Do I Need a Headshot or a Branding Session?

You already know visuals matter. People want to see the person behind the work. The real question is which type of session actually fits where you are right now. You just need clarity so you can show up confidently and make smart choices for your brand.

Below is a simple breakdown to help you decide without overthinking it.

What is a Headshot Session?

Quick overview

A headshot session is streamlined, intentional, and ideal when you need a clean, professional image that looks like you actually look right now. I still want them to align with your brand, so I usually ask clients to send me some photos they feel represent their ideal brand before we meet. These sessions typically take place in the studio, but we can travel for a fee. We shoot for about thirty minutes, keeping everything simple and focused on capturing a strong, confident image. After we’re done, we sit down together and choose your photos right then so you leave your appointment knowing exactly what you’re getting.

Headshot sessions are ideal if:

You only need a few great images to update your online presence or marketing materials. If you’re still figuring out how you want to market yourself or aren’t ready for a full visual strategy, a headshot session gives you what you need right now without overcommitting.

What is a Branding Session?

Quick overview

A branding session is a very different experience. Before we ever take a photo, we spend about an hour planning. We talk about your brand, the message you want to send, how you want people to feel when they interact with your business, and where your photos will be used. The session itself usually runs about 1-2 hours and can include multiple locations so we can show you in your environment and create a variety of images that tell a complete story. You walk away with a much larger set of photos designed to support your marketing, social media, website, and any campaigns you have coming up.

Branding sessions are ideal if:

Branding photos go beyond “here’s my face” and move into “here’s the experience of working with me.” They help you stand out, look consistent across platforms, and make a stronger visual impression on your ideal clients. They’re also a great match when you know who your audience is and how you want to show up for them.

How Do I Know Which One I Actually Need?

The simplest way to decide is to look at where you are in your business right now. If you need a few polished images that represent you well and give your online presence a quick upgrade, a headshot session is usually the best fit. It’s efficient, it’s straightforward, and it gives you what you need without investing in a full brand story before you’re ready.

If you’ve already clarified your message, understand your audience, and know you need more to support your marketing, a branding session will give you the depth and variety you’re looking for. It’s the better choice when you’re building something more visible and want images that feel intentional instead of improvisational.

Still Not Sure Which Session Fits You Best?

If you’re undecided after reading this, that’s completely normal. A quick conversation about where you are in your business and what you’re working toward usually makes the answer clear. If you want help choosing the session that actually fits your goals, let’s hop on a call and talk it through.