The Insider Difference Between Corporate Headshots and Lifestyle Headshots from a Dallas Branding Photographer
Wondering what the difference is between corporate and lifestyle headshots? You’ve come to the right place for answers.
As a Dallas-based branding photographer, I know that when it comes to the word “headshots,” there are lots of different types and styles you can choose from, which is why I wanted to create this guide to help you choose the headshot session that best fits what you need.
Keep reading to learn more about the difference between corporate headshots and lifestyle headshots to discover which is right for you.
What Are Corporate Headshots?
Corporate headshots are professional images intended for business or professional use. This headshot style is meant to build trust and credibility for your business or company. It’s best to regularly update these headshots – if you have headshots from over 2 years ago, it’s time to get your headshots updated!
You can use these headshots in a variety of ways, including for your LinkedIn profile, on your company website, promotional materials, email signatures, and more. Your corporate headshot is meant to convey your values, brand, and industry in the best possible light, but at the end of the day, it should still feel like you.
Corporate headshots don’t have to feel stiff or dull. They can be both casual and creative or more formal – it all depends on the message you want your image to convey.
What Are Lifestyle Headshots?
Lifestyle headshots are similar to corporate headshots, but they serve a different purpose. Lifestyle headshots are more relaxed and about focusing on your personality. They are both professional while, at the same time, embodying your personality, your vision, and your values.
Your headshot is your first impression, and with a lifestyle headshot, you can make it memorable with bright colors and a stylish flair. These headshots are all about letting your true self shine through!
Lifestyle headshots are perfect for your business about page, social media, and to showcase your brand. They can also be taken in different settings, such as a coffee shop or creative workspace, rather than a formal studio setting.
Posing for these photos is also more relaxed, as we may photograph some images of you next to a window, working at a desk, or doing something that represents you and your business but still feels authentic.
Which Do You Need: Corporate Headshots, Lifestyle Headshots, Or Both?
The answer? It depends. Lifestyle headshots are great for entrepreneurs / small business owners, while corporate, professional headshots are ideal if you’re looking for a new role or if your company website needs updated images.
Both serve different purposes, which is why I like to first discuss your goals for your session during our consult call and learn more about what you need so I can recommend the best option for you.
Examples of Corporate Headshots & Lifestyle Headshots
Here are some different examples of clients I’ve had the privilege of working with, both for corporate, professional headshots and lifestyle headshot sessions:
Casual/creative headshot session
This client booked a session with me after they landed a new in-person job at an office. Before their session, they told me they wanted casual/modern headshots that didn’t feel stiff or overly posed. To create casual, creative images, we used different props that felt warm and inviting and incorporated a variety of poses, both sitting and standing.
Formal, professional headshots
This client came to me looking for formal, buttoned-up headshots to enhance their professional image for their finance company. During their session, we took photos both indoors and outdoors – headshots don’t just have to be taken indoors!
The goal of these images was for the client to have professional photos that built trust and credibility at first glance, aka a virtual handshake.
Creative author headshots
This romantasy author reached out to me asking for creative author headshots, and after learning about her and her vision, I suggested Paschall’s Denton as the location. The location was perfect, with its bookshelves and artwork, creating a magical backdrop for these lifestyle headshots.
Colorful professional headshots
Headshots don’t always have to be prim, proper, and buttoned up! You can still look completely professional while maintaining your individuality and style. This was one of my favorite shoots ever at Black and Light Studio in Carrollton, TX.
These two women, both with vibrant, fun personalities, came to me looking for professional headshots that matched their personalities for their podcast. We brought color and energy to their photos through their makeup and outfit choices, and a vibrant blue backdrop!
Formal and casual headshots
This company was looking for formal headshots that were still casual. To achieve this, I chose an eye-catching backdrop and mixed up the poses so the images conveyed professionalism while still feeling warm and inviting.
Headshots on a white background
Headshots on a white background are a classic choice for clean, modern, and professional images. White is a great choice as a backdrop because it puts the focus on you, the subject.
Headshots on a black background
Just like headshots on a white background – headshots on a black background are also an excellent choice, especially if you’re looking for headshots that direct the viewer directly to you without anything busy in the background.
Ready To Book Your Headshot Session In Dallas?
I hope you found this guide on the difference between corporate headshots and lifestyle headshots helpful. Whether you’re looking for corporate headshots or lifestyle headshots, the bottom line is that headshots are a must-have! A headshot is your first representation of you – this image conveys your unique personality and tells your personal story.
Looking for a Dallas branding photographer for your corporate headshots or lifestyle headshots? I’d love to chat with you and get the ball rolling! Your branded headshots don’t have to be boring. Or painful. I bring everything together with inclusive brand photography you can count on to highlight your unique personality and your values.
You can reach out to me here, and I look forward to what we can create together!
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