I’m sure if you ask 100 photographers you’ll get 100 different answers but here’s my take on the difference between headshots and business branding
For me a traditional headshot is simply that – a head and shoulders portrait of what you look like. Similar to what actors use for their agents. But now, in the days of social media, busineses are learning that showing the people behind the business is crucial to making connections with your customers. That’s where business headshots and business branding comes in.
Business Headshots
What you look like
I see these as a way of introducing what you look like to your customers. We may include some small tools of your trade like a notebook or a whisk to help potential clients understand what you do but essentially this is just a picture of you. These sessions are quick, about an hour, without too much pre-session pre-amble. There will, of course, be a chat beforehand about what you need eg company colours, clothing choices etc… but it won’t be too in depth. This is an excellent starter for anybody with a new business who needs a few images to get their website and social media going.
Business Branding Photoshoots
What you stand for
Business branding photoshoots are a much more detailed affair. A business branding session is all about getting down to the nitty gritty of who you are , who you serve, how your business looks and feels, what your messsage is and how and where you want to position yourself in the market.
In short, business branding photoshoots tell the story of your business. It’s possibly the quickest way to help you increase visibility about your business. No more scrabbling around for stock images or quickly taken phone snaps. Every time you want to make a post or write a blog post you’ll have a suitable image to illustrate it. But branding images are more than just about making your life easier. Theyll also let your brand shine in a crowded market place, you’ll have a cohesive brand style so your business is instantly recognised on the web and your brand images will help you attract the right sort of customers, collaborators and investors. and these are just the tangible benefits. On a more subliminal level you’ll experience more confidence and feelings of selfworth about your business, you’ll have more clarity about the direction and goals of your business and they maybe just help you feel more professional.
So what sort of images might you expect from a branding photoshoot? Well of course there will be images of you, you will still need some simple headshots to let your audience know who you are, perhaps for conferences and your linked in profile etc. But business branding images go beyond the simple headshot. There will be images of you doing what you do – whether that is baking cakes, running a fitness class or coaching a client. We’ll cover behind the scenes images, the stuff your clients don’t normally see, ie buying and sorting ingredients, writing a workout plan or doing some research. If you are a small business or sole trader you may want to include images of your life eg walking with your dog, playing with your children, having a glass of wine or going for a run. These sorts of images always do well on social media because it helps your audience really get to know you and identify with you. And not forgetting the all important product shots if you are a maker or creator.
