In today’s complex business environment, graphic assets, like photographs, are just as important as your logo. Your audience’s first impression is always visual, and it’s important to make a good one! Having portraits that can be used in a variety of ways, from websites to social media to business cards, is the best way to ensure your business has a consistent impact. And planning a photo shoot for your business is an exciting step that marks a milestone of professionalism.
However, it can be challenging to understand what type of photo shoot you need, especially if this is your first time having professional photos taken for your business. If you’re a small to medium sized business owner trying to decide between headshots or branding photos, this post is for you. I’m always happy to help businesses in the greater Indianapolis & Cincinnati area decide what option is best for them and where they are in their journey.
What Are Business Headshots?
Business headshots (also called corporate headshots, or just headshots) are traditional posed portraits. These feature a single business professional from the chest up, looking at the camera, and smiling. These can be great for a solopreneur, independent contractors like a real estate agents, or a corporate team in need of simple, clean, flattering images.
Headshots are the perfect way to show off who you are and give a clean first impression without any distractions. A one person session takes no more than 15 minutes. These photos are typically taken in studio, but for businesses looking for have headshots taken of their entire staff, I am happy to travel to your office to capture everyone on the same day. Please feel free to get in touch for a custom quote for on site group headshots.
Some of the most popular ways I’ve had clients use their headshots are:
- Business cards
- Social media profile photos
- Company website pages
- Corporate name badges
- Employee of the month recognition
- Email signatures
- LinkedIn posts
What Are Business Branding Photos?
Business branding photos (also called corporate branding photos, or brand photos) are more comprehensive and bring your brand to life. The types of photographs needed will vary depending on your business; a service based solopreneur business will have a different shot list than a business with a small team and handcrafted items, for example.
These portraits will include props, not just people, to bring your business to life. It might include the products you sell, the tools of your trade, or your unique process. Since corporate brand photos are more comprehensive, a headshot is typically included, as well as some mid and full length photos, with some standing and some sitting. Variety is key for a branding session!
These photo shoots can take anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on the business and the shot list we come up with before the session. Branding photos can be taken in studio, on site, or outdoors. We can work together to choose the best location, based on your vibe and your target audience.
Some of the most popular ways I’ve had clients use their corporate brand photos are:
- Social media posts
- Company website pages
- Marketing & advertising
What To Wear For Your Headshot Photos
For your headshot photos, you are the star! There are no props for distractions, and no colorful backgrounds to steal focus. This means choosing the right outfit is crucial! The good news is that headshots are only from the chest up, so an untucked shirt or mismatched socks won’t be shown.
I work with all my headshot clients to plan an outfit that matches the vibe they want to exhibit, but the key is that you absolutely LOVE your outfit. You should choose something professional, polished, and complimentary. If you don’t feel confident in and love your outfit, you won’t like your photos, no matter how beautiful they are.
Accessories are encouraged, so long as they match and do not pull attention from your features. Plain studs or hoop earrings work wonderfully, because they add interest without pulling focus away from your face. A simple necklace that matches the neckline of your top is also a great way to add personality without causing a diversion.
For folks with long hair, I recommend a simple hairstyle that keeps it away from your face. You are the focus of these portraits and we don’t want anything preventing you from making strong eye contact with the camera.
If you are wearing makeup, I recommend a day to day look that highlights your features. No need for bright and colorful eyeshadow that causes a distraction!
If we are taking headshots for an entire team, there’s no need for their outfits to match, unless there is a uniform that everyone wears day to day.
What To Wear For Business Branding Photos
For the businesses I photograph in the Indianapolis & Cincinnati area, I recommend variety in these photos. You don’t want it to looks like everything was photographed on the same day. And the easiest way to do that is by planning multiple outfits. In my experience, 2-3 is a good amount to aim for.
You might want to consider:
- A sleek professional outfit. This is for marketing and pages on your website that require a more professional feel.
- A business casual outfit. This is for the more laid back, get to know me social media posts and website pages.
- A working outfit. If you have a uniform or clothing you wear with clients (like an apron for an esthetician), this one is important to show your target audience what it’s really like to work with you.
Since these photos are all about bringing your brand to life, it’s important that the clothing chosen matches the vibe of the business. I also encourage you to stick to a palette that compliments your brand colors.
Just like for my headshot clients, it’s important that you love the way you look in the clothes you choose. This photo shoot is all about showing off how amazing your business (and you!) is, and your confidence should be felt in every photo. I always provide styling guidance ahead of time!
Accessories are encouraged, and I would recommend a mix of statement pieces that stand out and really complete your outfit, and staple pieces that you would wear day to day.
For my clients with long hair, I like to change the style through the session, to help provide the range needed to use these photos across platforms. I recommend starting with your hair down, and then styling it up later, to prevent any unwanted creases or bumps.
If you’re planning on wearing makeup, I suggest a step above your day to day look. Something that highlights your features and gives an elegant feel, without distracting. Don’t forget your setting spray, so it stays picture perfect the whole shoot!
Posing For Headshots Vs Posing For Brand Photos
Since a headshot photo is just a chest up, quick portrait, not much posing is required. Of course, I will guide you for the best look and most complimentary pose!
Corporate brand photos, however, require a bit more posing, since we are going for photos of varying look and feel. There will be some lifestyle shots of you doing your work, some shots of your products or materials, and of course, posed portraits of you and/or your team.
With over 5 years of experience posing people, I know just how to prompt you into the perfect confident position. We will do some standing poses, both from the waist up and full body, and some sitting. If you have any features you want to highlight, or anything you are particularly self conscious about, just let me know, and I will adjust your poses accordingly.
Since brand photos will also include props, like your products or items that you use in your business, there will also be different poses that keep your hands busy, showing you in action. Your target audience would love to see pictures of you happy doing the work you love!
Cost Difference Of Headshots Vs Corporate Brand Photos
Because each of these options serves a different purpose, there is a difference in the amount of photos that are included in the cost of these sessions.
Headshots include one photo from the session, with the option to purchase additional images after the session. Typically, one beautiful photo is all that’s needed for the purposes of a headshot photo shoot.
Corporate branding photos allow you to purchase your entire gallery as a package. This gives you the range you need in your photos, while keeping direct control over your budget.
You can find the full list of what is included in each photo shoot here.
How To Decide Between Corporate Headshots and Corporate Brand Photos
Now that you know the difference between business headshots and corporate branding photos, the next step is to decide which one is right for you and your business.
The first step in deciding which option to book is to understand what you need to use the images for, and what message you want to portray to the public and your target audience. That should give you clarity on which choice is right for you!
No matter which photo shoot you need, you’re in the right place! I can help bring your vision to life. And if you’re still unsure what the right call is, feel free to get in touch. I would love to talk through it with you!
The Best For Your Business
Whether you’re a solopreneur, a creative, or a team of professionals, people want to see the real you. Stock images or outdated photos create a disconnect. When your audience sees authentic, professional images that reflect who you are right now, trust builds immediately. From your website to your social media profiles, consistency in your visual branding shows that you take your business seriously.
I am all about communication, and my process is collaborative so that I can provide your dream photos! I love using beautiful light and flattering angles to show you off. You are the face of your business and you should have the best photos of you and your products.
Amanda is a luxury photographer located in Milroy, Indiana specializing in portraits. Her goal is to provide beautiful, high-quality, authentic photos that reveal the true you, and an epic experience that leaves you in awe.
Serving business owners in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Batesville, Greensburg, Columbus, West Harrison, Harrison, Rushville, Shelbyville, Greenfield, Brookville, New Castle, Richmond, Connersville, Columbus, Muncie, and beyond.
