And why personal branding changed the way we think about professional photography.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a professional headshot or a full branding session, you’re not alone. It’s one of the questions we get asked most often. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually designed to do two very different jobs.
Before we get into the difference, though, it’s worth asking something else. When did people become brands? Branding didn’t start with people. The word comes from marking livestock to show ownership. Later, businesses adopted the idea and products and companies became brands. Think Apple, Nike or Coca-Cola. But somewhere along the way, something changed.
Think about what you do when you’re looking for a business. You Google them. You visit their website. You might read their reviews, have a look at their social media or check out LinkedIn. By the time you actually contact them, you’ve probably already decided whether they feel like the sort of people you’d like to work with. That’s why personal branding has become so important. Long before you’ve had a conversation, your photographs are already introducing you.
What is a professional headshot?
A professional headshot has one simple job: to help people recognise you and make a great first impression. If someone finds you on LinkedIn, your company website, a speaker profile or a media article, your headshot should immediately say, “Yep… that’s me.” For many people, that’s exactly what’s needed.
What is branding photography?
Branding photography starts where a headshot finishes. Instead of simply showing people what you look like, it helps them understand what it’s actually like to work with you. Maybe you’re a barber who’s known for great conversations as much as great haircuts. Maybe you’re a chef whose passion comes alive in the kitchen. Maybe you’re a counsellor who wants people to feel calm before they even walk through the door. Maybe you’re a business owner who wants clients to see the personality behind the company.
Those are the things branding photography can communicate without saying a single word. It’s less about creating a beautiful photograph and more about creating confidence.
Authenticity beats stock photography every time
Stock photography has its place. There are some incredible stock photographers creating beautiful images, and for some businesses it makes perfect sense. But stock photography can’t tell your story. It doesn’t show your team. It doesn’t show your workplace. It doesn’t show the people your clients are actually going to meet.
People are becoming increasingly good at spotting authenticity. They want to know who’s behind the business they’re trusting with their time and money. If someone chooses Not Normal Photography, they’re choosing Hayley, our creativity and the experience we provide—not the smiling models from a stock photo library. The same applies to your business. Real people build real trust.
Should branding photography be done
in the studio or on location?
This is another question we hear all the time. And the honest answer is… It depends.
Sometimes your workplace is a huge part of your story. A barber belongs behind the chair. A chef often belongs in the kitchen. A mechanic might belong in the workshop. Those environments instantly tell people something about your business before a single word is read.
But a studio can be just as powerful. Professional lighting, carefully chosen backgrounds and a distraction-free environment allow us to create polished images that work almost anywhere. Many professionals—consultants, lawyers, coaches, authors and therapists, for example—don’t need a workplace to tell their story. We can create an incredible branding gallery entirely in the studio using thoughtful lighting, wardrobe changes, props and posing.
And often, the best answer is both. We might begin in the studio to create timeless portraits before heading to your workplace to capture the environment that makes your business unique. Neither option is better. The right choice depends entirely on the story you’re trying to tell.
So… which one do you need?
A professional headshot is usually the right choice if you need:
* A LinkedIn profile photo.
* A company website image.
* A speaker biography.
* A professional profile photo.
Branding photography is often the better choice if you:
* Own a business.
* Need images for your website and marketing.
* Want content for social media.
* Want potential clients to understand your business before they even contact you.
And sometimes… The answer is both.
Our approach at Not Normal Photography
One of the first questions we ask isn’t, “What background would you like?” It’s, “When someone lands on your website, what do you hope they’re thinking?” Because every business is different.
Some people simply need an outstanding headshot. Others need a collection of photographs that help people understand who they are, what they do and why they’re different.
Our job isn’t to push one type of session over another.
It’s to help you choose the one that’s going to work hardest for your business.
People don’t connect with perfect. They connect with genuine.
And that’s what great branding photography is really about.
