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!

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@taraflanneryphotography

Here are my top tips for creating photos you’ll love for years to come 👇🏻

🎨 Choose a soft, coordinating color palette — think blues, burgundy, and warm earth tones that look gorgeous in outdoor settings.

👕 Stick to classic, solid pieces without big logos or bold patterns for a timeless look.

😊 And most importantly — keep everyone comfortable (especially the kids!) so we can have fun and capture genuine smiles.

Fall sessions fill up fast — let’s plan your perfect family session now so you can relax and enjoy it when the leaves start to turn. 🍁

📸 Shoot me a DM to schedule your Family Portraits this fall!

#familyportraits #thewoodlandstxphotographer #houstonphotographer #thewoodlandsfamilyphotos #familyphotos
Want a flawless team photo every time? Here’s the secret ⬇️

Group Composites.

Unlike a traditional group photo — where someone inevitably blinks, looks away, or just isn’t loving their angle — a composite lets me select the best shot of each person individually.

Here’s how it works:

✔️ I photograph each person separately

✔️ Pick their most flattering image

✔️ Edit each headshot to perfection

✔️ Combine them into one cohesive, polished group portrait

The result? A picture-perfect team photo where everyone looks amazing — no retakes, no stress.

Ready to upgrade your team’s image? 📩 DM me to learn more.

#groupcomposites #teamphotos #thewoodlandstxphotographer #headshotsphotographer
Say goodbye to outdated team photos. 👋🏻

If your company is growing, shifting, or hiring often, this is the game-changing solution you’ve been waiting for:

📸 Group Composite Team Photos

Here’s how it works:

Instead of squeezing everyone into a single room at the same time (and hoping everyone looks their best), we photograph each team member individually — then merge them into one cohesive, professional team photo in post-production.

✨ New employee? We’ll add them in.
✨ Someone left? We’ll update the photo.
✨ Remote team? No problem.

No more rescheduling full photoshoots. No more outdated staff pages. Just a clean, current, always-on-brand team image.

Perfect for:
✔️ Corporate offices
✔️ Real estate teams
✔️ Medical practices
✔️ Law firms
✔️ Small businesses
✔️ Remote or hybrid teams

📍 Serving Houston + surrounding areas
📅 Contact me to start your team composite today.

#teamphotos #groupphotos
Let’s talk about AI headshots. 🤖 ⬇️

Here’s the thing: while AI can mimic your likeness, it can’t replace the real you. People who know you can still tell the difference between an authentic photograph and a computer-generated image stitched together from selfies.

When it comes to building trust with your clients, patients, or audience, authenticity matters. Real portraits create real connection.

That said, I do love using AI-powered tools — not to fake who you are, but to enhance your photos. Tools that smooth, sharpen, and polish while keeping your portraits truthful, authentic, and you.

Because your clients deserve to meet the real person behind the brand.

📸 Ready for headshots that feel polished and authentic? Shoot me a DM!

#headshotphotographer #houstonheadshots #aiheadshots

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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.