Studio vs. Lifestyle Branding Photography: Which Is Right for You?
- Samantha Davies
- May 7
- 2 min read
Updated: May 8
When planning a personal branding shoot, one of the biggest questions I get asked by clients across Eastbourne, Lewes, and Brighton is this:
“Should I go for a studio shoot or a lifestyle session?”
The short answer? It depends on your brand personality and where you’ll use the photos. Let’s explore the differences so you can choose the right direction for your business.
What Is Studio Branding Photography?
A studio shoot offers a clean, controlled environment with professional lighting and backdrops. It’s ideal for getting consistent, high-quality images without distractions.
Studio photos are great for:
Polished, modern brands
Product-based businesses
Professionals who want clean headshots and portraits
Consistency across marketing platforms
The simplicity of a studio setting puts the focus on you, your expressions, and your message.
What Is Lifestyle Branding Photography?
Lifestyle branding sessions are more relaxed and take place in real-world environments—like your office, home, favourite local café, or even outside on the East Sussex coastline.
Lifestyle photos are ideal for:
Coaches, therapists, creatives, and wellness professionals
Telling a story about your day-to-day life
Showing your work in context
Letting your personality shine through
Imagine photos of you sipping coffee in Old Town Eastbourne, journaling on the South Downs, or meeting clients in your sunny home studio. These feel warm, relatable, and authentic.
Which One Should You Choose?
Studio | Lifestyle |
Clean, polished look | Natural, authentic feel |
Consistent backgrounds | Variety of locations and setups |
More formal | More relaxed and personal |
Ideal for headshots or product-focused brands | Ideal for service-based, people-driven brands |
Many of my clients combine both! We might start in the studio, then head out for a relaxed walk through Eastbourne or a styled session in your workspace.
Mixing Both for Maximum Impact
One recent client chose a blended session. We started with professional studio portraits, then moved to the seafront where she did walking shots and some in a cafe, interacting with a client. Now she has a versatile library that works across her website, blog, Instagram, and email list.
Your Brand, Your Way
Whether you’re drawn to clean lines and minimalism or warm, lifestyle storytelling, your shoot should feel like you. As a branding photographer based near Eastbourne, I’ll help you choose the right setting and plan the session that brings your brand to life.
📍 Covering East Sussex including Eastbourne, Hailsham, Lewes, and Brighton.
👉 Want to chat about which style suits your brand best?
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