The Difference Between Headshots and Branding Photography

At first glance, headshots and branding photography might seem interchangeable—but they serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction can help you choose the right session for your goals and set your business up for success.

Headshots: The Essential First Impression

Headshots are typically tightly cropped photos of your face, often from the shoulders up. They’re clean, simple, and professional. Their primary purpose is to introduce you—think LinkedIn profiles, business cards, company websites, and speaking engagements. A great headshot helps you appear approachable, confident, and trustworthy in a single glance.

Branding Photography: Your Story in Visual Form

Branding photography goes far beyond a single image. It’s a curated collection of photos that tell the full story of your business—your personality, process, workspace, tools, and values. These images are used across your website, social media, email newsletters, marketing materials, and more. They’re dynamic, versatile, and infused with the unique spirit of your brand.

Which Do You Need?

If you just need a clean, professional image for your bio or resume, a headshot session will do the trick. But if you’re building a business, launching a product, or trying to grow your presence online, branding photography is a smart and strategic investment.

 Ready to tell your story through powerful visuals? Book your branding session with Lunar Studio today.