HEADSHOTS, BUSINESS BRANDING, AND PERSONAL BRANDING
Custom vs. Express Sessions
In today's visual-driven world, your professional image speaks volumes. Understanding the differences between modern headshots and branding photography, as well as the options between custom and mini sessions, is key to choosing the right approach for your needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down how modern headshots have evolved beyond the traditional and explore the purposes of business and personal branding photography. We’ll also explain the benefits of custom versus mini sessions, helping you choose the best type of session to represent yourself, your brand, and your budget.
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Juleen Lapporte | Photographer
BRANDING VS HEADSHOTS
Headshots capture a professional, polished image of you, usually from the shoulders up, perfect for corporate profiles, resumes, LinkedIn, and other professional platforms. They’re simple and straightforward, designed to make you look both approachable and put-together.
Business Branding photography goes beyond just individual headshots and captures the essence of a company or brand. This might include images of the team, office environment, products, services, and anything else that communicates the business's identity and values. It's used across various marketing materials, websites, and social media to convey a cohesive and professional brand image.
Personal Branding photography showcases your personality, style, and what makes you uniquely you. Unlike standard headshots, these sessions include a mix of settings, outfits, and poses that truly reflect who you are—whether you’re an entrepreneur, professional, or just looking to create a standout image for your personal brand, including dating profiles. It’s a fun and creative way to let your individuality shine across all your platforms.
CUSTOM SESSION
A custom branding photoshoot offers a personalized and in-depth experience tailored specifically to your needs. With a custom session, you'll have more time to explore different outfits, backgrounds, and poses, allowing for a variety of looks that capture your unique personality and professional brand. This option often includes more creative freedom and the opportunity for detailed retouching and post-production work.
Best Fit: Custom photoshoots are perfect for individuals or business teams seeking personalized guidance and a detailed plan tailored to their needs. Before your session, we'll work together to design a photoshoot that aligns with your goals, brand colors, and overall business style, ensuring everything reflects your vision perfectly. Custom sessions are scheduled at a time that works best for both of us, ensuring a convenient and seamless experience.
What You’ll Get: Custom sessions start at $500 and include a design consultation, guided photoshoot, professional retouching, and a downloadable gallery of images purchased. Images may be purchased individually or in collections. In general, businesses invest from $2,000 to $20,000 in custom sessions.
EXPRESS SESSION
An express headshot photoshoot is a shorter, more streamlined session designed for those who need a quick update and a few professional images. While the shooting time is limited to 45 minutes, a mini session still provides high-quality results. It's ideal for those who need a fast, efficient way to refresh their professional image without the commitment of a full custom shoot.
Best Fit: Express sessions are ideal for individuals or small teams who need a quick and efficient photoshoot without the extensive planning of a custom session. These sessions are perfect for those who want a few professional images for social media, website updates, or personal branding but don’t require in-depth coordination. If you're looking for high-quality shots in a shorter timeframe, a mini session is a great fit. Express sessions are offered on select days every other month, providing a great opportunity to capture beautiful photos at a convenient time.
What you’ll get: Express sessions start at $370 and include access to my Headshot Prep Guide, a guided photoshoot (up to 45 minutes), professional retouching, and a downloadable gallery of images purchased. This session includes two images, with the option to select additional photos if you'd like to expand your collection. In general, individuals invest from $370 to $3000.
What Fits Your Needs Best?
A custom headshot photoshoot offers a personalized, in-depth experience with more variety and creative options, while a mini session provides a quick, efficient update with fewer customization choices, yet still delivers fabulous photos.