If you run a business, you may have heard the terms professional headshot, personal branding photography, corporate photography and commercial photography. While these types of photography can overlap, they all have slightly different purposes.
As a professional photographer working with businesses and individuals, I believe the simplest way to explain the difference is this:
A headshot introduces you, while personal branding photography shows people who you are, what you do and what your business is about.
Both can be extremely valuable for business owners, professionals and companies. In many cases, I would actually recommend combining professional headshots with a wider personal branding photography session.
What Is a Professional Headshot?
A professional headshot is primarily about you as the face of your business.
It is generally a photograph focused on your face and upper body, and it is particularly useful for:
- LinkedIn profile pictures
- Business websites
- Facebook and Instagram profiles
- Professional biographies
- Business cards
- Company directories
- Online profiles
- Marketing materials
A professional headshot immediately gives potential customers an image of the person behind the business.
For a small business owner, sole trader or professional, this can be particularly important. When somebody is considering using your services, they often want to know who they are actually dealing with.
A professional business headshot can establish a formal and professional tone straight away while also putting a face to your business.
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Why You Don’t Have to Use the Same Headshot Everywhere
One thing I often think businesses overlook is the idea that they need to take one professional headshot and use exactly the same photograph across every social media platform.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with doing this. Having one consistent professional profile photograph can certainly help with your business branding.
However, I personally prefer having a selection of professional headshots.
You could use one photograph for LinkedIn, another for Facebook, another for Instagram and another for your website. They can all still look professional and recognisably be you, while giving you more variety across your online presence.
Having several professional headshots also means you have a collection of images ready whenever you need to update your business profiles or marketing materials.
What Is Personal Branding Photography?
Personal branding photography goes much further than simply photographing your face.
The purpose is to visually communicate you, your personality, your profession and your business.
Rather than simply showing somebody what you look like, personal branding photography can show potential customers what you actually do.
A personal branding photography session could involve photographing you:
- Working with your products
- Using your professional equipment
- In your workplace or studio
- With examples of your work
- Wearing clothing that represents your profession
- Using relevant props
- Working with your hands or equipment
- In formal and relaxed poses
- In different locations
- Carrying out aspects of your normal work
This is one of the reasons I believe personal branding photography can be so powerful.
A single headshot might tell somebody what you look like, but a collection of personal branding photographs can begin to tell the story of your business without you having to say anything.
Personal Branding Photography for Businesses
For many businesses, photographs are an important part of their wider marketing strategy.
A potential customer may find your website or social media profile and immediately want to understand more about you.
Personal branding photography gives you an opportunity to show them.
Instead of simply seeing a photograph of the business owner standing against a plain background, they might see that person in their workplace, using their equipment, creating their products or interacting with something connected to their profession.
That can make the business feel much more personal.
It can also help distinguish your business from competitors who may only have generic stock photography or a single profile picture.
Personal Branding Photography Can Build Trust
One of the biggest benefits of personal branding photography, in my opinion, is the connection it can create between a business owner and a potential customer.
When somebody discovers a business for the first time, they may have questions.
Who is behind the business?
What do they actually do?
What will it be like to work with them?
Are they professional?
Can I trust them?
Good personal branding photography cannot answer every question, but it can help create that initial feeling of familiarity and reassurance.
When people can see the person behind a business, their workplace and the type of work they do, the business can feel much more approachable.
This can be particularly valuable for businesses where customers are going to meet the owner, visit their studio, attend an appointment or have a one-to-one experience.
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Personal Branding Photography Doesn’t Have to Be Serious
There is sometimes a misconception that professional business photography, corporate photography or commercial photography has to look extremely serious.
I don’t agree with that.
A photograph can look professional while still being relaxed, friendly and natural.
In fact, depending on the business, a very serious expression may not communicate the right message at all.
If you work with younger people, families or customers looking for a friendly and approachable service, for example, a more joyful expression might be much more appropriate.
The important thing is that the photographs represent your business and the type of experience you want your customers to have.
What Is the Difference Between Personal Branding and Corporate Photography?
Corporate photography can cover a much wider range of professional photography for companies and organisations.
It might include:
- Corporate headshots
- Team photographs
- Office photography
- Workplace photography
- Corporate events
- Staff portraits
- Company websites
- Annual reports
- Marketing campaigns
Personal branding photography is often more focused on an individual business owner or professional and the personal identity behind their business.
There can certainly be overlap.
For example, a company director could have a professional corporate headshot while also having personal branding photographs taken showing them working within their company.
The right approach depends on what the business wants its photography to achieve.
How Does Commercial Photography Fit In?
Commercial photography is another broad term that can cover photography created for business and marketing purposes.
Commercial photography can involve photographing products, services, people, premises or other aspects of a business for promotional use.
Personal branding photography can therefore form part of a wider commercial photography strategy.
For example, an artist could use commercial photography to promote their artwork while using personal branding photography to show the person behind the artwork.
This is why I don’t think business photography should always be divided into rigid categories.
The most important question is:
What does the business need its photographs to communicate?
Where Should Personal Branding Photos Be Taken?
There isn’t one location that works for every business.
