What Are the Differences Between Headshots and Personal Branding Images?
I’ve been creating headshots and personal branding images in Seattle for almost thirty years. One thing I’ve noticed is that many people, and even some photographers, don’t clearly understand the difference between the two.
What many people consider a headshot is actually a personal branding image. And while a true headshot can certainly be used as part of your personal branding, it may not be the most effective image for every situation.
Both headshots and personal branding images are valuable marketing assets for businesses and individuals. But they serve different purposes, and the key to getting the most from them is understanding where and how each type of image should be used.
Headshots
A headshot is primarily about you and your face.
A great professional headshot should communicate confidence, approachability, professionalism, and personality, often within as a social media profile in a very small space. Your photographer should understand who you are trying to connect with and coach your expression, head position, posture, and body to make sure you will connect with your ideal client.
The goal is to create an immediate connection with the viewer.
Headshots work particularly well for:
- LinkedIn and other social media profiles
- Company team pages
- About pages
- Email signatures
- Business cards
- Professional directories
- Online biographies
- Speaking and networking profiles
Because these images are often displayed relatively small, having a clear view of your face and expression is extremely important.
Personal Branding Images
Personal branding images are more like environmental portraits. They typically show more of your body and can be created in a studio, at your workplace, or on location.
Their purpose is to tell more of your story.
Personal branding photography can communicate what you do, where you work, how you work, and, most importantly, something about your personality. The images can be formal, casual, creative, serious, approachable, or anything in between, depending on your goals and the audience you’re trying to reach.
Personal branding images work especially well for:
- Your website
- Marketing and advertising
- Social media content
- Speaking engagements
- Articles and publications
- PR and media
- Presentations
- Blog posts
- Promotional materials
They give you and your photographer considerably more creative freedom than a traditional headshot.
Why Don’t Personal Branding Images Always Work as Headshots?
The simplest answer is that personal branding images often show too much of you when they’re being viewed in a small format.
Think about your LinkedIn profile photo. It’s a relatively small image, and the viewer needs to be able to quickly see your face, eyes, and expression. If you are standing several feet away from the camera, your face becomes a much smaller part of the image.
That’s why a personal branding portrait that looks fantastic on your website may not work nearly as well as your LinkedIn profile photo.
The reverse is also true. A tightly cropped headshot might be perfect for LinkedIn but provide very little visual information when you’re trying to tell your story on your website.
You Need Both Headshots and Personal Branding Images
When I work with clients in my Seattle studio or on location, I often create both headshots and personal branding images during the same session.
The important thing is to determine how and where the images will be used before the camera comes out.
Head position, expression, posture, clothing, background, lighting, composition, and the amount of environment shown can all be intentionally planned around your goals and your audience.
Rather than trying to create one photograph that does everything, I recommend creating a collection of images that gives you the right visual asset for each situation.
Now That You Know the Difference…
Now you know the important difference between headshots and personal branding images. Take a look at the photographs you’re currently using throughout your business and ask yourself: Am I using the right image for the right purpose?
You may discover that you have a great headshot but very few images that tell the story of who you are and what you do. Or you may have plenty of personal branding images but not a strong, professional headshot for LinkedIn and other profiles.
Both headshots and personal branding images have an important place in your visual marketing. When they’re created with a specific purpose and used in the right context, they can help you present a more professional, authentic, and consistent image of yourself and your business.
And that’s ultimately what good business photography should do: help you communicate who you are before you ever meet your next client.
Charlie Cotugno is the owner of Charles Cotugno Photography and is a Seattle headshot photographer and specialist. His clients range from individuals to Fortune 100 companies seeking consistent corporate headshots. Charlie is also a sought-after speaker on the topic of leveraging photography for career advancement and marketing success, as well as implementing the creative process for innovation in the workplace. To learn about Charlie and the services he offers, visit www.ccHeadshots.com, email charlie@ccHeadshots.com, or call/text 425.501.9725.