What is the Difference Between Personal Branding and Headshots?

If you’re a professional, entrepreneur, speaker, author, consultant, or coach, you’ve probably considered getting professional photos taken. And for good reason – we know that your personal brand is what sets you apart and helps you get jobs, attract clients, and build your business. But how do you know what type of professional photos are right for you? As a Milwaukee professional photographer, this is our area of expertise! In this blog, we explore the difference between personal branding photos and headshots and give some tips for choosing which type of session is right for you.

Personal Branding

As shared in this blog post, your personal brand is what others say about you when you’re not in the room. In other words, it’s how people think about and describe your business, products, or services. Personal branding is the intentional process of building that brand perception.

Personal branding photos showcase the breadth of your personality, service offerings, and products. They give your audience a clear sense of what it’s like to work with you, which builds trust and credibility. Personal branding images are perfect additions to your business’s website. When married with strong content, they create a cohesive brand that allow your potential clients and customers a preview into the experience of working with you.

Many businesses also use personal branding photos to create content for blog posts, newsletters, LinkedIn, and social media. Having a portfolio of images to choose from ensures that you have a variety of cohesive, engaging material. The more you can show up to your audience with consistency and intentionality, the more it builds their trust in you and creates a desire to work with you.

Branding photos are also crucial for other marketing pieces, like brochures, billboards, media kids, book jackets, and promotional materials. They go beyond the standard headshot to give your audience a glimpse into who you are and how you can serve them.

Professional Headshots

Traditional, professional headshots are essential for nearly everyone in the working world. A great headshot shows your commitment to your profession and gives the viewer a sense for your personality. They show that you are invested in yourself, and give people a strong first impression of you. And headshots don’t have to be boring! You can get creative with fun poses, backgrounds, and expressions that bring out your uniqueness.

Most professionals use their headshots on LinkedIn, business cards, company websites, and email signatures, but there are many places that having a strong headshot can be helpful. And if you’re in a profession like speaking, acting, or modeling, it’s a good idea to have multiple headshots that show off the different aspects of who you are.

Personal Branding vs. Professional Headshots – How do I choose?

If you’re looking to start with a strong foundation, a professional headshot session is a perfect place to start. You’ll get a handful of great images that will put you on the right track to standing out in your industry. I offer Headshot Marathons every few months designed to do just this! While it’s a shorter session, you’ll still be treated to professional hair and makeup or men’s grooming, guided into flattering poses, and we’ll photograph multiple outfits to give you that great variety.

If you’re ready for the next level of photos, a personal branding session is perfect for you. I commonly photograph business owners, entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, speakers, and more to give them beautiful portfolios that can be used across their website, social platforms, marketing materials, and more. This session is perfect for content creators or people that need to show up regularly as the face of their business.

Whether you’re ready to freshen up your look with a headshot session or get the full custom personal branding experience, we’d love to help you create professional portraits you feel proud of. Fill out my inquiry form and we’ll be in touch!