What is the difference between a headshot, a portrait, and a branding session?

May 3

Headshots - typically cropped closely, where the head takes up 60% to 80% of the frame. These are for LinkedIn, your company website, and published articles/books that are associated with you. Actor headshots require different posing and lighting, so as a photographer, I do typically ask what the photo is for so we can reach that goal.

Now, what is a branding session?

First of all, I’ll say that is such a valid question because they can vary so much from photographer to photographer. For me, it can be a group portrait day with your team, I’m picturing a salon or interior design firm where everyone participates in lifestyle photography and group shots. It can take place in a rented location as well, one that includes aspirational scenery. Branding can also purely focus on your products and services. I help managers and owners develop a cohesive aesthetic concept for their visual brand and execute that plan. Every business is unique and deserves to communicate that value effectively to its ideal clients.

Portraits: You are looking to commemorate this time in your life. Graduations, Pregnancies, Family milestones. You are already familiar with these reasons, but have you flipped it on its head and thought - having a portrait done for your non-traditional milestones can turn them into meaningful experiences? I have just shot a portrait in the Boston Common for a senior and got her mom in for a few frames - Now the photoshoot is also part of the memory she has with her mom.

Gabriela Berinstein

I'm Gaby, I love working with people who are building something of their own. Every day I meet entrepreneurs who inspire me to excel at my craft. I build relationships with all of my clients, and their success is my success. Our shoot may be over, but you will see and hear me cheering you on as you grow!

Most of the people who come to me don’t love being in front of a camera, but I lend them my posing guidance, wardrobe/styling advice, and positivity/connect them with my hair and make-up friends and we always come away with winning photos. I understand how vulnerable it can feel to put your image on the internet. My job is to make that process feel collaborative, fun, and efficient.

I’ve been photographing professionally since 2023, but I’ve been around artists my whole life. There was little chance I was going to become an accountant, but that said I love the challenge of being self-employed. I have gained confidence in my eye and creative voice through multiple passions including dance and music, which I do in my free time.

I’m also a small business owner, which means I understand the vulnerability of putting yourself out there. Taking good photos of different people every day means helping you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

If you’re looking for branding photography that feels polished but still real — I’d love to connect!

https://www.GabrielaBerinstein.com