Before a personal branding photography session, I always talk to the client about where they would like the photographs to be taken.
If they already have a location in mind, I will work with them to make the most of it.
If they don’t, there are plenty of other possibilities.
A personal branding session could take place:
- At the client’s workplace
- In their home studio
- In a professional photography studio
- Outdoors
- At another location relevant to their business
Sometimes working indoors can be particularly effective because studio lighting and backgrounds can be carefully controlled. This can produce very clean and professional results.
Outdoor photography can also work extremely well. I generally prefer conditions that aren’t excessively sunny, such as cloudy weather or morning and evening light, as this can create much more manageable conditions.
Ultimately, the location should make sense for the business rather than simply being chosen because it looks good in a photograph.
Choosing Outfits and Props
Personal branding photography gives you much more freedom with clothing and props than a traditional headshot.
I always encourage clients to think about what would genuinely represent their profession.
For example, somebody working in a more formal corporate environment might choose to wear a suit.
An artist might choose to wear their normal working clothes and bring examples of their artwork.
The clothing doesn’t have to be complicated. It simply needs to make sense for the person and their business.
Props can also be incredibly useful.
If you are an artist, bringing canvases, prints or other examples of your work gives us something tangible to photograph alongside you.
This is particularly useful because potential customers can immediately see what you do.
Instead of simply looking at a photograph of an artist, they can see the artist with their artwork.
That is a much stronger way of communicating what the business is about.
A Real Example From One of My Personal Branding Sessions
One personal branding photography session that has stayed in my mind was a session I photographed for a lady who ran an art and painting business.
We actually incorporated both professional headshots and personal branding photography into the same session.
We took several headshots that she could use for her business profile, but the majority of the session was focused on personal branding.
She brought examples of her own artwork with her, and we photographed her with her paintings and art pieces.
We also used different poses and props, including photographs of her sitting on chairs and interacting with her artwork.
The session took place in a studio with her artwork and backgrounds, but despite being professional, it didn’t feel overly formal or strict.
It was relaxed.
That was important because I wanted the photographs to feel like they represented her and her business rather than looking like generic corporate photography.
The photographs showed potential customers much more than simply what she looked like. They showed her as an artist and gave people a visual idea of what her business was actually about.
What made the experience particularly memorable for me was that around a month after the session, she contacted me to tell me that her sales had increased and that she had gained more clients.
Obviously, there can be many reasons why a business grows, so I wouldn’t claim that photography alone caused that increase. However, she told me that the photographs had been helping her business and that she was extremely thankful for the session.
For me, that is exactly what personal branding photography should be about.
Headshots and Personal Branding Photography Can Work Together
I don’t think you necessarily have to choose between the two.
As the example above demonstrates, you can incorporate professional headshots into a much larger personal branding photography session.
This can be a particularly good option if you want a complete collection of photographs for your business.
During one professional photography session, you could have:
- Professional headshots for your social media profiles
- More relaxed portraits for your website
- Photographs showing you working
- Images with your products or equipment
- Photographs in your workplace
- Images using relevant props
- Different outfits and expressions
- Formal and informal photographs
This gives you much more flexibility when marketing your business.
Instead of having one photograph that you use everywhere, you can have a library of professional images ready for different marketing purposes.
How I Plan a Personal Branding Photography Session
I don’t believe that personal branding photography should be a generic process where every business receives exactly the same photographs.
Before a session, I want to understand the business.
I will discuss things such as:
- What the business does
- What type of work the client carries out
- Where they work
- Who their customers are
- What location they would like to use
- What clothing represents their profession
- Whether they have products, artwork or equipment to photograph
- Whether they already have particular photographs or poses in mind
Sometimes a client will already have a list of photographs they want.
Other times, I will have ideas for poses and photographs that could help illustrate their particular profession.
I can then combine those ideas to create a varied collection of images that actually makes sense for that business.
I also like to take both formal and relaxed photographs during a branding session.
Formal Doesn’t Have to Mean Stiff
The two aren’t necessarily opposites.
You can have a photograph that looks professional and formal while still appearing relaxed and approachable.
There are different ways of posing somebody and different expressions that can communicate professionalism without making the person look uncomfortable or overly serious.
That balance is important because your photographs should give potential customers an idea of what it will actually be like to work with you.
So Which Type of Business Photography Do You Need?
If you’re trying to decide between a headshot and personal branding photography, I would first consider what you actually want the photographs to achieve.
If you primarily need a professional photograph for your LinkedIn profile, website profile or social media account, then a professional headshot could be exactly what you need.
A headshot gives you a professional image of yourself and immediately puts a face to your business.
However, if you want to show people what you do, how you work, your personality and what makes your business different, I would recommend considering personal branding photography.
It gives you far more flexibility and allows the photographs to become part of your wider marketing strategy.
And if you’re unsure, you don’t necessarily have to choose.
As I have found through my own photography sessions, combining professional headshots with personal branding photography can give you the best of both worlds.
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Personal Branding Photography in Exmouth and Devon
For businesses and professionals looking for personal branding photography in Exmouth, Devon and the surrounding area, I believe the photography should always be built around the individual business.
There isn’t a single formula that works for every client.
