You might be ready to spruce up your professional image but you don't know if you should be getting a corporate headshot or a business headshot. And what are the differences, if any between these types of portraits.
So today we're gonna delve into what those differences might be and how to help you decide on the right approach for your personal branding needs.
On a basic level, both a corporate headshot and business headshot are portraits used in professional settings. However, a corporate headshot is typically a formal portrait of an individual that is meant for corporate communications, such as a company's website, in marketing materials, or in an annual report. These headshots are often taken in a studio or in a corporate setting, with a neutral background, and the subject is dressed in formal business attire.
The subject might be one of many photographed that day on behalf of the organization. Think a board of directors, or the C-Suite management team at a bank, for example. So the goal is to represent the company as a whole, rather than the individual. This is not about branding for the person, it's branding for the company, so-to-speak.
On the other, a business headshot is often used in more casual or entrepreneurial settings, such as personal website or social media profile. These are frequently used for marketing materials for a small business or a start-up, as well as for speaking engagement and public relations outreach.
Business headshots can - and should - be taken in a variety of settings, including a studio, an office or outdoors. Often the subject can be dressed in more business casual or casual attire. And the types of shots can be varied between close-cropped and lifestyle, full or 3/4 body shots in a variety of poses.
The goal is to help the owner convey friendliness, trustworthiness and authenticity. Now we're truly delving into the concept of "personal branding", whereby the subject is the business and the business is the subject. They are one and the same in the eyes of the public, even if there is a team supporting the owner.
However, there are blurred lines between these two types of portraits.
In Los Angeles, some mid-sized companies are eschewing traditional corporate looks for more dynamic portraits that represent their team in individualized ways. This supports a company that wants a more creative and innovative brand. And it doesn't have to be a tech company. Last year I did headshots for a Burbank based CPA firm that put its team members' personalities front and center, as they are the first touch points for clients.
So when it comes to deciding which type of headshot you should be planning with your photographer, ask yourself is this only for me or is it for my organization? Am I trying to showcase my own personal brand or am I seeking to brand the company under a specific look/feeling?
And if you're a business owner, with or without a team to support you, then my advice is to start a conversation with a photographer whose work you like and together decide on the best type of professional headshots for your needs.
As always, I'm happy to consult with you further to share more about how I help my business clients build their personal and corporate brand imagery.
Email nicolette@NJPphotography.com or call 310.622.4580. Or go here and fill out the contact form.
A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness.
You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself.
With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself.
Portrait photographer serving the LGBTQIA and greater community in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Southbay, Ventura and Orange County. Offering formal portraiture, modern glamour photography, personal branding, corporate headshot photography, candid children's photography, family photography, business & acting headshots, as well as events and editorial coverage. Located near Larchmont Village, Hancock Park and Paramount Studios.
Comments