What’s the difference between headshots and personal branding photography?

Blog updated on 10/19/2025

It’s likely you know what to expect when you book a headshot photo session, but do you know what a personal branding photo session is and what’s different about it?

Headshot Session

A headshot photo session is for individuals or a team that is looking for consistent photos for their website, resume, or social media profile. The headshot session can be taken outside, in an office space, or in a rented studio. A headshot is typically a close-up photo; sometimes, I get requests to have a half-body or full-body headshot. You are smiling and looking directly at the camera. These simple or traditional headshots are best for a job application, social media profile photo, or on your website (the About Me or About Team page).

Personal Branding Session

A personal branding photo session, on the other hand, is so much more than a headshot session. I like to describe it as a business lifestyle photography session.

Personal branding photos are perfect if you own a business because these photos paint a picture of who you are, what you do, who you serve, and your brand stories. All of these are important to build your know, like, and trust with your ideal audience. The best part? Headshots are included in a personal branding photography session!

Personal branding photo sessions can be done in any location of your choice. Typically in a location that showcases where you work. However, most of us work from home and don’t feel comfortable doing a photoshoot at our home. Not to worry! There are lots of options, like renting a photography studio, an apartment, or even a house. These places offer different backdrops, furniture, and props that can match your brand vibe.

You might ask: “I’m not a solo business owner; I have a team. Can I benefit from a personal branding photography session?” Yes, definitely! You can also have more than one person participate in your personal branding photo sessions, like your team or a model/friend to be your client. These team or action photos showcase your business culture or how you work with your client (in person or virtual).

The branding session poses can be as fun and silly as you want. The main thing is to capture your personality so your audience and ideal clients can connect with you. You could look directly at the camera, look to the side, interact with your partner or team, work on your laptop, or throw confetti! How fun is that?!

Where can you use these personal branding photos?

These personal branding photos can be used in so many different ways. Here are just a few examples:

1. Website
2. Social media posts
3. Newsletter
4. Brochures
5. Business cards

Need more ideas? Check out my blogs – 5 Ways to Use Your Branding Photos (Part 1 and Part 2).

Which session is right for you?

How do you know if you need a headshot session or a personal branding session? Ask yourself these questions:

1. What’s my goal for hiring a photographer?
   1. I need a simple headshot for my website’s ‘About Me’ page or my LinkedIn profile; a headshot session is right for you.
   2. I need a variety of photos with different outfits to showcase what I do and for my marketing needs; a mini branding session or a full branding session is right for you.

1. How much time can I put aside for a photoshoot?
   1. I only have about 15 – 30 minutes; a headshot session or a mini branding session is right for you.
   2. I’m available for at least 2 hours or more; a full branding session is right for you.

1. What’s my budget?
   1. $150 – $500; a headshot session or a mini branding session is right for you.
   2. $1500 – $3000; a full branding session is right for you.

Before you decide on a headshot or personal branding photographer, I highly recommend you get on a discovery call or consultation with a few photographers and ask lots of questions. You should feel comfortable with the photographer before you hire them to ensure that your photos will come out natural and authentic.

If you are still unsure which photo session you need after reading this blog post, no worries!

Schedule your discovery call, and I’m happy to answer any questions you have. Let’s chat!