Headshots vs. Creative Portraits: What’s Best for You?

When You’re Not Sure What You “Need” … Let’s Talk About What You Really Want

It happens all the time in my San Antonio studio.

A woman calls me, maybe a little nervous, and says something like, “I just need a quick headshot for my new job” or “I probably just need something simple for LinkedIn.” But then, we start talking… and what unfolds is almost always something deeper.

One particular session with a realtor named Donna comes to mind. She came in saying she needed a basic professional headshot. But the moment she pulled out her Pinterest folder of saved images, I could see the uncertainty. Some were sharp, classic headshots; others leaned more into lifestyle branding. She looked at me and said, “I just don’t know what fits me anymore.”

If Donna’s words sound familiar, I want to help you figure it out, too.

The truth is: deciding between a headshot and a creative portrait doesn’t have to be confusing. You don’t have to choose based on what you think you’re supposed to have. Let’s walk through what each one actually does for you - and how we can personalize your session to reflect your story and your goals.

Let’s Start with Why It Feels Confusing

When my clients come to me for portraits, they already know a few things; they want to look like their best self, they want to feel calm and confident, and they want the results to be useful.

But here’s what gets tricky: there’s often pressure to make the “right” decision up front.

• Do I go with something professional or creative?

• Do I play it safe or show more of my personality?

• What will my clients or colleagues think?

And in all of that indecision, the joyful, empowering part of the photoshoot can start to feel overwhelming.

That’s why my job has never been just about taking pretty pictures. It’s guiding you to images that feel like you - whether that’s for LinkedIn, your website, or your living room wall.

What’s the Difference? Here’s How I Break It Down:

A Professional Headshot: Confidence in a Single Frame

This is your go-to image for polished, professional first impressions.

• Ideal for LinkedIn, resumes, company bios, and speaking engagements

• Clean background, simple posing, and flattering lighting

• Focuses on your face, your expression, and your credibility

• Perfect when you want to look confident, capable, and approachable

These sessions are short, efficient, and great when you need something streamlined, but still elevated. If you're re-entering the workforce, launching a new business, or simply tired of that cropped family photo you've been using for years, a headshot is a powerful update.

A Personal Branding Session: Personality Meets Purpose

Branding sessions go beyond the basics. They're about storytelling and presence.

• Great for your personal website, social media, branding, or personal milestones

• Relaxed and expressive, with room to move, laugh, or connect naturally

• May incorporate props, outdoor settings, or your workspace

• Shows not just what you do but who you are

If you want to show your personality, communicate your values, and connect emotionally with your audience (or even your future self), creative portraits take you there.

Why Not Both?

Honestly? Most of my clients end up doing both.

Because when you’re a multifaceted woman who leads both personally and professionally, different images serve different needs. That’s what happened with Donna. By starting with a clean, classic headshot and then moving into fun, engaging shots with her bestest boy, she walked away with images that fit all the parts of her life - not just her resume.

Here’s How I Help You Choose the Right Fit

When you book a session with me at Leah Godfredson Photography, we start with one key question:

"How do you plan to use your photos?"

From there, I tailor our shoot to fit. We talk through your goals, your comfort level, your style preferences - and then I walk you through every step. I help with wardrobe choices, makeup prep (if desired), and pose coaching so you never feel awkward or unsure.

I remove the pressure of needing to "know everything" ahead of time. You just show up, and I handle the rest.

Because the truth is, you don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need a photographer who listens, understands what you really want, and knows how to bring it out on camera.

Your Image Should Reflect More Than a Title on a Business Card

You’ve earned your experience. You’ve built your life. You’ve got a story that deserves to be seen.

Whether you need a sharp update for your business headshot, a creative portrait that celebrates your journey, or both - I want to help you feel amazing in front of the camera.

Because when you feel good, you look brilliant. And that radiates through every single image.

Ready to Step in Front of the Camera?

If you're in the San Antonio area and curious about whether a headshot, branding session, or creative portrait is right for you, let’s chat.

Start here to book a consultation or explore session options. My studio at Bracken Village offers both indoor and outdoor settings for a truly customized experience.

You don’t have to do this alone - I’ll guide you every step of the way.

Let’s create something that reflects who you truly are.