Headshots have a place but does it really convey you, your business, or your art? Let’s look at headshots vs. personal branding portraits. Not sure what personal branding is? Well, this might help.
Do you feel a headshot can be a little stuffy but is necessary for your brand, or your art? I am finding that many small business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives need more than just one photo of their face. Images that tell more about them and what they do. A more authentic depiction of your life’s work, your art.
If you are new to the terminology “Personal Branding” read Rise of the Personal Brand and then come back.
The term “Headshots” has come to mean portraits used for business purposes and auditions and often are more than just a photo of your head and shoulders. I do see a distinction between a headshot and a portrait used for Personal Branding. Don’t get me wrong, headshots have their place and are a part of every Personal Branding session we do at Wohler & Co. But portraits can be so much more. If you are unsure of the difference let’s explore some of the differences.
Take headshots to the next level
How I see it; headshots serve one purpose, to show your face. A great use is social media profile photos or company directories where people want to see the face of the person they are interacting with online or via email. Typically this is a crop of the head/face and shoulders and nothing more.
Personal Branding Portraits can serve so much more. They have the ability to show your personality and show the bigger picture of what you do.
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For both headshots and personal branding, there needs to be a connection. Really, that is needed for any great portrait. Whether it is connecting to the person behind the camera to not look awkward and uncomfortable. Or it’s a deeper connection to your passion and work. That comes with a little more work and process to bring out. If you are your brand, and just looking comfortable in a portrait is not enough to sell what you are selling.
Personal Branding Portraits are the next level and worth that extra push during the session. Headshots are like a burger and personal branding images are like a filet mignon. Still beef, and very tasty, if you like meat, but you see the difference? What does your brand, your art deserve?
Now let’s look at some personal branding images from the same portrait sessions. A little more personality and body language, some more context, and a sense of what this person is passionate about. These can be used for websites as background images, header images with room for text, or even printed materials. It gives the viewer a deeper look into what you do through imagery.
These types of images are great for fitness, yoga, and pilates instructors. Musicians, artists, coaches, speakers. You name it. Gone are the days of just having a photo of yourself on your about me page. People want to connect with you faster and images can do that.
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See the difference? For me, I want to be drawn into a photograph by wanting to know more. There is some science behind profile pictures over on the Science of People and how people react to images. Now, how do you want to represent your business, your passion, your art?
If you are just starting out with your own brand and business and don’t know where to start? Check out “Must-Have Photos for Personal Branding.” Or download a FREE guide that helps you think through 3 kinds of images you may need to get started. Just drop your email below and it will arrive in your inbox!
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Download your FREE guide on the 3 must-have images for personal brands and artists.
Hope this helped you sort out what you might need. Some of you may be ready to book your next headshot. If you are ready book through the link below.
So which is best for me?
This all depends on what you need. If you are just looking to update your social media profile photo then a quick Headshot Refresh Session is perfect for that. If you need more for your website, social media, or want to portray your brand more then I suggest going the Personal Branding route.
Still unsure but know you need something? Click the button below to schedule a call to see which might be best for you.
