Hey, there Boss Babes! Whether you’re an entrepreneur, influencer, or freelancer you’ve probably wondered at some point, “Do I need headshots or personal branding photos?” It’s a legit question, especially when you’re trying to make sure every dollar you spend counts. So let’s break it down.

The Good Ol’ Headshot

First up, the classic headshot. Think of it as the passport photo of your professional life, but way more flattering and (these days) with more personality. Here’s the scoop:

What it is:

• Traditionally, headshots are close-up images of your face from the shoulders up sprinkled with some ¾ length shots. I personally like to incorporate more of the 3/4 length shots for business headshots.
• It’s designed to show off your best features and make you look approachable, professional, and trustworthy.
• I will say that headshots have come a long way and now showcase more of their subject’s personality (at least they do here at BGP). Whether that is through the clothing selections, background choices, or simply a more authentic approach.

Where you use it:

• LinkedIn or other social platform profiles
• Company websites (“About Us or ”Meet the Team” pages)
• Conference speaking bios
• Your mom’s fridge (she’s proud of you!)

Why you need it:

• Headshots put a face to a name. It’s a friendly wave and a “Hello” to potential clients.
• First impressions matter. A good headshot says, “I am professional, approachable, good at what I do and ready to help.”

Personal Branding Photography

Now, let’s chat about personal branding photography. Think of it like this, if a headshot is like a friendly wave and a “Hello”, then a personal branding photoshoot takes that introduction a step further to help you truly connect, captivate, and continue the conversation with your ideal clients!

What it is:

• Personal branding photos go beyond your face. They tell a story about who you are, what you do, and the driving force behind it all – your why.
• These shots can include you working, interacting with clients or your team, or even just chilling in your favorite café in addition to headshots and images that showcase your products and services.

Where you use it:

• Throughout your website, especially the “About Me” page
• Social media posts and profiles
• Marketing materials, like brochures and business cards
• Blog posts (like this one!)

Why you need it:

• People don’t just buy products or services; they buy a feeling and an experience… they buy from you because of your story, expertise, and passion for what you do. Personal branding photos let your personality shine through and build a connection with your audience.

So, Which One Do You Need?

Here’s the thing – both have their place in your professional toolkit.

Go for headshots if:

• You are at the beginning stages of entrepreneurship or brand development but want to establish an online presence.
• You’re looking to update your LinkedIn or other social profiles or need a professional image for formal settings.
• You’re on a budget but still need to present a polished image.

Opt for personal branding photography if:

• You want to create a cohesive and engaging online presence.
• You’re looking to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
• You have multiple platforms to manage and need a variety of images and/or a content library.

Investing in professional photography is about more than just looking good. It’s about making a statement and telling your story to resonate deeply with your ideal clients. Whether you go for headshots, personal branding photos, or a mix of both, remember: the goal is to showcase the real you. Because, at the end of the day, that’s what people connect with – authenticity.

So, next time you’re prepping for a photoshoot, think about what message you want to send. Do you need a killer headshot for people to put a face to the name? Or is it time to attract your tribe and let you and your brand’s personality shine with some personal branding photos? Either way, you’ve got this!

Ready to Book Your Shoot?

Are you ready to elevate your online presence? Let’s do this! I can’t wait to help you connect more with your ideal clients.