What do you need? Well you need both headshots and branding images often for your business or organization. The bigger question is what do you need where? Headshots are super versatile and if you are in business — you need one (or two). Are branding images headshots— yes, but headshots are not just branding. In a branding shoot we take headshots because they are super important. Headshots can be very corporate and formal or very relaxed. The big difference is how you intend the use the images. Headshots often land on business cards, about us webpages, and on speaking engagement line up pages. Branding images go further. They are not just sharing what you look like, but they tell your story with a bit more personality. They are also created for you to share you knowledge and expertise with your audience.

I want to share a couple of example mock up social media posts I created for a recent client for his real estate business to show how I would suggest using the images we created.

The image above was taken in a very simple white studio set up. We purposely kept everything clean so he could put text on top. We also created negative space on the side to add titles and text. I am always considering where the images will be used so we can position the subject and select a background to give your images the most impact. One of the first questions I ask is about where your images are going - website header, billboard, instagram stories, facebook post, print media, onboarding materials. Each of these have different formats you will need different image crops for each.

Another massive question I ask is what are the messages you want to send to your audience. What are you teaching them, what information sets you apart, what are questions you are often asked? In the shot above I asked the client to bring maps and prints out of school districts so he would talk about and promote the school districts in his market. People buy into a community or location often before they find the home so if as the realtor you can be resource that a great position to be in. Realtors are something one of the first contacts a buyer has with the community and imagine all of the questions they have before and after they purchase a house that you as the realtor could be talking about in addition to your home listings. Buyers and sellers are also not typically home sale experts — so they are hiring you and your branding visuals can be the perfect backdrop for all of the educational content you want to share.

Why are headshots so valuable?

Before someone does business with you they want (and often times) have to trust you. Having a professional headshot signifies you are serious about what you do and you have invested in your business. The first impression is key, especially since we often don’t get a second chance to make the great first impression. Above is a formal headshot. Typically these are head, shoulders, and chest shots. They work great for profile pictures where you need a closer crop since most of these images are viewed in a small format. Think about the little circle or square on your profile for zoom, Facebook, Instagram etc. A full body images would mean your face tiny.

Mixing in informal headshots or lifestyle headshots

You are not boxed into only a formal headshot. A lifestyle headshot is more of a portrait and can be full body or 3/4s. It can be in an office setting or in a studio. These are also valuable for marketing, magazine articles, and social media.

Finally the power of a white background. What a versatile what to take your headshot. First off, it is easy to remove the background giving you lots of marketing opportunities - you can drop yourself into almost any image. I always suggest a few on white! Plus the light bounces around giving you amazing looking skin!