Headshot vs. Branding Photo: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?

Headshot vs. Branding Photo: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?

If you’re updating your online presence, you might wonder whether you need a headshot or branding photos. They sound similar, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a simple way to understand the difference and choose what fits your needs best.

What Is a Headshot?

A headshot is a close-up photo, usually from the chest up, where you’re looking at the camera. It’s meant to show people who you are in a professional, approachable way. These are perfect for LinkedIn, your company website, Zoom, or speaking engagements.

Headshots are clean, simple, and all about your expression. They work well for just about any profession.

What Are Branding Photos?

Branding photos go a little deeper. These show you in context—working, thinking, laughing, or engaging with your tools, space, or environment. They give people a better sense of what it’s like to work with you. Think of these as visual content you can use across your website, email marketing, social media, or online ads.

Branding photos can include headshots, but they usually involve more variety in poses, settings, and outfits.

Which One Do You Need?

If you just need a clean, updated photo for a business profile or staff directory, a headshot session is perfect.

If you’re launching or refreshing a personal brand, starting a business, or building a presence online, branding photos will give you a bigger range of content to work with.

Still Unsure?

I’m always happy to talk through your needs and help you decide which option makes the most sense. I offer both headshot sessions and full branding packages, and we can even mix the two if you need a little of everything.