How Personal Branding Photography is Different from Headshots: What You Need to Know
When people find out I'm a photographer, the first question I often get is, "Do you shoot weddings?" I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a woman (I’ve heard male photographers don’t get this question as often), but weddings seem to be the go-to genre most people know. But when I tell them I specialise in Personal Branding Photography, the next question is usually, "Oh, like headshots?".
Headshots and Personal Branding Photography are often confused, so I thought it was time to clear things up. Let’s take a quick look at the differences and help you decide what’s best for your needs.
At its core, headshots are professional photos focused on your face, typically for identification or CV purposes. They’re great for showing a clear, well-lit version of you—perfect if someone needs to pick you out of a crowd.
Personal branding photography, on the other hand, goes beyond the basic headshot. It tells a more complete story about who you are, what you do, and why you do it. These images give your audience a window into your personality, work environment, and expertise, creating a deeper connection that can attract your ideal clients.
So, why should you consider investing in personal branding photography over just a headshot? Let’s take a look.
What Personal Branding Photography Includes
Personal branding photography goes far beyond just a headshot. It tells the complete story of who you are, highlighting your personality, work environment, and expertise.
These images create a deeper connection with potential clients, making them feel like they already know you before you’ve even worked together. That kind of trust and familiarity is a game changer, because at the end of the day, people prefer to buy from people. Not faceless businesses. Especially when they’re considering a service.
A personal branding shoot includes a mix of environmental shots - like you working at your desk or interacting with clients - and lifestyle images that show you in action, whether relaxed or dynamic. The session may also feature elements of your brand, such as products, books, or other meaningful props that reflect your values and style.
Altogether, these photos create a gallery that builds trust, positions you as an expert, and strengthens your brand identity.
FAQs
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The best photographic locations have an abundance of soft natural light and an aesthetic that represents your style. If your workplace doesn’t fit the bill we can hire or borrow a studio or location for your shoot. Alternatively we can find a public space that suits your vibe (think coffee shop, downtown urban area, beach…).
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You could ask a favourite client to come along for a small portion of your shoot to act as a model (they’d probably be flattered). If you’re just starting out, wrangle in a family member or friend to play the part. We would only need them for a short time and we can always photograph over their shoulder to give the “sense” of working with a client without including their face.
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I get it, sometimes working on your phone or laptop for a photo looks a bit cliched! We’ll only photograph what feels natural and appropriate to your brand. Done well, props help to add endless variety to your session.
Benefits of Personal Branding Photography
Personal branding photos help establish trust by showing the real person behind your business. Clients want to know who they’re working with, and authentic images that reflect your personality and values make that connection easier. If a potential client is deciding between multiple small businesses that offer the same service, feeling values based a connection could be the deciding factor.
These photos also create a cohesive visual identity across all your platforms - your website, social media, and marketing materials. This ensures your brand looks consistent and professional wherever potential clients find you.
When done right, personal branding photos make your brand more relatable, helping clients feel familiar and comfortable with you before they even reach out. This emotional connection is key to building long-term, loyal relationships.
Real Life Examples
Streamline VA Virtual Assistants
While I’d love for you to just take my word for it, seeing how others have used Personal Branding Photography to take their businesses to the next level is so much more powerful.
So here’s what my client Corrinne from StreamlineVA had to say about how Personal Brand photography has transformed her business:
“The new visuals have enhanced my online presence, leading to increased engagement on social media and a higher click-through rate on marketing campaigns. Clients have responded positively to the authentic representation of Streamline VA, resulting in more inquiries and conversions. Moreover, the professional image has reinforced credibility and trust, which has been instrumental in securing larger contracts and partnerships. Overall, the new branding has not only elevated my business’s visibility but also contributed to its growth and success in a competitive market.”
You can hear more about Corrinne’s experience in this Client Showcase post.
Clare Whitworth Transformational Life Coach
When Clare reached out to work with me she was in the process of launching a new business and was looking to “put herself out there” and attract dream clients from the get go. Her work as a transformational life coach involves helping women at a time when they could be feeling a little vulnerable, overwhelmed and lacking in confidence. Clare knew that in order to connect with potential clients, she needed authentic imagery that showcased her energetic but empathetic nature. She wanted women to know she is someone they can trust to be a cheerleader in their lives. Together we worked on creating a range of images that allowed Clare to showcase her dynamic and stylish personality as well as details that allude to important aspects of her work such as nutrition, self care and styling.
Armed with a full suite of images Clare was able to launch a website and start attracting dream clients almost immediately. You can find her here.
So, is investing in personal branding photography worth it? Absolutely! It’s about so much more than just looking good in a photo. It’s about building trust, connecting with your audience, and creating a visual identity that reflects your business and values across all platforms. With the right personal branding photos, you can showcase your expertise, make your brand more relatable, and stand out from the crowd. Ready to invest in your brand’s future? Let’s make it happen together.
