Branding Photos vs Headshots – The Question I Get All the Time
“I already have headshots; why do I need branding photos too?”
Fair question. On the surface, they can look similar…you, in front of a camera, looking put-together and businessy. But headshots and branding photos are doing two completely different jobs on the back end.
A headshot answers one question: what do you look like? or who runs the business?
Branding photos answer a much bigger one: who are you, what do you do, and why should someone trust your business with their time or money?
Headshots Are a Photo. Branding Photos Are an Array of Imagery.
A headshot is a single image — usually a close crop of your face, meant for a LinkedIn profile or an “About” page. That’s it. One photo, one purpose.
Branding photos are a whole library of imagery designed to help explain your business’ worth without ever saying a word. These are the top types of branding imagery I help my clients create:
- Tools-of-the-trade shots — your hands at work, the equipment you use, the process behind what you make or offer
- Behind-the-scenes / process photos — the parts of your business your audience never sees, but that build trust in how you work and sets you apart
- Product photography — your product, styled and shot the way it deserves to be seen
- Space photos — your studio, storefront, or workspace, so people feel familiar with it before they ever walk in or they get a glimpse into the “Employees Only room” if you don’t have a public-facing space
- Personal branding photos — you, beyond the business. The parts of your story that show your values and your “why,” not just your job title
That’s the real difference. Headshots give someone a face to put with a name. Branding photos give someone a reason to trust you — before you’ve said a single word to them.
Why the “Array” Matters
Here’s the part people underestimate about branding photos vs headshots: every one of those branding image types does a different piece of selling for you. And they’re all constantly changing as your business develops and builds (part of why I created the Summit Society!)
Tools-of-the-trade and process photos build credibility. They show you actually know what you’re doing, that you’re an expert in your field, that you’re a real person, and how you show up for your work.
Space photos remove uncertainty. People know what to expect before they show up. They feel familiar with your business, and therefore feel welcome to come in. These photos tear down walls that we build up in our minds.
Product photos let your work speak for itself. It beautifully presents what you make or sell to show their value. It could be photos of your artwork for selling prints or the products in use, or just standard white-backdrop product photographs. These are the second most common branding photo after headshots because their value is easy to see!
Personal branding photos build connection. They show the human being behind the business. Your values and a mission, not just a logo. They help you connect with your audience, showcase your personality and interests, and sets you apart from the faceless businesses. People like to know who they’re giving their time and money to and that you have things in common.
A one-time session gives you a snapshot, a mini look at what a full database of imagery can do. A membership like the Summit Society, though, gives you an ever-building library that never goes stale: fresh content every quarter for your website, social media, email marketing, pitch decks, and print materials — so you’re never caught pulling from a folder of two-year-old photos that don’t look like your business anymore.
Branding Photography Sells Without a Word
This is the piece that matters most: good branding photography builds depth and storytelling into your business — the kind that sells your product or service before anyone reads your copy.
I had a Summit Society member let me know that they were booking clients who specifically referenced the elevated imagery on their website as the reason that they made their decision to move forward. That’s the kind of return on investment and proven value we’re talking about here!
So many people in today’s society decide to spend their money through hours of searching and following brands online before they ever actually reach out. How you show up online matters more now than ever.
If You’ve Only Ever Had Headshots
Hey, I know better than most that headshots have their place. But if you’re trying to build a business people recognize, trust, and remember, one photo of your face isn’t going to carry that weight on its own.
That’s exactly the gap the Summit Society is built to close.
If you’re ready to start working ON your business and not just IN the trenches of entrepreneurship, becoming a Summit Society member will keep you accountable, consistent, and you’ll leave with an ever-growing arsenal of on-brand imagery you can hand right off to your (thrilled) marketing manager (or DIY it with Enji – click here to learn why it’s the best DIY tool!)
If you’re not sold on a membership, start with a one-off session! I offer easy hourly branding shoots for those uncertain at first (and many become members later on!) Click here to learn more either way.
