Do I need a Head Shot Refresh or Personal Branding Session? How to choose the best option for you & your business.
Kelly W. | Actress, dancer, & yoga instructor
There are a couple of ways to approach the process of creating professional images that showcase your brand in the best light. The most popular options that I offer at my Connecticut photography studio are the Head Shot Refresh and Personal Branding Sessions.
Both are awesome choices for you & your brand, but they differ in terms of what we will capture – so how do you know which is right for you? That depends on your current (and future) marketing goals.
Here are a few thoughts to consider:
Your starting point. Do you have an existing library of usable & versatile content? This includes, but is not limited to:
Imagery that can be used in conjunction with multiple graphic design techniques (web/social banners, with text overlays, etc.)
Both professional images and self-created content. Each has its place and they work harmoniously together to illustrate different aspects of your business
A range of profile picture-worthy head shots that offer a range of formality for different situations (you wouldn’t send the same style of head shot to a local publication doing a piece highlighting your business as you would to a formal speaking engagement)
How do you do what you do? Do you offer products, services, or both? Showing the experience of working with you is just as important as putting your face out there. Tailoring this content to target your ideal client or customer will set you apart and lead them to you faster.
How do you currently market your business & how would you like to evolve your marketing going forward? There are multiple avenues of marketing. How many are you taking advantage of right now and which would you like to begin utilizing to expand your reach?
Business website
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Pinterest, etc.)
Search engine ranking (SEO, paid ads)
Email newsletter
Event hosting
Print materials - business/promotional cards, flyers, event invitations, etc. (can be mailed, provided in your stead for attendees to events you can’t be present for, or handed out personally to potential customers)
All of these marketing methods benefit greatly from strong professional imagery… plus, that imagery makes these methods easier for you to implement!
If you’ve got a range of versatile, up-to-date content, you may just need a fresh head shot look to add into the mix. If you’re starting from scratch or have recently added new products or services, personal branding is going to be far more impactful for your business.
Here is a brief overview of the most popular sessions that I offer to professionals & businesses.
Based on your answers to the above questions, one may stand out more than the other in terms of what you need to accomplish in both the short and long term.
A Personal Branding Experience includes:
Session design consultation to discuss your overall vision
Pre-shoot wardrobe consultation to dive into details and professional on-set styling of multiple outfits
Hair & makeup or grooming
Fully guided photoshoot where we’ll capture a range of poses and expressions. Different backdrops, sets, locations, products, and props can also be explored
Image viewing and selection (in person or via Zoom), with retouching of selected image(s) included
Can be booked any day on the studio calendar
Examples of what we can create during a Personal Branding Session
The Head Shot Refresh includes:
Pre-session brand questionnaire
Hair & makeup or grooming
Professional wardrobe guidance and on-set styling of one outfit
Fully guided in-studio photoshoot with pose and expression coaching
Image viewing and selection immediately following shooting, with retouching of selected image(s) included
Only held on specific dates with limited spots available
Examples of what we can create during a Head Shot Refresh
If you still aren’t sure which session option is best for you and your business - or are ready to start planning a Personal Branding Session - please reach out via the form linked below and I’m happy to chat more!
You can read more about the Head Shot Refresh and sign up for our next one on 2/17 here!
