What’s the Difference Between a Headshot and a Brand Shoot?
What’s the Difference Between a Headshot and a Brand Shoot?
If you’ve been poking around online thinking “I need some decent photos” but aren’t sure whether to go for a headshot or a full-blown brand shoot — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get from business owners, founders, and freelancers alike.
So let’s break it down in plain English — no fluff, no jargon.
✅ What is a Headshot?
A headshot is typically:
One image (or a small set) focused on your face and shoulders
Taken against a simple backdrop (studio, plain wall, or natural light location)
Used for profiles, bios, speaker panels, press features, and LinkedIn
Think of a headshot as your digital handshake. It’s meant to help people recognise and remember you, and it’s often the first impression someone gets before they click “connect” or “book a call”.
✅ What is a Branding Shoot?
A branding shoot is bigger-picture. It’s a session (or set of sessions) designed to tell your story and show off your personality, values, and the feel of your brand. It usually includes:
Multiple locations or set-ups (e.g. your workspace, outdoors, studio, lifestyle space)
Photos that show you in action, doing your thing — whether that’s meeting clients, using your tools, or just looking like a boss
Brand-aligned props, outfits, colours, and styling
A library of usable content for social media, website, marketing, etc.
Instead of one face-on photo, you walk away with a bank of visuals that communicate your brand across platforms.
Quick Summary:
FeatureHeadshotBrand ShootFocusFace, expressionFull brand vibe + storyUseLinkedIn, profile photoWebsite, social, launch contentStyleSimple, formal or friendlyCreative, lifestyle, narrativeTimeQuickLonger, often split across locationsNumber of images1–515–60+ depending on package
So... Which One Do You Actually Need?
That depends on:
Are you just refreshing your LinkedIn? → A headshot might do.
Are you launching, pivoting, or levelling up your business? → A branding shoot will serve you long-term.
Are you sick of scrambling for content or using selfies that don’t match your quality? → Branding shoot.
👉 Hot tip: Many of my clients start with headshots and come back for a brand shoot once they see the difference it makes.
Not Sure? Let's Chat.
I offer both — and if you’re unsure which suits you best, I’m happy to talk it through. No pressure. Just an honest look at what’ll work for your business right now.
🟡 Book a free discovery call here →
🟡 Or check out my branding shoot packages here