In professional brand photography, there are two common approaches: classical headshots and personal branding images. They have different purposes and convey different messages. It's important to know the difference if you want to establish your professional image.
Classical Headshots:
Classical headshots are commonly used by professionals in various industries. They typically show a close-up of the person's face and focus on their facial features, expressions, and professionalism. The background is usually neutral to keep the attention on the subject.
The purpose of a classical headshot is to present a polished and professional image. It shows competence, reliability, and approachability. You can use them for professional profiles, resumes, corporate websites, and networking platforms. They are popular in fields like law, finance, consulting, and corporate environments.
Personal Branding Images:
Personal branding images provide a more comprehensive representation of your professional identity. Instead of focusing on the face, they show activities and expressions that reflect your personality, values, and unique brand.
Personal branding goes beyond a static headshot and aims to capture the essence of your professional story. It conveys your expertise, passions, and lifestyle. You can use these images on social media, websites, blog posts, and marketing materials.
The purpose of personal branding is to establish a strong and memorable personal brand. It creates an emotional connection with your target audience and sets you apart.
Personal branding is popular among entrepreneurs, creatives, influencers, and individuals who want to establish a unique and memorable professional identity.
Choosing the Right Approach:
Deciding between classical headshots and personal branding images depends on your industry, professional goals, and personal brand. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Industry and Target Audience: Understand the expectations of your industry and target audience. Classical headshots may be more suitable for traditional and conservative fields, while personal branding images may be better for creative or entrepreneurial ventures.
Professional Goals: Clarify your goals and the image you want to project. Classical headshots are ideal for showing professionalism and reliability, while personal branding images allow for more storytelling and connection-building.
Brand Identity: Think about your personal brand and the values you want to communicate. Personal branding provides a broader canvas to express your personality and differentiate yourself from competitors.
Conclusion:
Classical headshots and personal branding images have distinct purposes in establishing a professional image.
Classical headshots focus on professionalism, approachability, and reliability. Meanwhile, personal branding images provide a more comprehensive representation of your personal brand, values, and lifestyle.
Understanding the difference between these two styles will make the difference.
The good news is that, when you book a brand session with Odette Photo+Art, you get a mixture of headshots and personal brand images.
