When it comes to Colorado Portraits we are all pretty familiar with headshots right? What about lifestyle headshots? And now there is branding photography, so I can see the confusion. Let’s clear things up, at least from my perspective.

If you have been in the market for Colorado portraits you have probably been presented with headshots, lifestyle headshots and now branding sessions. But what’s the difference? According to Wikipedia “a head shot or headshot is a modern portrait in which the focus is on the person. The term is applied usually for professional profile images on social media, images used on online dating profiles, the ‘about us page’ of a corporate website, and promotional pictures of actors, models, and authors.” Lifestyle headshots, a more specific type of “lifestyle photography is a genre of photography that mainly aims to capture portraits of people in situations, real-life events or milestones in an artistic manner and the art of the everyday.” And branding/personal branding photography hasn’t even landed in Wiki yet but Hollie of Maker & Moxie summed it up perfectly – “brand photography is a suite of professional images that represent your business visually, and fit with your visual identity through their use of colors, tone, props, sets and more. These can include photos of you, your team, your products, your process, your space and other things that make your business unique.”

So how do you know what Colorado portrait is right for you? Let’s start with your audience + needs and work backwards. Who is going to be looking at your images(s)? If you simply need a photo of you to put a face to a name, a traditional headshot is probably your go to. Literally just a portrait of your wonderful face, no frills, right to the point. But maybe you want to stand out a little more, connecting with your audience and show some personality. That’s where lifestyle headshots come in.

With most first impressions happening online, it’s no wonder lifestyle headshots became so popular so quickly. Also known as modern headshots, it’s a less stiff portrait that really allows you to capture your personality and stand out. Have some fun with it to inspire & attract your audience and potential clients. Lifestyle headshots open up a huge creative playground for capturing viewers attention. Go outside, a coffee shop, an office setup, a styled space…. it goes back to who is your audience and what do you want them to feel from your images.

Ok, so how is that different to a branding session? Great question and it’s a basically taking lifestyle headshots and adding the cherry on top. Ice cream is good but if you are like me, it’s all about the cherry (and maybe some sprinkles) on top! So you put a face to your name/business etc…but what about all the other amazing aspects that make up your business/process? Your store front, office, employees, products, behind the scenes and so on…. your audience wants to see that too. Branding photography provides an inside look to what your are offering allowing your online presence to entertain, teach & inspire viewers. It’s a whole gallery of content that is consistent, professional and engaging. It’s the whole package baby!

Professional Colorado Portraits for your business is a no brainer. I am not going to beat a dead horse, but if ya want more read my blog on Power to the Portrait. If you understand the important and are ready to level up, check out my package options or book a consultation to let me help you get clear on your needs/vision.