Personal Brand Photography vs. Commercial Photography: What’s the Difference—and Which One Do You Need?

If you’re a woman running a business—whether you’re a coach, therapist, creative, or service provider—you’ve probably wondered:

“Do I need a personal brand session, or is this considered a commercial brand photography project?”

I hear this question every single week.

And the truth is: the type of session you choose will shape everything—your strategy, the planning process, your final images, and ultimately how you show up online.

Understanding the difference between personal brand photography and commercial brand photography is essential for your business.

Let’s break this down simply, so you can get exactly what you need going into your next chapter of business.

What Is a Personal Brand Session?

A personal brand session is designed for you—the woman behind the business.

It’s about:

• Your story
• Your identity
• How you show up
• The emotional experience your clients have when they encounter your work

Your photos need to feel aligned with who you are and who you’re becoming. And that takes intention, strategy, and a supportive experience—not a quick headshot.

In my Signature Branding Session, we focus on:

• Clear brand strategy
• Hair and makeup
• Multiple scenes + outfits
• Location planning
• A mix of lifestyle, storytelling moments, and elevated portraits
• Images that last you 6–12 months across your website, Instagram, email marketing, and beyond

This session is ideal for solopreneurs and small business owners who are the face of their business.

If your audience needs to know you to trust your offer, a personal brand session is your best next step.

What Is a Commercial Photography Session?

Commercial sessions are a different category entirely.

They’re designed for:

• Teams
• Larger businesses
• Restaurants, offices, wellness centers, or group practices
• Corporate storytelling
• Product or lifestyle images that represent the brand—not just the owner

Commercial projects require a deeper level of planning and production.
Think: team headshots, behind-the-scenes workflow, the client experience, updated website visuals, or multiple locations.

They often include:

• Shot lists created with marketing teams
• Multi-hour or multi-day shoots
• Coordination with staff
• Specific usage rights
• Deliverables tailored to campaigns, websites, or ads

Because the scope varies so much, commercial projects receive a custom quote based on the size of the team, location needs, and goals of the business.

How to Know Which One Is Right for You

Choose a Personal Brand Session if…

Understanding Commercial Brand Photography

• You’re a solopreneur or small business owner
• You are the brand
• You’re launching something new
• You want cohesive, elevated images across your entire online presence
• You want support with styling, planning, posing, and storytelling
• You want to feel confident and clear showing up online

This is where my Signature Branding Session shines—it’s built for the woman building something bigger.

Choose a Custom Commercial Session if…

• You’re photographing multiple team members
• You need a large volume of lifestyle images for marketing campaigns
• You run a brick-and-mortar space
• You need photos that represent the brand experience, not just the founder
• You want ongoing visuals for your social team or marketing department

Why Solopreneurs Get the Best Results with the Signature Session

When it’s just you, your brand photos need to work harder.

They need to show:

• Connection
• Trust
• Professionalism
• Your unique personality
• The future version of your business

This session gives you the space, care, and strategy to show up fully—not rushed, not stiff, and not guessing.

It’s a guided experience with support at every step, so you walk away with images you love—and that help you attract the women you’re meant to serve.

Ready to book? Here’s what I recommend.

If you’re a solopreneur or small-business owner, book the Signature Branding Session by completing the inquiry form or booking a discovery call today.

If you’re a larger business, team, or corporate office, complete the inquiry form for a custom commercial quote, and I’ll put together a proposal based on your scope and needs.

Melissa, the founder of One Body, is one of those rare women who brings equal parts expertise and heart into everything she does. She doesn’t just coach macros—she teaches women how to build a sustainable relationship with their bodies, their routines, and their confidence. Working with her feels like having a teammate who actually gets it: the busy schedules, the long days, the desire to feel strong and grounded without adding more chaos to your plate. Her approach is thoughtful, personal, and rooted in real life—not quick fixes. And when you’re ready to feel supported, clear, and capable again, Melissa is the one you want in your corner.

Nicole Hodgson

Nicole Hodgson is an elevated lifestyle family photographer based in Stockton, serving Sacramento and the surrounding San Joaquin counties. With a background as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over 10 years working with children in outpatient and school-based settings, she brings a unique, intentional approach to photography—blending storytelling, connection, and a seamless, stress-free experience. Nicole specializes in capturing authentic moments, whether it’s the early days of parenthood, the beautiful chaos of family life, or branding sessions that showcase the heart of a business. She is dedicated to delivering timeless, high-quality imagery that becomes cherished heirlooms. When she’s not behind the camera, you can find her fitting in an early morning workout, reading a book on her Kindle, dreaming up her next travel destination or enjoying time with her husband and three young children.

View all posts