Hey there! I’m Ingrid Barnhart, your Austin portrait photographer. Ever wondered what sets headshots apart from branding photos? You’re not alone! Let’s dive into this hot topic and uncover how each type can elevate your personal and business image. Ready to discover the magic behind the lens? Let’s get started!
Headshots: The Classic Professional Look
What Are Headshots? Imagine a headshot as your professional greeting. It’s a closely framed photo of your face, typically from the shoulders up, crafted to present you in the most polished and friendly manner possible.
Key Features of a Great Headshot:
- Simplicity: The background is plain or blurred to keep the focus on you.
- Expression: We’re aiming for confident and friendly. You want to look like someone people want to do business with!
- Lighting: Good lighting is crucial. It should be even and flattering to bring out your best features.
- Wardrobe: Dress the part! Choose professional attire that’s simple and won’t distract from your face.
When You Need a Headshot:
- LinkedIn profiles
- Company websites
- Business cards
- Networking events
- Actor portfolios
Branding Photos: Telling Your Unique Story
What Are Branding Photos? Branding photos go beyond standard headshots, capturing the essence of who you are and what your business represents. These images are more dynamic, featuring various settings, props, and multiple outfits. They can also showcase your team or business partners. Your branding photos need to reflect your “brand,” including its colors, vibe, and personality. Everything aims to communicate your brand to your clients or potential clients. If you’re unsure how to unify your aesthetic, you can use tools like Canva to help select and incorporate your brand’s colors into your photoshoot. This great article provides guidance on choosing and using a cohesive color palette.
Key Features of Awesome Branding Photos:
- Variety: We’ll mix in headshots, action shots, and lifestyle images to show different facets of your personality and business.
- Storytelling: Each photo will contribute to your overall brand narrative. Whether it’s you in action, your workspace, or your products, every shot will help tell your story.
- Personal Touch: These photos can be more casual and intimate, creating a connection with your audience.
- Creativity: There’s room to play! We can use different locations, props, and lighting techniques to capture the essence of your brand.
When You Need Branding Photos:
- Personal and business websites
- Social media profiles and posts
- Marketing materials (brochures, flyers, ads)
- Blog posts and articles
- Speaking engagements and promotional events
How I Help You Choose the Right Photos
Understanding Your Goals: The first step is to chat about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to update your LinkedIn profile, launching a new business, or rebranding your existing business and need to create a cohesive visual identity? We’ll discuss your specific objectives to ensure your photos effectively represent your brand and resonate with your target audience.
Exploring Your Brand: If you need branding photos, I’ll dive into your brand’s identity. What are your values, who’s your target audience, and what makes you unique? This helps me craft a photoshoot that aligns with your brand.
Planning the Shoot: Once I understand your needs, we’ll plan the shoot. For headshots, we’ll focus on perfecting the lighting and expressions. For branding photos, we’ll brainstorm locations, props, and scenarios that help tell your story.
Final thoughts
Both headshots and branding photos are powerful tools in the professional world. By understanding and explaining the differences to you, I can ensure you get images that truly reflect your needs. Whether you’re aiming for a polished professional look or a vibrant brand narrative, I’m here to help you shine.
So, let’s capture some amazing photos and make you stand out!
