your face.
Branding images: A branding shoot lets you play with brand-appropriate outfits. For example, activewear and sports-related props for a fitness business.

Applications

Content with good images receive 94% more views. However, you need to carefully consider the kind of pictures you use. That’s how you can also differentiate branding and headshots, as there are instances where one would be more beneficial than the other.

Headshot: Headshots are ideal for a LinkedIn profile, company website bio, and an ID badge as they prove your individuality.
Branding images: Branding shots are more versatile, letting you use them in marketing materials, social media posts, and website content.

Quantity

When considering headshots or branding photography, the amount of images you’ll receive can vary.

Headshots: Depending on the photographer, a headshot session may only provide one or a few polished images. The focus is on quality and capturing your best look in these limited shots.
Branding photos: Most branding shoots produce multiple images in a set. These cover a range of poses, settings, and expressions to convey your brand’s story.

Conclusion

Headshots focus on you, presenting a professional and polished image, while branding photos tell a broader story about your business and values. By leveraging both types of photos appropriately, you can create a powerful and versatile visual presence that resonates with your target audience and supports your professional goals.