If you're looking for photos for your business or work, you might be wondering if you need Headshots or Personal Branding photos. Both types of photography are professional in nature, so I'll break down the differences and list some ways to know if you're going for headshots or personal branding.
Traditionally, a headshot is a really tightly cropped photograph of just your head. It shows the top of your head to your shoulders or so. Over time, the word "headshots" has come to mean a professional photo that goes to your waist or mid-thigh. However long or close the the photo is, a headshot is all about showing your face. When you're putting your headshot on Linkedin or your resume, you're showing people how to recognize you when you walk in the door.
Personal Branding is pretty new style of professional photography, and I think it's a product of social media "influencers." Personal Branding photos might show your face, or might not. They're more lifestyle-looking - showing you on a couch or in a kitchen. They also often include props like a coffee cup, microphone, or tool of the trade. The idea is to get people to feel like they know you and relate to you.
Headshots are more for people who need to feature their face. Actors, Authors, Models, CEOs, Company Presidents need a couple solid headshots. These headshots are for LinkedIn, book jackets, the staff page on a website, and press features. You want to look great in your headshot, and show a bit of personality.
Personal Branding is best for those who run their own business or anyone who is marketing themselves as a brand for any reason. It's less corporate, and more personable. You might get a headshot or two in your personal branding package, but the bulk of the photos feature your personality.
Either way, you should have fresh hair color (if you color your hair), and ideally be a week in to your latest haircut. I recommend having your makeup professionally done, because what looks great in person is not the same as what looks great on camera. We have professional stylists who are experienced in camera-ready makeup, so that you look your absolute best!
What to wear is a complicated conversation, so for the sake of simplicity, my general rules are: Solid colors, fitted / figure-hugging shapes and fabrics, and 3/4 or longer sleeves. Those rules aren't written in stone... they can be broken, but you can't go wrong following them!
If you'd like to talk about your business photography needs and figure out what's best for you, contact me HERE