When people hear the word headshot, they often picture something stiff: a plain backdrop, a forced smile, and a photo that technically looks “professional,” but doesn’t feel like them at all.
Truth bomb: that version of a headshot is outdated.
For service-based businesses, your photo is usually the first interaction someone has with your brand. Either through your website, podcast, or social media, they’re going to want to see your face before they book.
So let’s clear this up.
What a Headshot Is
A headshot is any photo where someone can clearly see your face and immediately recognize you.
A headshot is about connection and recognition, not perfection. It should help someone feel like they already know you — whether they’re finding you on LinkedIn, listening to a podcast you’re guesting on, or hopping on Zoom for the first time.
A modern, professional headshot can look like:
- Face-forward or slightly turned (you don’t need to stare down the camera)
- Upper-body or full-body, as long as your face is clearly visible
- Shot in a studio, office, or simple environmental space
- Styled casually or polished, depending on your brand
- Paired with light, intentional props if they support what you do
Bottom line:
A headshot should look like you, feel like you, and help someone recognize you instantly when they meet you in real life.
What a Headshot Isn’t
This is where things get blurred.
A headshot is not the same thing as a brand photography session. It’s not:
- A multi-outfit shoot with multiple locations
- A lifestyle session showing your process or client work
- A full content library for social media, launches, or marketing campaigns
- A strategic visual plan for where your business is headed next
Think of a headshot as one strong, polished image that represents you clearly; a brand photo session should tell the bigger story of your business.
Here’s an example of some photos from a larger strategic brand session.
Why Headshots Still Matter
If you run a service-based business, you are part of the product. People hire you because they trust you, and your headshot plays a bigger role in that decision than most people realize.
Your headshot often shows up on:
- About pages
- Booking platforms
- Podcast covers
- Speaker bios and press features
- Social media profile pics
So a headshot is like your handshake, while a brand photography is the full conversation.
Both matter — they just serve different purposes.
So…What Do You Need?
A professional headshot is a great fit if:
- You need a clean, recognizable image for LinkedIn or your website
- Your current photo no longer looks like you
- You’re being featured as a speaker, guest, or expert
- You want something simple and intentional
A brand photography session makes more sense if:
- You’re a service-based business owner or creative
- You want to show more than just your face
- You’re trying to engage your audience with what it feels like to work with you
- You’d like to do a better job at “explaining” what you do
- You want your visuals to communicate your unique value in your industry
- You need visuals that support your messaging and offers
- You want a strategic library of images that can last 1-2 years
If you’re unsure which one you need, that’s usually a sign your business has evolved, and your visuals may need to catch up.
Let’s Make Sure Your Photos Match Your Work.
👉 If you’re ready for a modern headshot refresh, get on the Waitlist for my next mini day
👉 Or, if you know you need the full brand story, let’s chat about a planning a strategic brand photo session on a Discovery Call
