Personal Branding Photos: More Than Just a Headshot
Let’s start with the basics—personal branding photos are more than just pretty pictures of you smiling at the camera. (Although, yes, we’ll get some of those too.) They’re about showing off who you are, what you do, and how you do it in a way that connects with your audience. Think of them as the visual equivalent of the outside of your house—they make a first impression, but also hint at what’s inside.
But here’s the thing—personal branding photography doesn’t have to look one specific way. It can include traditional headshots, sure, but it can also include action shots of you in your element—whether that’s teaching a class, styling a room, meeting with clients, or even chopping veggies in a kitchen. It’s about context and personality as much as it’s about aesthetics.
Your branding photos should teach us something about you—whether that’s showcasing both your funny side and your serious side, highlighting your creativity, or showing how and where you work (your office, over Zoom, or in the field). These aren’t just photos; they’re visual tools for building trust and making connections.
Wait, Are Headshots and Branding Photos the Same Thing?
Not exactly—but it’s easy to see why people mix them up. Here in Denver, CO, a lot of people use the terms headshots and branding photos interchangeably. In my world, when I say "headshot," I mean a photo of you from the waist up—something clean, professional, and focused on what you look like. Think of it as the outside of a house—it gives people a basic idea of what you look like, but not much about what it’s like to work with you.
Branding photos, on the other hand, go beyond that. They’re either contextual—showing you in action, in your workspace, or interacting with clients—or they’re about personality—revealing more about who you are through expressions, props, or wardrobe choices. Whether it’s a playful shot of you in your favorite college football jersey or a polished image of you giving a presentation, branding photos help people understand the full picture.
That said—if you want to call branding photos headshots, that’s fine with me. I get it. People often use the terms interchangeably, and at the end of the day, my job is to make sure you get the photos you need—whether you’re calling them headshots, branding, or something else entirely.
Who Needs Personal Branding Photos?
Short answer: probably you.
Longer answer: anyone who is the face of their business can benefit from personal branding photography. This includes:
Coaches and consultants who are selling themselves as experts.
Interior designers who need to highlight their style and process.
Attorneys and financial advisors who need to look trustworthy and approachable.
Therapists and mediators who want to create a sense of calm and connection.
Artists and creatives who need to showcase their work and process.
Personal trainers, home painters, and roofers who want to highlight the results of their work—and the effort that goes into it.
Educators and speakers who need versatile images for events and promotions.
Honestly, any business that involves trust, personality, and connection can benefit from photos that make them feel more relatable and professional.
What Should Branding Photos Actually Show?
This is where things get fun because branding photos are all about variety. Here are some general categories that I recommend including. Pick and choose the right combination for your business needs:
Headshots (Yes, Actual Headshots)
Clean, polished photos that show your face clearly. These are perfect for About pages, LinkedIn profiles, and press features.
You In Action
Shots of you doing your thing—meeting with clients, sketching designs, mixing paint, or presenting in a boardroom.
Behind the Scenes
Images that showcase the process—whether that’s rolling out dough, organizing files, or setting up a project.
Tools of Your Trade
Photos of the items you use every day—paintbrushes, notebooks, laptops, or whatever helps tell the story of your work.
Lifestyle Shots
Relaxed, natural photos that feel approachable—maybe you flipping through sketches at your desk or brainstorming ideas with a notebook and pen.
Detail Photos
Close-ups of tools, results, or objects that feel representative of what you do—like a calculator, your reference books, or art supplies. These can double as branded stock photos for website headers and marketing materials.
Environment and Context
Shots that set the scene—your office, workspace, or even outdoor shots that help shape the mood of your brand.
How Personal Branding Photos Help Your Business
A great set of branding photos can:
Make your website and social media feel cohesive and professional.
Build trust by helping clients see the person (or people) behind the business.
Provide versatile content for blog posts, emails, and ads.
Elevate your brand and make you look like the expert you are.
The Bottom Line
Whether you need classic headshots or full-on branding sessions, the goal is the same—to create photos that help your audience see you, trust you, and want to work with you.
So, if you’re ready to upgrade your brand and show off what makes your business special, let’s talk. Whether you call it headshots or branding photography, I’ve got you covered.