Ep 013: Headshot vs. Branding Session: What You Really Need — You’re Already Showing Up Online, Let’s Do It Well

ByKelBailey

We’re all showing up online—whether we realize it or not.

From email signatures and LinkedIn profiles to school parent portals, volunteer bios, Zoom screens, and social media, people are seeing us before they ever meet us in real life. And yet, so many women are still using cropped family photos, old selfies, or even bridal portraits as their “professional” image.

In this episode, I’m making the case for why every woman deserves a clean, current headshot—and why headshots are no longer reserved just for corporate professionals. We’ll also dive into the difference between a headshot session and a branding session, how to know which one you need, and when it makes sense to invest in each.

In This Episode, We Cover:

Why Everyone Has an Online Presence (Even If You Think You Don’t)

Whether you’re a mom, a corporate employee, a volunteer, a small business owner, or somewhere in between—you’re showing up online. Email signatures, profile photos, school communications, nonprofit bios, church directories, and social media all require some version of a headshot.

And you deserve one that feels like you.

What a Headshot Really Is

A headshot is:

  • Clean, polished, and professional
  • Simple and timeless
  • Focused on your face (just as the name suggests)
  • One outfit, neutral background, minimal posing

Headshots are designed to live in small squares and circles—profile photos, email signatures, “about” pages, and anywhere a quick visual introduction is needed.

They don’t have to feel fancy.
They don’t require a power suit.
They don’t mean you’re trying to “sell” anything.

They just need to look like a current, confident version of you.

Why Headshots Aren’t Just for Corporate Professionals Anymore

Headshots are for:

  • Work and personal email signatures
  • LinkedIn profiles
  • School portals and PTO boards
  • Volunteer bios and nonprofit directories
  • Church and community organizations
  • Speaking engagements and panels
  • Social media profile photos

If you have a head and an email address—you need a headshot.

Headshot vs. Branding Session: What’s the Difference?

Headshots say:

“This is me.”

Branding sessions say:

“This is who I am, what I do, and how I serve.”

Branding sessions are designed to tell a story. They’re ideal for entrepreneurs, creatives, service providers, and anyone whose personality, process, or presence is part of their business.

Branding sessions typically include:

  • Multiple outfits
  • Intentional locations (office, studio, home, workspace, outdoors)
  • Movement, personality, and interaction
  • Props and lifestyle imagery
  • Content designed to support marketing for months (or even a full year)

Do You Need a Headshot or a Branding Session?

Ask yourself:

  • Does my current profile photo feel like me?
  • Is this how I want to be seen online?
  • Am I just needing a clean, updated image—or am I creating content and telling a brand story?

A headshot is often the perfect first step.
A branding session is for when you’re ready to visually elevate and expand your content.

Both are valuable—but they serve very different purposes.

A Gentle Reminder for Business Owners

Wherever you are in your business journey is exactly where you’re meant to be.

A branding session can elevate your content and make marketing easier—but it does not determine your legitimacy. Your business is already valid. A headshot is necessary. A branding session is optional and available when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

We’re living in a time where our online presence matters more than ever—and we deserve to show up online with the same confidence we bring into real life.

Whether that starts with a simple headshot or grows into a full branding session, my hope is that you find (or create) an image of yourself that you’re proud to use and excited to share.

You’re already showing up online.
Let’s do it well.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re unsure which session is right for you, I’d love to chat. Headshots and branding sessions are both available in 2026, and my monthly mini session calendar includes limited headshot opportunities throughout the year.

Visit kelsibailey.com to learn more, or subscribe to my email list for early access to upcoming sessions.

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