As a photographer in Brighton, one of the most frequently asked questions I hear is ‘What’s the difference between personal branding and headshot photography?’
There’s a lot of overlap between these two styles that can make understanding their differences a little tricky. They’re both methods of photography that put people in the focus and can be used for very similar purposes, so what sets them apart?
To make things a little clearer, I’ve put together a quick, no-nonsense guide looking at both headshot photography and personal branding. Get to grips with the differences and find out which style is right for you with these jargon-free descriptions.
Headshots fall under the umbrella of portrait photography.
These tend to be quite formal, professional shots that focus on the face and shoulders for a close-up image. You might also see headshots with a slightly wider frame, incorporating folded arms for a look that means business.
As a Brighton photographer, I’m most commonly asked to take headshots for professionals. These images are used on websites, LinkedIn profiles, and business cards, putting a friendly face to a brand name and personalising businesses.
It’s also a popular format for modelling portfolios. A pared-back image that captures your unique look is exactly what you need to land the top jobs.
I’ve taken headshots for clients on dating sites, too, giving their profiles a photogenic lift so that they might be lucky in love, and for social media influencers building flourishing careers online.
Personal branding photography is also focused on you.
These images capture your character or brand identity, looking beneath the surface of a formal headshot to uncover what makes you you.
Want to be photographed on a horse? Go for it. Fancy a photo in front of your handmade handbags? The more the merrier! Personal branding photography is all about fun, creative shoots that thrive on unique ideas.
This style of Brighton photography is super popular among small business owners. Rather than a formal headshot, we’ll capture the essence of your identity and show exactly what sort of brand you’re bringing to Brighton.
I’ve already mentioned a few sneaky differences between headshots and personal branding, but let’s take a closer look at exactly what sets these two photography styles apart.
I also wanted to quickly mention location shoots, which I do frequently as a photographer in Brighton (it’s one of the coolest cities to use as a backdrop!). Both headshots and personal branding can be done on location, though it is a little more frequent for headshot photographers to stick to the studio.
Looking for a Brighton photographer to take your photo? I can help.
I’m Hannah and I specialise in headshots and personal branding photography, capturing what makes you unique for images that really do speak a thousand words. From fun, Brighton-based photography for your social media to a headshot for your business bio, we can work together to capture the perfect shot.
To chat about my Brighton photography services or book a shoot, send me a message or give me a call at +44 7976 846 810. I’m always ready for a natter, so fire away!