Business headshots styles
Environmental, Branding, and Traditional headshots can each be an effective addition to your marketing and communication strategy. Do these styles overlap? Absolutely they can! Let's take a look at all three to see what will work best for your company.
Environmental business Headshots
Environmental images are trending for business headshots right now. Professionals want to look more approachable, less stuffy, and have a more personal presentation of themselves. These images are taken on-location in either your work space or or a public space that fits your style. Environmental business portraits show a little more personality and depth than photos with a solid backdrop, while remaining very versatile. They can be formal or casual, posed or more candid.
These types of images can be created in home offices or corporate offices. I look for a space that has depth but is simple, and it if isn't naturally well-lit, then off-camera lighting is added. Depending on what level of formality you are looking for, we will use banks of windows, conference rooms, comfy chairs, or even outdoor spaces if that makes sense for you.
For larger companies that are looking for multiple environmental headshots (a trend in 2025), having a unique look for each portrait is important. Even by changing little things, we can take multiple unique portraits in one small space that all represent your business. Consistency without repetition is the goal with a large number of environmental portraits. Plan 20-25 minutes each for this style of portraiture.
Branding Business Headshots
Branding images go further than environmental headshots in that the goal is to get the viewer to clearly and quickly understand the service you provide and the person they are working with. These sessions take place on-location, in your office, studio, lab, or if you are a location service we will find a place together that achieves your goals. Any props that help tell your story are included (i.e. a baker in their bakery, or a finance professional in front of their wall of computer screens).
Effective branding photography starts with your photographer doing a deep dive into the marketing materials you already have (especially if they are something we are adding to), viewing your website, logo, colors, style. It's important that before we pick up a camera I know clearly the service you are providing and your ideal client base you are speaking to. With all of that information we then find the best way to visually tie all of that together.
Initial branding clients start with a 1/2 day shoot, with the goal of adding to your image collection as your business grows. Branding sessions have a combination of headshots, candid images, and even group images to convey the full story of your business. Many of my branding clients are small businesses or sole proprietors.
Traditional Business Headshots
These are typically taken on solid backdrop, with 1-3 off-camera lights. One of the advantages of a headshot with a background is that it is very consistent repeatable over and over again, and is used by large companies. As employees are added your new images will match exactly and create a consistent, seamless collection to display on website and other materials. Weather and season are not considerations, making scheduling easier.
Session times for these types of headshots are very quick, with each person only taking 5-10 minutes. Images are traditionally delivered vertically, though I am happy to deliver square or horizontal images.
This style of headshot is a great offering if you are having a large in-person event and want many employees to get updated headshots at once. I can set up in a lobby of a conference or business meeting and photograph employees as they are available throughout your event.
All images from Jessica McHale Photography are delivered edited in jpeg format via digital download. Typical turn-around is within 1 week, longer for large groups. Rush editing is available as quickly as same-day.