What is the Difference Between a Personal Branding Session & a Traditional Headshot Session?
No matter what business you are in, it is essential to have a portfolio of professional photographs that showcase who you are and what you do best. That being said, not all professional portraits or headshots are the same. The two most popular are personal branding sessions and the traditional headshot session. Although they both aim to help you and your business look their best, there are some major differences. Choosing the right one for you can be an excellent investment in your future success. So let’s talk below about each so that you can make the best decision as to what is best for you.
Traditional Headshot Session
A traditional headshot session is what most people think of when having a professional headshot done. Usually, the person will be in a few standard formal poses with a backdrop that tends to be gray, black, white, or mimics an office setting. These sessions usually have the person looking straight into the camera. Formal headshot sessions are typical in corporate environments where the desired effect is a generally clean and cohesive look for all employees. A traditional headshot is also often used when the desired message is confidence, power, and leadership.
Personal Branding Session
A personal branding session is much more informal. The poses tend to be natural and casual, and many times that person will be interacting with props or in the environment where their business takes place. The person may not even look directly into the cameras for the photos to create a candid feel. A more casual dress style is usually worn. This is where you can break out all your favorite patterns and accessories. Personal branding sessions can be geared towards use on blogs, personal websites and other social platforms. This kind of photography is very popular with entrepreneurs and business owners whose brand is their personality and connection with their audience.
Choosing Which Is Best
Knowing your audience, work environment, and the overall goal of the photos will help you decide if a traditional shoot or personal branding shoot is the right choice for you. If your business is about you being front and center in everything it encompasses, then personal branding may be right for you. If you are part of a larger company or group, then traditional may be the way to go.
If you feel a bit unsure about which best suits your career or business, reach out to the photographer you are interested in working with. They have the skillset and knowledge of the industry to help point you in the right direction for your corporate photography or professional portraits.
At Kat Squibb Portraits, I have years of experience helping professionals look and feel their very best in traditional headshots and personal branding sessions. Let me help you bring the vision you have for your business to life by highlighting what makes you so unique and dynamic. I have a passion for making my clients feel comfortable and have fun while taking great photos!
