Personal vs. Commercial Brand Sessions

What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been researching brand photography, you’ve probably seen a few different session types floating around: personal branding, commercial branding, product photography, lifestyle campaigns—the list goes on.

So, how do you know what kind of session you actually need?

Let’s break it down. Here’s what sets a personal brand session apart from a commercial brand session—and how to know which one is the best fit for your business.

Personal Brand Photography: It’s All About You

A personal brand session is tailored to service providers, creatives, and small business owners who are the face of their brand. Think coaches, consultants, designers, stylists, real estate pros, and solo entrepreneurs.

The Focus:

• YOU as the face of your brand
• Lifestyle imagery that shows your personality and process
• Headshots with heart, not stiff corporate poses
• Visual storytelling that builds connection and trust

The Use:

• Website headshots and banners
• Instagram content (think “a day in the life” vibes)
• Speaker bios or podcast features
• Email newsletters and course platforms

The Main Goal:

In short, to humanize your business. Personal brand sessions help your audience feel like they know you so when it’s time to hire, you’re already the familiar face.

Commercial Brand Photography: It’s Bigger Than Just You

The Focus:

• Your product or service in action
• Your team, space, or process
• Marketing or ad campaign needs
• Polished, high-end visuals that communicate brand values

The Use:

• Website launches and rebrands
• Ad campaigns and print marketing
• Product pages and packaging
• Media kits, press features, investor decks

The Main Goal:

To elevate your business brand. Commercial sessions are designed to help you market like a pro and grow with confidence—whether that means more visibility, more reach, or more revenue.

Heads up on licensing: Because commercial brand images are often used at scale—across ad campaigns, packaging, and large platforms—additional licensing may be required depending on how and where the images will be circulated. I always walk my clients through this to make sure everything is clear and covered.

So, Which One Do You Need?

Here’s the quick test:

Are you the face of your business and want to build trust online? Go with a personal brand session.

Do you need campaign images, team photos, or high-volume product shots? Book a commercial brand session.

If you’re somewhere in between (like a small team with a personal touch), don’t worry. I often create hybrid sessions to meet both goals. That’s the beauty of custom brand photography.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

Great brand photography should meet your goals, not just fit into a category.

If you’re unsure what kind of session makes the most sense, reach out. I’ll help you map out a plan that aligns with your brand’s growth, your marketing goals, and how you actually use your images day-to-day.