When it comes to professional photography for your business, it’s easy to assume that a headshot will check all the boxes. While professional headshots are the essential first step in photography for entrepreneurs and small-business owners building a brand, they can only capture a fraction of what makes you and your business unique. They are not always enough to tell the full story of your brand and that’s where branding photography comes in.
Professional Headshots are perfect when simple is what you’re looking for, but Branding Photography is there for when your brand needs a little more.
What are Professional Headshots?
A professional headshot is a polished portrait that generally captures you from the shoulders or waist up. Its primary goal is to present you as confident, professional, and approachable. Headshots are commonly used for LinkedIn profiles, business cards, company websites, and speaking engagements. If you don’t have a set of headshots, you’ll likely run into a stumbling block when the time comes that you need them.
Professional Headshots are ideal for anyone who:
- Is a small-business owner who doesn’t have a set of headshots yet, or has outdated headshots.
- Uses LinkedIn and needs to update their profile picture
- Needs a professional portrait for their resume
- Has to provide a headshot to their employer
- Needs a portrait for a speaker biography or a one-pager
Key Features:
- Usually close-up or waist-up framing
- Neutral backgrounds at one location, with three outfits for versatility
- They have a professional feel and are versatile for business needs
Professional headshots are perfect when you need a clean, consistent image that communicates your credibility. They’re a budget-friendly option when your visual presence is limited or when you’re part of a larger organization where consistency across team portraits is important.
What is Branding Photography?
Branding photography builds on the foundation of a headshot, but adds depth, personality, and context. It includes a variety of branding images that help your audience connect with your work, values, and visual style. These sessions are ideal for entrepreneurs, coaches, realtors, creatives, and small-business owners who want to show up consistently across their website, marketing materials, and social media.
Branding Photography is ideal for anyone who:
- Is an entrepreneur, small-business owner, coach, creative, realtor, or anyone who wants to bring their brand to life
- Needs a collection of images to use across their marketing (think website banners, blog posts and email newsletters etc.)
- Is looking for branded images that they can use for an extended time (our Branding Experience session will give you enough content for a whole year!)
Key Features:
- A variety of settings and wardrobe changes
- Locations that help bring out the personality of your brand
- Lifestyle portraits that show your process and work environment
- Branding images that reflect your values, personality, and client experience
- Social media-ready content designed to help you show up consistently online
With branding photography, your portraits show you in your best light while also highlighting how you work, how clients experience your services, where you work, and what sets your business apart. These portraits give you a collection of marketing images you can use across every part of your online presence.
Whether your style is more corporate or colorful, our professional headshots and branding photography will help you show it.
When to choose a Branding Session over Professional Headshots
Professional headshots serve a purpose, but for small-business owners, headshots are not always enough for what you need. Your audience wants to get a sense of who you are, how you work, and what they can expect from you. If you don’t have images that portray that as yet, or you find yourself using the same couple of images every time, it’s time to book a branding session. Remember: a well-rounded collection of branding images helps you connect, build trust, and attract the right clients.
Our branding sessions go beyond just taking beautiful images (though we’ll do that, too!). We help you select outfits, locations, and props that feel natural and on-brand. From the planning stage to your portrait session through to editing and final image delivery, our process is built to help you show up confidently online. Whether your brand is colorful and fun, or more refined and professional, we’ll create images that feel true to you.
Branding sessions give you the content you need to:
- Keep your website and marketing fresh
- Maintain consistency across all your platforms
- Support launches, promotions, or events
- Create evergreen content for blogs and social posts
- Showcase the personality behind your brand
- Stand out against competitors in your industry
A headshot may introduce you to your audience. Personal branding photography helps them remember you. People connect with people, and when they can see your values, your energy, and your professionalism in a portrait, they are more likely to engage.
Which One Do You Need?
If your only goal is a few professional portraits for your resume or company website, a headshot session is a smart choice. But if you’re launching a business, updating your site, or working to grow your personal brand, investing in branding photography gives you the variety and flexibility to keep your content engaging and relevant.
Be You, With Us
At Teresa Porter Photography, we offer both professional headshots and branding photography sessions, and we’ll help you choose which is right for you. Whether you’re starting a new job, refreshing your LinkedIn profile or building a stunning collection of website branding images and content for social media, we’ll tailor your session to your goals and help you achieve them.
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