Headshots vs. Branding Photography – 4 Unique Sessions Perfect for You

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in personal branding and corporate branding.  See more branding images in the gallery.  Contact me to book your branding session today!

Headshots Vs. Branding

When it comes to presenting yourself or your business in the best light, having professional photos is non-negotiable. So when it comes to headshots vs branding it’s important to understand the differences to help you make the right choice to elevate your professional image. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about headshots vs branding.

Man leaning on a chair for his realtor branding session.

Headshots vs. Branding: Which One is Right for You?

Deciding between a headshot and a branding session depends on your specific needs:

  • Headshot: Opt for a headshot if you need a straightforward, professional image for your profile, company website, or LinkedIn. It’s quick, efficient, and provides a polished look that represents you well in professional settings.
  • Branding: Choose branding photography if you want to tell a story about your business. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs and small business owners who need a variety of images to use across different platforms. Branding sessions provide a more comprehensive look at who you are and what you offer.

What is a Headshot?

A headshot is a professional photograph that focuses on a person’s face, typically used for professional profiles, company websites, and social media. It’s designed to give a clear and concise impression of who you are.

Types of Headshot Sessions Offered by Tara Flannery Photography

Express Session

  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Includes: 1 Final Retouched Photo
  • Ideal For: Quick updates, LinkedIn profiles, and company websites

The Express Session is perfect for individuals who need a quick and professional photo. It’s also a great option for companies needing to maintain a consistent look for their team. As new hires come on board, they can seamlessly integrate into the company’s marketing materials.

Executive Session

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Includes: HMU (Hair and Makeup), Wardrobe & Background Changes, 2 Looks, 3 Final Images
  • Ideal For: Executives, professional presentations, multiple platforms

The Executive Session offers more time and flexibility. With wardrobe changes and professional hair and makeup services included, this session ensures you have a variety of professional looks. It’s perfect for those who need both formal and casual images.

Headshots vs. Branding

What is Branding Photography?

Branding photography goes beyond the headshot. It’s about capturing the essence of your brand, including your personality, environment, and the message you want to convey to your audience.

Types of Branding Sessions Offered by Tara Flannery Photography

Basic Branding

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Includes: HMU, 3 Looks, 9 Images
  • Ideal For: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, personal branding

The Basic Branding session is a step beyond the headshot. It includes an on-location shoot with an environmental feel, perfect for showcasing your brand in a natural setting. Hair and makeup services, as well as wardrobe consultation, ensure you look your best.

Premium Branding

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Includes: Wardrobe Consultation, HMU, 4 Looks, 12 Images, Branding Video
  • Ideal For: Comprehensive branding, full-scale marketing campaigns

The Premium Branding session offers it all – from wardrobe consultation to a branding video. This session is designed for those who want a complete package, providing everything needed for website and social media updates. A team of experts ensures your branding is a complete success.

Branding Session

Headshots vs. Branding: Final Thoughts

Both headshots and branding photography play crucial roles in professional and personal branding. Understanding the difference helps you make an informed decision to best represent yourself and your business. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile or launching a new marketing campaign, having the right images can make all the difference.

Successful Headshot Sessions

The woodlands headshot photography

professional headshots

Successful Branding Sessions

realtor branding session

business branding photography

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in personal branding and corporate branding.  See more branding images in the gallery.  Contact me to book your branding session today!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

When someone lands on your profile or website, they make a decision in seconds. 👀

Are you credible? Professional? Trustworthy?

Your branding images answer those questions before you ever say a word.

Strong, consistent visuals don’t just “look nice” — they build recognition, trust, and momentum. They show potential clients who you are, what you do, and the level you operate at.

And if your business has grown?
Your visuals should grow with it. ✨

📩 Ready to elevate how you show up? Let’s plan your branding session.

📲 Click the link in my bio to schedule a consultation with me.
It’s almost senior portrait season again… and somehow, it always arrives faster than we expect. ✨

Senior portraits are a way to pause time just for a moment and celebrate who they are right now, before everything changes.

If you’re starting to think about senior portraits, now is the perfect time to begin planning.

📩 DM me to learn more about senior sessions and availability.

#SeniorPortraits #SeniorPhotos #ClassOf2026 #SeniorYearMoments #MilestoneMoments #GrowingUp #ThisSeasonOfLife #MemoriesInTheMaking #TimelessPhotos #CelebrateThisMoment
One of the biggest reasons people put off booking a branding session?

They have no idea what to expect.

And when you don't know the process, it's easy to talk yourself out of investing.

So here's the truth👇🏻

I'm not just showing up to take photos. I'm walking you through every step so you feel confident, prepared, and like you're working with a partner who actually gets your business.

No guessing. No awkward posing. No "figure it out yourself" energy.

If you've been waiting for the right time to update your brand imagery, let's talk. Link in bio to book your free consultation. 📸

#brandingphotographer #houstontexas #brandphotography #headshots #personalbranding #businessowners #houstontx #thewoodlandstx #professionalheadshots #brandingstrategy
My photography style is leaving my client with a photo they love to show off 🤍

Every session is designed to create images that feel elevated and effortless, capturing who you are now and where your brand is going next. 

Photos that make a statement without trying too hard — and still feel relevant years from now.

If your brand calls for imagery that feels confident, cohesive, and unmistakably you, you’re in the right place.

✨ Ready to create something elevated? 

Shoot me a DM and we'll get starting planning!

#PolishedAndProfessional #TimelessPhotography #ModernBranding #SophisticatedStyle #ElevatedBranding #AuthenticBranding #LuxuryBrandPhotography
This is why you should NOT ask ChatGPT to turn your Facebook photo into a professional headshot 👇🏻

AI can do a lot of things… but representing the real you isn’t one of them.

In the AI version of my headshot:
❌ My hair was changed
❌ My makeup disappeared
❌ My face shape was different
❌ The lighting + posing weren’t tailored to me at all

On screen, it looked “close enough”…
But in person? It looked nothing like me.

And that’s the problem.

Ready to show up as yourself?

Link in bio to schedule your session.

#AIHeadshots #chatgpt #headshotphotography #headshotphotographer
The best part of this job?👇🏼

 Seeing clients recognize themselves in their photos — confident, professional, and proud — never gets old. 

Your kind words, trust, and support mean more than you know, and they’re the reason I love what I do every single day.

Every session is about more than just photos. It’s about helping you feel seen, confident, and represented in a way that truly feels like you.

Thank you to every client who’s trusted me with their story — and shared such thoughtful reviews along the way.

✨ Ready to create images you’ll love just as much? 

Click the link in my bio to get started. 📸

#HoustonPhotographer #HoustonBrandingPhotograph #social #socialproof #clienttestimonials #houstonphotographer

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Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

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Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers of America PPA.
Tara is a Certified Professional Photographer.
Tara is a member of TPPA Texas Professional Photographer's Association.
Tara has earned her Master of Photography degree.
Tara has earned her Photographic Craftsman certification.
Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH.