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

Honestly… a little bit of everything. 📸

From professional headshots and personal branding to senior portraits and family sessions, I love creating photos that help people and businesses tell their story.

And there’s plenty more I can help with, too—large team group composites, in-office headshots for teams with different schedules, acting and modeling headshots, office branding, and more.

Basically, if you need photos for yourself, your family, or your business, let’s talk about what you have in mind. I’ll help you figure out the best way to make it happen.

📸 Not sure where to start? Book a consultation with me through the link in my bio.
Money may not buy happiness, but having photos of your family to look back on years from now? That’s pretty priceless. 🤍

Fall family portrait season is here, and I have a few weekend dates still available (spots are filling fast!) 👇🏻

September 20
October 3, 10, & 17
November 7 & 15

If you’ve been meaning to update the family photos, document this season, or get those holiday card photos checked off your list, this is your sign to get on the calendar.

And once you book, I’ll make sure you’re not left wondering what to wear, where we’re going, what to bring, or what to expect. My Family Session Welcome Guide walks you through everything you need to know to feel prepared for your session. (linked in my bio)

📸 Ready to make some memories worth keeping? Grab your date through the link in my bio.
I’m gonna let you in on my secret… 👀

These are the camera settings I use as my starting point when I’m shooting during golden hour:

☀️ APERTURE
For one person: f/2.8–f/3.2
For families or groups: f/5.6

A wider aperture gives you that beautiful separation and soft background when you’re photographing one person. With a group, I stop down to help keep everyone in focus.

☀️ SHUTTER SPEED
I start around 1/160 sec—but if I have kids running, a couple moving around, or anything else with more movement, I’ll increase my shutter speed to keep everything sharp.

☀️ ISO
ISO 400 is my starting point, and then I adjust up or down depending on how much light I have.

The biggest thing to remember? These aren’t magic numbers you have to use every time.

Golden hour changes quickly, and your settings should change with it. Use these as a starting point, watch your light, and adjust for the people and movement in front of your camera.

And if you’re building your photography kit and wondering what gear is actually worth investing in, I put together my Photographer’s Gear Guide with the cameras, lenses, lighting, and equipment I use in my own business.

Grab your free copy through the link in my bio! 📸
Class of 2027, the clock is ticking! 🎓📸

Yearbook deadlines are getting closer, which means there’s not much time left to get those fall senior portraits on the calendar.

Senior photos are about so much more than checking a yearbook photo off the list. This is your chance to capture their personality, style, interests, and who they are during one of the biggest years of their life.

If senior portraits are still sitting on your fall to-do list, this is your sign to get them booked!

🎓 Now booking fall senior sessions. Head to the link in my bio to get started.
Come spend a headshot + branding day with me! 📸

One of my favorite things about on-location sessions is getting to step into a client’s space and create images that actually feel connected to their business.

We can capture updated headshots, team photos, working shots, office details, and plenty of branding content—all without your team having to leave the office.

A lot goes into a shoot day, but this is the fun part: turning an ordinary workday into a whole new library of images for your brand.

Need updated photos for your business or team? Let’s plan your session! Click the link in my bio to get started! 🔗

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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.