Your photos are more than just pictures. They are assets. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile or preparing to launch a new personal brand, the visuals you choose will shape how you’re perceived, remembered, and trusted. And yet, most people don’t know the difference between a simple headshot session and a full branding photoshoot, or when they actually need each.

That’s where this guide comes in. After working with hundreds of professionals and entrepreneurs across Vancouver, Burnaby, and Port Coquitlam, we’ve seen firsthand how the right type of portrait session can elevate not only your online presence but also your confidence, opportunities, and brand perception. Here’s what one of our branding clients said about working with Fontaine Photography, Vancouver’s Award-Winning Portrait Studio.

“The Fontaine team are the ultimate pros! They knew just what to do to make me feel at ease during my photoshoot, and they also took the time to make sure they aligned the shots with their intended use for my website and branding.” Kristen

Let’s break down the differences between headshots and branding sessions, what’s included in each, and how to choose the one that fits your goals best.

What Is a Professional Headshot?

A professional headshot is a clean, cropped portrait that focuses on presenting you as polished, approachable, and trustworthy. It is often taken from the shoulders up, with a neutral background, soft lighting, and simple posing that flatters without distracting. Headshots are used in places where first impressions happen quickly, and you need to look both professional and reliable.

Think LinkedIn, your company website, a speaker bio, or a pitch deck. In those contexts, one well-executed image can make all the difference. For many professionals in Vancouver and the surrounding area, this is the first step toward showing up with intention.

At Fontaine Photography, our headshot sessions are short, focused, and fully guided. We help with wardrobe selection, posing, and facial expression so you walk away with a refined image that feels like you, only more confident. You are never rushed or left guessing. Everything is designed to help you feel at ease while we capture your best angles.

This option is ideal for professionals who:

Need a quick update for their business profile
Work in a corporate or executive role
Want a formal image for networking and press features
Prefer a simple, neutral look without props or brand styling

What Is a Branding Photoshoot?

A branding photoshoot is a more expansive, creative, and customized experience. Instead of one image, we capture a complete visual library that reflects your brand’s personality, values, and purpose. These images go beyond looking good. They tell a story about who you are, what you do, and why people should work with you.

For entrepreneurs, coaches, creatives, and service-based business owners, this type of session is an essential marketing tool. A well-crafted branding gallery can be used across your website, email funnel, press features, podcast art, sales pages, social media, and more.

At Fontaine Photography, our branding sessions start with strategy. We hold a planning consultation to explore your brand voice, colors, target audience, and how your images will be used. We help you choose outfits, props, backgrounds, and poses that reflect your brand essence. During the shoot, we create a variety of looks, emotions, and scenarios that can carry your business visuals for months or even years.

A branding session is best for those who:

Are launching or growing a business
Want to create consistency across all platforms
Need multiple looks and storytelling variety

What’s Included At Our Vancouver Portrait Studio

Headshot Photoshoot Includes:

30 - 40 minute in-studio session
One outfit with light wardrobe guidance
Clean backdrops in white, black, gray, or neutral tones
Posing direction tailored to your goals
One fully retouched high-resolution image
Option to purchase additional images
Quick delivery for business or corporate use

Branding Photoshoot Includes:

Pre-session planning call to define your brand visuals
Up to four outfit changes with styling support
One to two hour shoot in-studio or on-location across Vancouver
Use of brand props, tools, and environments that reflect your work
A full gallery of 20 or more high-resolution, professionally retouched images
Image usage support so you know exactly how and where to use them
Designed for website, social media, email marketing, and press opportunities

How to Know Which Professional Photoshoot Option Is Right for You

Many clients come to us unsure of what they need. That’s completely normal. Use the checklists below to help clarify what session fits where you are right now.

Choose a Professional Headshot if:

You only need one strong, polished image
You work in a traditional or corporate setting
You are updating LinkedIn or your company bio
You want a fast and simple experience
You do not need multiple outfits or creative setups

Choose Branding Portraits if:

You are building or evolving your business
You want a visual identity that reflects your brand personality
You need multiple image types for different platforms
You want creative direction and a story-driven session
You plan to use the photos for content, launch materials, or marketing

Both are valuable, but they serve different purposes. The right choice depends on how you plan to use your photos and how you want to show up in your space.

Why Vancouver Professionals Trust Fontaine Photography

We have worked with hundreds of clients throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, and Richmond who were ready to stop hiding behind outdated, mismatched visuals and finally show up with clarity and intention. Some were launching brands. Some were leveling up their careers. All of them needed to be seen for who they truly are.

What makes our photography studio different is that we don’t just take photos. We guide you through a process. We bring vision to life. We make sure the portraits you walk away with reflect the most confident, aligned version of you. Whether you are booking a quick headshot or a full branding gallery, we provide expert styling, posing, direction, and retouching every step of the way.

When you leave our studio, you do not just have photos. You have presence. Your next level deserves visuals that match your ambition.

If you are ready to upgrade your image, book a consultation with Fontaine Photography. We will help you decide whether a professional headshot or a branding photoshoot is the best fit, and guide you toward a session that feels like the right investment for where you are going next.

Vancouver
Headshot Photographers

Ready to elevate your brand with headshots that actually feel like you? Book your session with our award-winning Vancouver headshot photographers and let us capture the confidence and credibility to attract your ideal customer and leave a lasting impression.

Professional Headshots

SERVICE AREA

Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Surrey, New Westminster, Annacis Island, Port Moody, Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Anmore & Surrounding Areas

Our photo studio is conveniently located just outside of Vancouver, in Port Coquitlam.