Headshots vs Marketing vs Branding Photography: A Simple Guide for Your Business

What’s the difference, and which one do you actually need?

If you’ve ever searched for a photographer, you’ve probably noticed prices can vary wildly, especially when it comes to headshots, marketing photography, and branding photography. While the images might look similar at a glance, the experience, intention, and end result are very different.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what each option involves and who it’s best suited for.

Cheap Headshots (Quick, Simple & Functional)

My cheap headshot sessions are designed to be fast, accessible, and no-frills, perfect if you simply need a clean, professional image.

These sessions are:

• 15 minutes only

• Non-customised

• Shot on a generic backdrop

• Framed from the chest up

• Includes a digital headshot guide so you know exactly how to prepare

• Minimal posing variation and expression changes

This option works well if:

• You need a LinkedIn or email signature photo

• You just want to look professional and approachable

• You don’t need storytelling or brand personality built into the images

It’s efficient, affordable, and purpose-driven, but it’s not designed to go deeper than that.

Marketing Photography (Commercial, Broader Use)

Marketing photography, often referred to as commercial photography, sits somewhere in the middle between quick headshots and fully customised branding sessions.

These sessions may include:

• Headshots and wider framing

• A mix of poses and expressions

• Images intended for websites, brochures, ads, or social media

• Always on location

• Usually for a larger team

• A pre-planned list of images that need to be captured within a set timeframe

• A range of images such as site photos, team photos, working images, products, and more

Marketing photography is faster-paced than branding photography. Because it often involves capturing multiple images for a team or business in a limited amount of time, it can sometimes feel rushed if the budget or schedule is tight.

These sessions focus less on highlighting the personality of each individual and more on capturing the culture, identity, and personality of the company as a whole.

While the images are professional and versatile, the session typically:

• Follows a standard structure

• Doesn’t deeply explore individual personalities

• Focuses more on usability and efficiency than on storytelling

Marketing photography is ideal if:

• You need content for promotions or campaigns

• You want consistency across platforms

• You need multiple images captured efficiently

Personalised Branding Photography (Intentional & Tailored)

Branding photography is a completely different experience.

This is a slower, more intentional, premium service, designed to visually communicate who you are, not just what you look like.

Branding sessions include:

• A virtual or phone pre-session consultation

• Strategic planning around your brand, audience, and goals

• Headshots, lifestyle imagery, and working imagery

• Or product photography with you included in the frame

• Thoughtful pacing, guidance, and refinement throughout the session

• Outfit changes, adjustments, and live image review so you can see images as they are captured and make changes on the spot. In the studio this is done live on the screen, or on location through the camera or a streaming device

• Suitable for just you or up to two additional people, but all participants must be from the same business as the experience is customised to a single brand

Branding photography is for you if:

You are the face of your business

• You want imagery that feels personal, editorial, and aligned

• You need visuals that tell a story across your website and marketing

• You value a collaborative, customised experience

This is not about rushing, it’s about intention, alignment, and creating images that feel like you.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

• Cheap headshots, quick, functional, and affordable

• Marketing photography, professional, flexible, and company-focused

• Personalised branding, strategic, custom, and story-driven

None of these options are better than the others, they simply serve different purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does each type of session take?

• Cheap headshots: 15 minutes

• Marketing/Commercial photography: Typically 1–3 hours depending on the number of people and images required, however can also be a half/full day as required

• Personalised branding: 1–2 hours or more, includes time for outfit changes, adjustments, and live image review

2. Can I include multiple people in a branding session?
Yes. Branding sessions can include just you or up to two additional people, as long as everyone is from the same business. The session is customised to a single brand. Person limits apply on all packages, the base package is strictly one person. 

3. Are location shoots included in branding sessions?
Branding sessions can be in-studio or on location. Live image review is available in the studio on-screen, or on location via camera or streaming device.

4. How many images will I receive?

• Cheap headshots: 3 images for in-studio, or 1-3 on location depending on package chosen

• Marketing photography: A larger set of images, usually covering headshots, team, working shots, products, and site imagery (which is quoted differently)

• Branding photography: A curated selection tailored to your brand story, including headshots, lifestyle, working images, and optionally products

5. Do you provide guidance during the shoot?
Yes. Branding sessions include full guidance, posing assistance, and live feedback. Marketing photography also includes direction for efficiency, but individual personality is less of a focus. Cheap headshots include basic guidance only.

6. How do I prepare for my session?
For branding and marketing sessions, a complimentary pre-session consultation helps plan outfits, location, and shot lists. For cheap headshots, a simple digital guide is provided to prepare for the session.

Book now by contacting me below!