Corporate Headshots vs Brand Photography: What’s the Difference?
So you’re looking for new photos for your awesome business. You just need headshots, right? Or would it be helpful to also have some photos of you doing the awesome work that you do? Or even working with a client, or making your craft, or hanging out with your dog, or…?
In this visual-first world where your potential clients are making quick decisions about working with you while endlessly scrolling, it's no secret that your photos are super important.
As a business owner, creative, or entrepreneur, your visual narrative is not just about having a pretty picture — it's the new handshake, high-five, or business-casual hug that introduces you to the world.
You are the storyteller of your brand. With each image, you weave a narrative that communicates your values, services, and personality, creating a real connection with your audience before you even meet.
When it comes to the nitty-gritty of professional photography though, let’s look at the differences between your two big options: corporate headshots and brand photography.
Corporate Headshots: The Professional Persona
Think of LinkedIn. You probably see a lot of high-resolution, smiling professionals, set against a clean, gray backdrop or leaning in a doorframe with their arms crossed. Right?
Corporate headshots serve a specific purpose: to put a face to a name so you remember who that person at that networking event was, or see that there’s a real human behind your communications. These type of photos are often used for company websites, CVs, and social media profiles.
When you work with a corporate headshot photographer, you usually get 10-20 minutes posing in a single location in your professional outfit. Most often, corporate photographers work with corporate companies or even small businesses to get headshots of the whole team with the same look and feel for a professional vibe of the company.
Brand Photography: The Heart and Soul of Your Brand
Ok, let’s talk brand photography now. If corporate headshots are the smiling faces of your team, brand photography is your captivating story. Brand photography breathes life into the values and mission of your brand. Each photo is not merely an image; it's a snapshot of what you stand for and why you exist.
Brand photography goes beyond the individual and captures the vibe of your entire business. It is a versatile medium and can be used across marketing channels including your website, social media, and campaigns. A cohesive collection of brand photos tells a story, cultivating a clear, authentic brand persona and resonating with your ideal audience.
In brand photography, we get to step away from the arms-crossed, big smile, *flash*, “next!” that is corporate photography.
Here, we get to play. Colors, lighting, movement, big outdoor spaces, beautiful indoor spaces, props, tools, pets – we have a lot of options to show off who you are and what you stand for.
Brand photography is decidedly not corporate – it’s personal. Each photo has the potential to create new connections, resonate on an emotional level, and connect the dots between your values and those of your audience.
For example, consider the enchanting brand photography of a luxury spa, depicting serene environments and lavish treatments. Each photo not only highlights the services but also conveys the brand's commitment to relaxation and well-being, effectively drawing in its desired audience.
Key Differences: Style, Use, and Messaging
While the purpose of both corporate headshots and brand photography is to visually represent you and your business, there’s a big difference in style, how you use the photos, and the underlying message.
Style and Vibe
Corporate headshots are standardized, often featuring a clean background and formal attire. Corporate headshots, by design, are more uniform and traditional, maintaining a professional tone.
On the other hand, brand photography is all about personality, storytelling, emotions, and key differentiators. We’ll incorporate different locations, products/props/tools, and a broader range of emotions to create your multifaceted brand image.
Use and Application
Another big difference between brand photography vs corporate headshots lies in their real-life application. Think of brand photography as the versatile all-rounder and corporate headshots as the specialists.
Corporate headshots are used for personal and individual professional endeavors, focusing on matching names and titles with real faces.
Meanwhile, brand photography can be wielded across multiple platforms to bolster a holistic brand identity. You can repurpose your brand photos across various platforms for various purposes, from your website's hero banner to social media to product launches, weaving a consistent story throughout.
Messaging and Storytelling
The choice between these visual tools can also be influenced by the level of storytelling you wish to convey. Corporate headshots tell individual success stories (usually within the confines of a particular professional role or company). On the other hand, brand photography paints a much broader narrative canvas, allowing your products or services to tell a comprehensive brand story.
Your corporate headshot says, "I am part of this team." Brand photography says, "This is our journey, and we want you to be a part of it."
Choosing the Right Path for Your Visual Branding
Your Ideal Audience
Question for you: Who are you trying to connect with?
If the answer is, “potential employers,” then corporate photography is probably your best option right now.
However, if your answer is something more like:
My ideal audience of creative women
Other entrepreneurs and business owners
People who share similar values
Potential clients who love the work that I do and how I do it
Then brand photography is the better option.
Investment
You know what they say, “you get what you pay for.”
Quality brand photography is a worthy investment. It's not just about the aesthetic; it's about the strategic insight and the “I’ve gor your back” collaboration involved. Corporate headshots, in comparison, are a more economical and one-time affair, typically done at a professional studio within a designated session.
Professional Experience
Consulting with a seasoned professional photographer, well-versed in both corporate and brand campaigns, can be super helpful if you’re still on the fence. They can help you navigate the nuances, providing a fresh perspective on how visual storytelling can elevate your business.
