Have you ever found yourself Googling things like “What exactly is brand photography?” or “Is a headshot considered brand photography?” You are definitely not alone.
I’m sure you’ve noticed different terms thrown around in the visual marketing world. Brand photography, personal brand photography, product photography, lifestyle photography, commercial photography, headshots. It’s no wonder professionals can feel overwhelmed before they even book a shoot.
Have no fear, I’m here to help simplify it!
What is Brand Photography?
Brand photography is the umbrella term. It refers to any kind of imagery created to represent a business. Think of it as your visual introduction.
Whether you’re selling a service, a product, or an experience, brand photography tells your story through intentional images. It can include headshots, behind-the-scenes shots, styled product images, workspace vibes, or photos of your clients in action.
Also, brand photography isn’t limited to portraits or products. It also includes environmental or storytelling imagery (like location shots, textures, or mood-setting visuals). You know those mood-setting background visuals on a website? That’s part of their brand photography!
If you run any kind of business, this is what helps your audience understand who you are and what you’re about. Before they ever read a single word.
To put it simply, I tell clients that brand photography is a library of customized stock photos for your business.
What is Personal Brand Photography?
Personal brand photography is for individuals who are their brand.
Think: coaches, therapists, designers, stylists, agents. If you sell yourself as the service, this is for you.
These sessions go beyond a nice headshot. They showcase your vibe, your personality, your energy, and above all, you in action.
Are you calm and grounded? Bold and energetic? Personal Brand photography helps clients understand who you are right from the start.
The imagery from personal brand sessions are often used for websites, social media, newsletters, speaking engagements, press features, and physical marketing collateral.
What about Headshots vs Brand Sessions? What’s the difference?
Headshots are a necessity, no doubt. But they don’t tell the full story.
Let’s break this down simply:
Headshot photography sessions give you 1-3 polished portraits typically taken in a short, focused session. Ideal for LinkedIn, email signatures, or any spot that needs a professional face. Headshots can also vary in style. Studio lit, natural light, environmental or backdrop.
Brand photography sessions dive deeper: lifestyle moments, detail shots, and behind-the-scenes images that build trust, highlight your process, and fill your feed with content you can use everywhere from websites to social media platforms to physical marketing materials.
Most of my brand sessions will include updated headshots, plus much more. But sometimes, all you need is a nice professional headshot.
What is Product Photography?
If you sell a physical product, you need product photography.
These photos are created specifically to show off your product in the best way. Think:
- White or neutral backgrounds for e-commerce
- Flat lays which highlight the product in a top-down styled setup
- Styled lifestyle images that show your product in use
- Close-up or detail shots that highlight texture and packaging
Product photography helps your audience visualize the product, connect to the product, and ultimately will guide them to purchase the product.
Food Photography?
Since we’re talking about products, I should mention food photography as well! While food photography is pretty self explanatory, I still think it deserves its own spotlight.
Think of food photography as a specialized form of product photography, where the product just happens to be something delicious. The goal is to make the food look so irresistible that you can almost taste it through the screen. This can be achieved by using fresh herbs, props or controlled lighting to highlight texture and shine.
Just like product photography, these images can take a few forms. They might be styled lifestyle shots showing the food being enjoyed, close-up detail shots that highlight texture and freshness, or creative artistic compositions that make the dish feel like art.
Good food photography makes people hungry. Literally. It tells a story about the flavors, the atmosphere, and the brand behind the meal.
What about lifestyle or commercial photography?
Lifestyle and commercial photography are terms to describe a type of photography:
Lifestyle photography is about capturing natural-feeling, real-life moments. Think client interactions, everyday work vibes, or your product in action.
Commercial photography is a broader term for any imagery used in marketing. This might include advertising, ad campaigns, product campaigns, catalogs, or editorial work. Typically more structured and high-production. Essentially any imagery intended to sell or promote something.
Which one is right for your business?
- Own a business? Brand photography will be the best to get that on-brand customized stock imagery.
- Are you the brand? Personal brand photography is your go-to.
- Selling a product? Product photography will serve you best.
- Doing both? You likely need a mix of both.
Still unsure? That’s what I’m here for.
Why does it matter?
We all do the same thing when checking out a new business online. We look at the visuals.
Studies show people form first impressions of a business within seconds of landing on their website.
Are they consistent? Professional? Do they feel real? Do they give you a sense of who this person or brand actually is?
Custom photography builds immediate trust, shows you care, and helps you stand out from the sea of stock images and AI content. Nowadays I believe that people need and are craving authenticity. You don’t want to send the message that you were looking for the “easy” way out.
Potential customers will appreciate that you invested in your business, because that in turn means you will invest in them. Customized brand photos are hands-down the way to achieve this trust with your audience..
Final Thought: Your brand imagery is your new business card
Clear, consistent, customized photos help you show up with confidence. Whether you’re just starting or refreshing, having a solid brand photo library takes the guesswork out of content creation.
When your visuals reflect your true vibe, your audience feels it. And that connection? That’s what turns a browser into a client.
Want help choosing the right brand session?
Reach out anytime or check out my website. I’d love to help you bring your vision to life!
