How a Personal Branding Session is Different Than a Headshot Session

August 1, 2023 | Duane Furlong | Headshot Photography

Reena Gajjar 06 17 236265 Highest Quality

In the world of professional photography, especially for businessmen and women, there are different routes you can take depending on your style and needs. There are numerous terms that you’ve likely heard – headshots, personal branding, portraits, and more. At Duane Furlong Studios, we believe that understanding these terms is crucial to ensuring that you receive the exact services you need. This blog will dive into the differences between two of these services that we offer: personal branding sessions and headshot sessions.

What is a Headshot Session?

A headshot is a professional, high quality close-up photograph, usually just capturing the face, head, and sometimes shoulders of a person. The lighting used is tailored to the individual’s height, background, and areas of the body captured. It’s traditionally used for professional purposes – think LinkedIn profiles, company websites, or actor’s portfolios. A headshot is designed to present the client in a professional and approachable manner, with different expressions that show both sides.

At Duane Furlong Studios, our headshot sessions focus on capturing your professional side in a way that feels authentic and genuine. This is done by years of expression coaching to make it as comfortable as we can for you, while ensuring that the headshots are ones that you have dreamed about! We guide you through every step of the process, helping you perfect your look and bring out your unique personality. Our goal is to portray you confidently, in a way that enhances your career, whether you’re an actor, a physician, or a business professional in any other field.

What is a Personal Branding Session?

Personal branding photography, on the other hand, goes beyond the traditional headshot. It’s about telling a story – your story. Personal branding sessions aim to capture the essence of your brand, including your personality, your values, and the unique qualities that differentiate you from the competition.

A personal branding session can include a variety of settings, props, and outfits that reflect your brand. This takes a more specific consultation than the headshot session because we need to learn everything we can about your brand. The images from a personal branding session are often used across various platforms – from social media to websites, blogs, and marketing materials.

The goal of a personal branding session is to create a collection of images that provide a more comprehensive view of you and your brand. These sessions are highly customizable and can include headshots, full-body shots, images of you in your workspace, or even candid images of you engaging in activities related to your work or personal interests.

The Key Differences

While headshot sessions primarily focus on a single image that represents your professional persona, personal branding sessions offer a more comprehensive look into your personal brand, often over a series of images.

A headshot session aims to present a professional image that could fit into a variety of contexts, while a personal branding session is customized to reflect your brand, values, and personality, aiming to resonate with your target audience.

At Duane Furlong Studios, we understand the nuances of both headshots and personal branding sessions. Whether you’re looking for a high-quality headshot that presents you professionally and authentically, or a personal branding session that tells your unique story, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a fun and stress-free experience that results in beautiful images you’ll be proud to share.