You have come to the conclusion you need some professional photos for your small or medium sized biz. You’ve likely heard a few buzz words dropped like: Headshots, branding photography, personal branding photography, lifestyle photography or environmental portraits. You think to yourself, ‘ok, what’s the difference?’ and what should I get?
Here’s how I explain the differences to my potential clients:
You need photos to tell your story to the world. When people are looking for a business these days, they are not going to look in the yellow pages (yes, I am that old and if you don’t know what yellow pages are then just shoot me now and throw me in the grave because now I feel really old).
People generally do a search online or on social media to find out more about your business.
Having a good photo of you is essential, it helps you get your personality across. Do you just need something like a profile pic or LinkedIn photo? Or do you need to overhaul or even create a website? Do you need to create ads, brochures or other correspondence? Do you need regular social media content? What stories or information do you need to share?
Answering some of these questions for yourself, may help you determine if you require a headshot or a branding shoot which is a little more dynamic.
So what’s the diff?
A head shot is often a simple image or small combination of images that are usually from the waist up, showing your personality, and a clear facial expression.
A branding shoot tends to dig a little deeper, it will in all likelihood incorporate a few headshots, but also requires you to get clear on your messaging by working with your photographer on a photo plan that addresses your message and value statement. It is specifically tailored to your business and personality.
A brand shoot or personal brand shoot (often these words are tossed around with the same meaning) should end in you receiving a personalized bank of images that reflect who you are, your message and who your ideal clients are.
We start by having you answer a few questions about yourself and your business. I have a planning guide for the basics and then we schedule a planning call where we go over all the details, discuss your vision and develop a photo plan that includes wardrobe, location and prop ideas. The best thing about this process is when shooting day rolls around, WE HAVE FUN.
It’s less a chore and more of an adventure.
So what about just head shots then? When should I just get those?
Having a headshot seems simple enough, but there are still tons of professionals who do not have one or it’s 10 years old and no longer really represents who they are. A head shot is the bare minimum required of you as a professional or business owner. How many times have you been asked by someone to provide a photo of yourself? Whether it’s for a podcast intro, the company website – your OWN website, speaking engagement or something else, don’t be left scrambling for a decent pic! If this sounds like you, it’s time to consider a head shot.
People prefer to engage with someone they feel they can visualize. The good ol’ know, like, trust factor always plays into people’s decision making when choosing to work with you over somebody else.
Do I want my head shots or brand shoots to be real life or styled?
My style of shooting and advice, particularly when planning for a brand shoot is this: Come to your shoot as authentic as possible, without overdoing the snazz factor. (Ok, snazz may not be an official word, but I am going with it).
What I mean is yes, you will still likely want to get a little polish on, but if you’re the type to never wear make-up and live in jeans and a T, you’re not going to show up to your shoot with a full face of make-up, false lashes, a sequined dress and a t-cup poodle popping out of your handbag. You will want to tidy your hair, add a bit of make-up and wear clothes you are comfortable in or clothes that you would see clients in. We don’t need to fake anything here, that’s not what a branding shoot is about.
You are building a personal brand and that means even if you think your life is pretty plain and boring, you are exciting and unique to an outsider. There is only one you and that’s what makes what you unique.
Hey, I feel this way about myself too, who would be interested in my life? Turns out plenty of people! I get messages all the time I would never expect and it’s all me just being me. There is no point in creating a version of you that does not exist, it will only confuse your followers and clients!
So what’s best for you in the end?
If you are creating a brand or updating it, revamping your website and or creating content for social media, a brand shoot is definitely in the cards for you.
If you need to update your profile pic on LinkedIn or other sources, need a photo for a speaking engagement or guest appearance or just want to try something new to dip your toes in professional imagery, a headshot session is likely the right call.
Outdoor Headshots
Basically it boils down to this:
A brand shoot requires more time, in depth planning and will give you a wide variety of images to use across all aspects of your business while a headshot session is quick, pretty straight forward and only requires a quick email or chat to get you prepared. It will also yield you only a couple of key images to get you where you need to be.
If you are thinking of either option for your biz, drop me an email HERE.
You can also sign up for my newsletter where I periodically give out great tips for all things branding photography, as well as the downlow on upcoming sales, and what’s going on in the life of a brand photographer.
Stay happy my friends.