A corporate professional, artist, tradesperson, creative business owner and independent professional could all require completely different photographs.
That is why I take the time to understand what the client does before the photography session.
Whether you need professional headshots, personal branding photography, corporate photography, commercial photography or a combination of different types of business photography, the photographs should have a purpose.
They should help potential customers understand who you are, what you do and what they can expect from you.
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The Most Important Thing Is Showing the Person Behind the Business
Ultimately, professional headshots and personal branding photography both have an important role to play.
A headshot can introduce you.
Personal branding photography can tell your story.
Corporate photography can present your company professionally.
Commercial photography can help showcase your products, services and business.
None of these approaches is automatically better than the others. It depends on what your business needs and how you want potential customers to see you.
For me, the most important thing is creating photographs that make the business owner feel comfortable and give potential customers that same sense of reassurance.
People want to know that they are in safe hands.
They want to feel comfortable with the person or company they are considering hiring.
Professional business photography can help create that first connection, show your personality and give people a better understanding of what they can expect from your business.
That is why, when I plan a personal branding photography session, I don’t just think about taking attractive photographs.
I think about what the photograph is communicating about the person, the business and the experience their customer can expect.
And that is the real difference between simply having a photograph of yourself and using professional photography as part of your business branding.
10 Questions and Answers About Personal Branding and Business Photography
What is the difference between a headshot and personal branding photography?
A professional headshot is mainly about showing people what you look like and putting a face to your business. Personal branding photography goes further by showing who you are, what you do and what your business is about.
A headshot can be ideal for LinkedIn, websites and social media profiles, while personal branding photographs can show you working, using your equipment, interacting with products or working in your usual environment.
Why should I have professional headshots for my business?
A professional headshot can make a big difference to how your business is presented online. It gives potential customers an immediate idea of who is behind the business and can make your online presence feel much more professional and personal.
Rather than using an old phone photograph or an unsuitable picture, professional business photography gives you images that can be used across your website, social media, LinkedIn and other marketing platforms.
Do I need personal branding photography if I already have a headshot?
Not necessarily, but they serve different purposes.
A headshot is excellent for your profile, while personal branding photography gives you a much wider selection of images to use throughout your marketing.
For example, you could have professional headshots for your LinkedIn and social media profiles, alongside personal branding photographs showing you working, using your products or interacting with customers.
For many business owners, combining both is a really useful approach.
What businesses can benefit from personal branding photography?
Almost any business can benefit from personal branding photography, particularly businesses where the owner or individual professional is an important part of the customer experience.
This could include:
- Artists and creative businesses
- Tradespeople
- Independent professionals
- Coaches and consultants
- Beauty and wellbeing businesses
- Small business owners
- Corporate professionals
- Studio-based businesses
- Local service providers
- Online businesses
The photographs can be planned around what you actually do rather than following a generic photography style.
Is personal branding photography the same as corporate photography?
Not exactly, although there can be some overlap.
Corporate photography can include professional headshots, team photographs, office photography, staff portraits and corporate events. Personal branding photography is usually more focused on an individual and the personality, work and story behind their business.
For example, a company director could have a corporate headshot for the company website but also have personal branding photographs showing them working within the business.
What is commercial photography used for?
Commercial photography is generally used to promote a business, its products, services or people.
It can include product photography, workplace photography, promotional images, business portraits and photographs used in advertising or marketing campaigns.
Personal branding photography can therefore form part of a wider commercial photography strategy, particularly when the person behind the business is an important part of its identity.
Where can I have personal branding photographs taken in Exmouth?
Personal branding photography doesn’t have to take place in a traditional photography studio.
Depending on your business, photographs could be taken at your workplace, home studio, professional studio, outdoors or at another location that represents what you do.
For businesses in Exmouth, the location can be planned around the type of business and the image you want to create. Sometimes your own workplace can actually be one of the strongest locations because it gives potential customers a genuine idea of where and how you work.
Do you offer business photography around Exeter and surrounding areas?
Business photography can be particularly useful for businesses across Exmouth, Exeter and the surrounding areas.
Whether you are looking for professional headshots, personal branding photography, corporate photography or commercial photography, the session can be planned around your individual business and what you need the photographs to achieve.
The aim isn’t simply to take a collection of attractive photographs. The images should have a purpose and help potential customers understand your business.
Do personal branding photographs have to look serious and corporate?
No. Professional doesn’t necessarily mean serious.
A personal branding photography session can include both formal and relaxed photographs. The right style depends on your profession and the type of customers you want to attract.
For example, somebody working in a traditional corporate environment may want a more formal appearance, whereas somebody working with families, children or creative clients might benefit from photographs that feel more relaxed and approachable.
The important thing is that the photographs feel appropriate for your business.
Should I choose personal branding, corporate or commercial photography?
It really depends on what you need your photographs to do.
If you mainly need a professional profile photograph, a headshot may be the best option.
If you want to show your personality, your work and what makes your business different, personal branding photography could be more suitable.
If you are representing a larger company, corporate photography may be the better approach, while commercial photography can be useful for promoting products, services and other aspects of the business.
In many cases, these different types of business photography can work together to give you a complete library of professional images.
