It’s time to update your headshot and you’re looking for a photographer who can do a great job at a good rate.
So, how much do professional headshots cost?
You can expect to spend anywhere between $75 on the low end up to $1,000+ on the high end with an average of $450, and here’s why.
What you spend on your headshot photo will ultimately depend on the number of “looks” you want, how much retouching you want to be done, and your budget for the photography.
First, here’s a table to help you see the difference between a $75 hobby photographer and a $450 professional photographer.
Photographer |
Price |
Looks |
Retouching |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobby | $75-$150 | ? | None |
| Amateur | $125-$250 | 1-3 | Maybe |
| Professional | $350-$1,000+ | 1-5 | Professional |
Why Do Headshots Cost so Much?
As you can see in the table above, there’s a wide range of headshot photographers to fit almost any budget.
Hobby Photographers have minimal experience, they have hobby-level camera gear, no editing skills, and no business overhead, which is why they charge a cheaper price for their photos.
Amateur Photographers have some experience, they might have better camera gear, beginner-level editing skills, and typically no overhead, which is why they charge a cheaper price than professionals but a little more than the hobby photographer.
Professional Photographers, however, use professional cameras and lighting gear, provide professional editing, and because they provide photography services for a living, have a business overhead, which is why their prices are standard within the photography industry.
How Many Looks For Headshots Will You Get?
The number of “looks”, also called poses, refers to the number of outfit changes you want along with the number of poses photographed.
On average, the more outfit changes you choose and poses photographed, the more your headshot session will cost.
Hobby Photographers, because their main goal is to practice photography, will photograph you in as many outfits and poses you’d like, turning your headshot photo session into an all day affair.
Amateur Photographers, because they’re practicing their craft and working to become a business, will typically charge based on the number of looks and poses.
Professional Photographers, on the other hand, are running a photography business designed to give you a great headshot portrait experience and will charge based on the time it takes to photograph you in different outfits and poses.
Do Headshots Get Retouched?
One of the most common requests I get as a professional headshot photographer is for retouching.
- Can you make me look thinner?
- Can you remove my wrinkles?
- Will you make my skin look nicer?
We all want to look our best for our headshot photos but understand there’s a big difference in what you’ll get between a hobby photographer and a professional.
Hobby Photographers are just starting out or doing photography for fun, so they have no experience with Photoshop and retouching, which means your headshots will not be retouched and straight out of the camera.
Amateur Photographers have a little more experience doing headshots and may have a little more experience with Photoshop, which means you may get a beginner-level retouch on your photos if they offer to retouch at all.
Professional Photographers use camera angles and lighting to help you look your best before your headshots are sent through professional retouching to clean up any imperfections you may want to be removed.
Here’s a before and after headshot so you can see the difference in professional retouching.
Are Professional Headshots Necessary?
If you’re in business then you know, “People do business with those they Know, Like, and Trust.”
When we look at someone, we are neurologically wired to quickly determine whether or not they’re safe and trustworthy.
Your headshot portrait speaks for you when you’re unable to speak for yourself in person.
On your website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Match, brochures, advertising, and the many other assets you put out to promote yourself and your brand.
So, what are they saying to your potential customers, employers, and even spouses?
YES, professional headshots are necessary if you want to build Know, Like, and Trust when you can physically be there to do it in person.
Are Professional Headshots Worth It?
I have found that everybody wants 3 things when it comes to their headshot portraits.
- They want to look great in their headshot portrait.
- They want to feel comfortable when having their portrait made.
- They don’t want to spend all day taking pictures.
Professional headshot photographers understand these 3 customer wants and design their headshots around delivering a great photoshoot experience.
You’ve heard the saying, “You get what you pay for.”
Well, when it comes to having your headshot portrait made, you definitely get what you pay for.
Have Questions About Getting a Professional Headshot?
Being a professional headshot photographer in Rockwall, TX, I’m here to help you with any questions you might have about finding a photographer and having a great headshot experience.
