Headshot vs Branding
I get asked this question often and here is the difference
A headshot is one to a handful of great images of you cropped in at the waist. They create a relatable image for the ideal client or customer to see who you are. For models and actors is how a casting agent will see you in the role. Not much of a story is told other than showing who you are.
Now it is key when hiring the right photographer to do you're headshot they understand the role this plays for you and the viewer. Here are a few things to look for in hiring a professional photographer.
First Website:
Have you seen their work? Website and social media is the portfolio to see what the work looks like. Most headshot photographers offer a studio setting with basic backdrops like white, gray and black. Some meet you on location and create your headshot with a touch of lifestyle appearing in the backdrop but not pulling the eye away too much just supporting the pose and image. Think of it this way your backdrop is to support you and not take away from you.
Second, what do others say?
Do they have google reviews telling how they are to work with? Are they timely? Creative, professional? Do people love working with them? You can't buy fake Google reviews so go read what others are saying!
Third gear.
Why consider the gear they use? Headshot photographers have portrait lenses... not wide angle, macro or fish eyes. A wedding, landscape and real estate photographer uses different lenses than a portrait photographer and this makes a BIG difference in how you will look. They typically have two go to lenses that again support creating a powerful portrait image. Typically a professional photographer is using a camera that costs $5K and lens that costs another $5K. This is not your Costco kit camera. This type of work needs this type of gear otherwise you have a flat image that the truth be told you could get with your smartphone.
Fourth
Get the lighting right! Do they understand lighting? Ask Naomi Campbell and Beyonce and they will tell you lighting is everything.. ask me... it is! A professional photographer is going to use pro lights to help shape your face and create the right look. EVERYONE looks great with the right light! Natural light is good but truly placing the right light right where you want is the game changer is a strong image. If you are expecting this image to perform for you then make sure your photographer is working with lights that are tools for their artistry.
Fifth and this is the most important thing: talent!
Martha Stewart and I can have the same recipes, same pots and pans and same stove and I will bet you money hers will taste better! Ask anyone that has attempted to eat my cooking and they will tell you that food warmed up in the microwave is more digestible than my cooking. What is the difference between Martha and I? Years of becoming the best at what she does! Now give her the same camera, same subject and I will win hands DOWN!!! I have over 25 years in the field. I have studied under the best and daily I dedicate 1 hour to learning how to be even better... Why? Because I care that every time someone is in front of my lens they get the best I can do! I have big plans for my clients and so do they.
This leads right into Branding. The difference with Braiding is you're now telling a story. You are the main lead in the role and this is why we create branding images that compel your service or product to be purchased!
A great example of a personal brand
- Oprah
- Drew Barrymore (she seems to be everywhere these days)
- Jessica Alba (solving a problem created billons)
- Rihanna (a big change agent here)
These women are serial entrepreneurs and you can find images of them in the brand. You see the powerful portrait, the lifestyle images and the product or service they are selling. They can be seen in the business! We do business with those we know. like and trust and this is why what they have created is a billion dollar empire!
Great example of brands
- Nike (great example showing product and people in marketing to tell the story)
- Apple
- Tesla
When looking at these images you will see the hero shot of the product, the product in use and the lifestyle of the person buying the product. This tells the viewer in an emotional way why they too want this.
When hiring your brand photographer can they tell a story? Do they take images on location with great lighting, composure and do the photos hold an emotion? When creating brand photos you want the images to be memorable. To evoke emotions and to set what you do and why apart from the others.
Brand photography has become the most sought after in images for both personal brands and service or product brands. These images are seen in all marketing venues from TV, online ads to social media posts. I have seen branding images take a business that is struggling to thrive. They help create the relatable piece that we don't get from words.
Remember the image is worth a thousand words and is it true! The image is why we pick up magazines at the checkout, we stop scrolling on social media and the big one... why we hit SHARE on social media.
Your image matters so invest wisely in the right photographer and you will see your return on investment!
Not sure where you should start or need helping in finding a photographer near you? Reach out by clicking here for a 15 minute free consultation. I have professional photographers that deliver great work in my contacts and would love to help you invest wisely!
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