Just how DO personal branding photos and corporate headshots differ? If you’ve been reading any marketing materials lately, or attended networking meetings, or looked at what people are posting, you might be wondering about this. And how the answer applies to you.
Let’s dive in.
Here’s the topline on personal branding photos:
Personal branding photos show who you are, what you stand for, and what you’re all about. These images are meant to represent your unique brand and message. They’re used on social media, websites, and other places where you want prospective customers and partners to get to know you. And they help people visualize your brand, your mission, your values. That’s how they establish a unique brand identity for you — and no one is you but YOU, so you want to ensure that the images you use are unique and distinctive.
This client used this branding photo of a group of nutritionists and friends having a food fight. She paired it with a traditional headshot and a stunning yoga portrait to portray that her nutrition and wellness business is effective, hip, and real.
In addition, personal branding photos can be used in marketing materials, on speaker profiles, book bios and more.
Personal branding photos can be taken in a variety of settings and styles, depending on what suits you the most. They can be shot in our studio or on location, and range from super buttoned-up and professional to more casual or lifestyle-revealing.
For instance, check out these mini-portfolios. All different, all unique, and all very much about the individual brands:
So what about corporate headshots?
Corporate headshots are photographs that capture the subject’s head and shoulders, typically used for business profiles, corporate websites, resumes, and avatars for social media such as LinkedIn. Headshots should be professional, well-lit, and focused on the person’s face, providing a clear image of the subject’s appearance. It’s totally fine to do something different — just be sure it’s authentic. If you’re not recognizable, it’s a gimmick. Gimmicks can work, but only in the short-term.
In the past, headshots were usually formal and only featured a plain background with the person’s name and job title included. However, in recent years, headshots have expanded to encompass more casual poses and more natural expressions. This one, which I love, combines an energetic, engaging laugh with a retro black-and-white finish for a bit of a dramatic “oomph.”
We have a variety of headshot packages, ranging from 30 minutes (let’s get that one shot, people!) to 2 hours, which allows for outfit changes, different looks and varied backgrounds.
And let’s not forget about publicity photos!
Publicity photos are photographs that are taken for public relations purposes, such as press releases, magazine articles, and other promotional materials. They are designed to convey a message, story, or image to the public, typically featuring celebrities, public figures, or organizations. They’re usually time-dependent. There’s a book release, for instance. Or a conference where you’re speaking. Or a big piece of news about you or your company, as in the shot of a conversation between two co-CEOs that was used in the press multiple times:
Publicity photos can be taken in a variety of settings and styles, depending on the purpose of the photo. They can be shot on a set, on location, or in a studio, and can be formal or informal in style. The focus of publicity photos is to tell a story, promote a product or service, or showcase a public figure.
So which photo(s) should YOU get?
It’s not as hard as it seems to make the decision. If you work for a mid-sized or large business, you’re going to want a traditional headshot for sure. It can be used for internal communications and to put a face on the company for clients and prospects. It can double as your LinkedIn photo if you want.
Usually a traditional headshot is part of a portfolio of personal brand photos, where you extend yourself a little more. If you own your own business or have an active podcast or blog, you’ll want to let people in a little more to see the real you.
And if you have big news, don’t miss the opportunity to show yourself off in a new light with publicity photos.
Want to discuss to figure out what you need? We have packages and custom shoots that will meet any and all of your needs. Just reach out — we’re here for you!
Co-owner of Headshots NYC, Deutsch Photography & Gotham Family Photos. Lover of images & the stories they tell. Fanatic about words, numbers & patterns. Entrepreneur & adventurer w/keen wanderlust. Life/love/business partner of my husband, photographer Brett Deutsch. Eternal love affair with NYC, where I landed by way of GA, TX & CA.
