If you’re a creative entrepreneur, freelancer or business owner in Montreal, chances are you’ve been considering professional photos for your brand. We’re in the era of online shenanigans, right?

But when it comes to actually booking your session, it can be a bit unclear and overwhelming to understand what we actually need in terms of visuals: do I need a simple picture of my face? Do I need to showcase what I do? Should my everyday tools be part of the shoot?

In other words: Do I need a headshot or a brand portrait? And wait… What even is a brand portrait?

Enter: me. I’m Cat, a brand portrait and headshot photographer in Montreal, and I’m here to help you plan your next girl (or boy) boss photoshoot.

Keep reading for a clear breakdown of the difference between a brand portrait and a headshot session, and how to choose which one to invest in.

Hint: that’s my headshot!

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1. What is a Headshot

A headshot is, simply put, your visual ID. It’s usually a close-up of your face and upper shoulders and, if you’re feeling a little crazy, can include your entire torso.

Unless you need multiple headshots with different outfits, headshot sessions are usually pretty short (I usually reserve 45 minutes so we can really get in the groove, but more on that in another article).

Headshots are often used for:

LinkedIn profiles
Instagram profiles
Conference bios
Website team pages
Business cards

They’re clean and pretty straightforward, perfect when you just need one solid photo that says “Hi I’m not a robot and I know how to smile” (if smiling is your vibe).

2. What Is a Brand Portrait

A brand portrait is like a headshot, on fire. Like if your headshot session had had a baby with your branding strategy.

Brand portraits are really about storytelling. While headshots should also communicate your vibe, brand portraits go several steps further into telling who you are, what you do and what you value. They might include things like:

Your workspace
Your tools
Objects or places of inspiration
Personal lifestyle shots
Personality-filled moments

They're wider in scope and so facilitate the connection between your audience and you. These images help build connection and trust.

They’re designed to be used across:

Website pages
Instagram posts, reels and stories
Promotional material
Press kits
Etc.

Because of the scope of this type of project, brand portrait sessions are usually a little longer and involve some form of creative planning (read this article for tips about how to prepare). I personally offer sessions that start at 1.5 hours, for example.

3. Why Creatives and Entrepreneurs Benefit from Brand Portraits

If you’re a creative or an entrepreneur, chances are your business is you. Whether you’re a designer, wellness coach, copywriter, or interior stylist, your audience is buying you just as much as your service.

Brand portraits help:

Build a sense of emotional connection to your art or business
Build a consistent visual brand across platforms, which helps build trust
Help people understand your inspirations and processes
Help your audience get a sense of what it’s like to work with you

Brand portraits are about telling your story and being intentionally you. As a creative or entrepreneur, this will eventually lead to connecting with your potential clients.

4. Examples of How Clients Use Their Brand Portraits

Here’s how my clients in Montreal have used their brand portraits after our sessions (see actual case studies on my website):

A holistic physiotherapy and acupuncture clinic owner rebranded his website with calming, warm images that reflected the team’s values of safety and presence.
A podcast host used her portraits for her new Podcast cover and across her Instagram Reels and Posts.
A yoga studio owner used movement and lifestyle scenes for Instagram Reels, Posts and in-studio posters.
A tattoo artist used storytelling portraits to share a new guest spot project that he incorporated in his practice.

These aren’t just pretty pictures. They’re tools to help you connect, convert, and grow your business.

5. So, Do You Need a Headshot or a Brand Portrait?

Still unsure which one you need? Here’s a quick guide:

Choose a headshot if you:

Just need one solid professional image
Are updating LinkedIn or applying for a job
Need something quick and simple: just your face, no props or context required

Choose a brand portrait session if you:

Run a business or personal brand
Want images for your website and social content
Want to show how you work
Want to showcase multiple aspects of your personality
Are launching something new

Many of my clients in Montreal start with headshots and return for full brand sessions as their business grows and evolves.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both headshots and brand portraits have their place, and your choice will depend on where you are in your business journey. If you just need a clean, professional image for LinkedIn or a bio, a headshot is a great place to start. But if you're ready to show more of your personality, your process, and the heart behind your brand, a brand portrait session can take things to the next level.

As a Montreal brand portrait and headshot photographer, I specialize in helping creatives and entrepreneurs feel relaxed, guided, and truly seen in front of the camera.

Whether you’re looking for a quick headshot update or a full brand session that tells your story, we’ll work together to create images that feel like you.

FAQ

Q: Can I get both headshots and brand portraits in one session?
A: Absolutely. Many clients book a full brand session and we start with a classic headshot. It’s all about maximizing your time and variety.

Q: How often should I update my photos?
A: Headshots every 1–2 years; brand portraits every 12–18 months or when your business pivots or has a special offering.

Q: What should I wear for a brand portrait session?
A: Wear what makes you feel confident and aligns with your brand colors and vibe. I always guide clients through wardrobe planning during our planning call.

Q: I feel awkward in front of the camera. Can you help?
A: 100%. My sessions are guided, calm, and conversation-driven. Most of my clients walk in nervous and walk out saying, “That was actually fun.”

Q: Do I need a fancy studio for a portrait session?
A: Not at all. I have access to a studio for headshots. For brand portraits, we can rent a studio if that’s the direction that we decide on. We can also shoot in your workspace, a cozy café, a co-working studio, or anywhere that reflects your brand energy.

Let's work together

Brand Portraits vs Headshots: What is the Difference (And Which One Do You Need)