Corporate Headshots vs. Personal Branding Headshots: What’s the Difference?

Corporate Headshots vs. Personal Branding Headshots : If you’ve ever searched for “corporate headshots” and ended up in a sea of stiff poses and lifeless expressions, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: not every professional headshot is meant to look the same, and it shouldn’t.

Let’s break down the difference between a classic corporate headshot and a personal branding headshot, so you can figure out which one actually fits you (and your goals).

Think of a corporate headshot as your professional handshake—before you ever walk into the room.

• Company websites and staff directories
• Press kits or bios for speaking engagements
• LinkedIn profiles

Key traits:
• Clean backgrounds (white, gray, or neutral)
• Classic, conservative wardrobe
• Simple, professional lighting
• Focus on confidence, trust, and clarity

But let’s be clear—this isn’t “just a photo.” A great corporate headshot still needs to feel confident, approachable, and genuine. It’s often the first impression someone will have of you. It needs to say, “You can trust me. I know what I’m doing. And I’m someone you want to work with.”

Personal branding headshots are still studio-based—but more expressive, more intentional, and built around you.

• Used for websites, podcasts, social media, course pages, book covers
• Ideal for entrepreneurs, creatives, coaches, speakers

Key traits:
• More variety in wardrobe and expression
• Studio backgrounds with range: neutral, moody, textured
• Multiple expressions and looks in one session

Every photo is created in-studio no fake office backdrops or coffee shop setups. The variety comes from how I light, direct, and style the shoot to match your brand energy.

If your photo is going on a company site, you probably need the corporate version. If you’re building your own thing or showing up in more public ways, personal branding might make more sense. Honestly, a lot of people need both.

Absolutely. Most of my clients do.

We start clean and classic. Then we shift wardrobe, tone, and expression—and create something more personal, styled, and magnetic.

You don’t need multiple locations. It all happens in my studio. Lit. Directed. Designed around you.

Yes. I design most sessions to offer a range of looks and uses.

Depends on your industry. Here’s a deeper dive on that.

I can do your headshot and branding portraits on location. There are additional fees for on location services.

Absolutely. Bring more than you think you need. We’ll go through them together.

I’ll guide you based on where they’ll live. LinkedIn, website, promo materials, and more.