EHH, IT DEPENDS!
Headshots are an important part of any professional’s portfolio. Whether you’re a model, actor, or business professional, having a great headshot can help you stand out from the crowd. But how much does it cost to get a quality headshot? In this blog post, we’ll explore the average cost of a headshot and what factors can affect the price.
FACTORS THAT IMPACT PRICING
LOCATION
The location of your shoot can have a big impact on the cost of your headshots. If you’re shooting in an urban area with high rental costs for studios or other locations, then you may end up paying more for your shoot. On the other hand, if you’re shooting in a rural area with lower rental costs, then you may be able to get away with paying less for your shoot. Moral of the story if you get a Headshot done in Overland Park Kansas, the price will be much different than in Boston Mass.
PHOTOGRAPHER
The photographer you choose will also have an effect on the cost of your headshots. Professional photographers typically charge more than amateur photographers, so if you want high-quality shots then it’s worth investing in a professional photographer who has experience taking headshots.
TIME
Typically if you're needing one or two shots, a 30 Minute Session gets that for you with a good Headshot Photographer. Personally that is where I start with my sessions. If you need a complex portfolio of images for something like Personal Branding, that requires more time, film, and other costs for the photographer.
RETOUCHING
Believe it or not, retouching costs money. There I said it! I bake retouching for a certain amount of images into my pricing, but when you want more than that, it costs extra. Usually to the tune of about $10 - $20 per image. At least for me that's the range, I should say.
OK, SPIT IT OUT!
The answer is: "That really depends on all these factors mentioned above." The range I have seen ranges anywhere from the low $100 to $500 and beyond. I have seen a Headshot Photographer in New York charge $1,200 for any new clients, and then $500 for updates. Generally I'm a big believer in "you get what you pay for", which is why my prices sit where they are. I charge a decent amount ($325 to be exact) for a couple key reasons:
- I have costs associated with actually producing the images. Things like Retouching, Film, Developing and Scanning, all are things I have to account for. Not to mention the gloriously pricey rent of being located in Boston's Chinatown. Those of us that live here know its a necessary evil for being in one of the most amazing cities in the US.
- I put forward a quality image. Where some photographers turn and burn people in and out, I take the time to make sure my calendar isn't slammed, and I have the time to give my clients an amazing experience and a Headshot they'll love to look at. This means, better attention to detail, communication, and results.
- I want to work with people who take their personal and professional image seriously. There is a little bit of psychology to this point. I've found that people looking for the cheapest possible Headshot are just looking for something good enough to pass muster. The problem is, that is what everyone else sees out in the world, that you just did the bare minimum. I want to work with people who are willing to pay someone to make images of them that is the best possible version of themselves they can put out into the world. That is how I roll as a person and professional. Bare minimum is not something that I have in my vocabulary, and I reflect that in how I run my business.
- I love what I do, and I want to continue to do that for as many years as I can. Which means being fair to myself as a professional in how I pay myself, but also what I expect my customers to pay. That is the core of how I think as a person. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
IN A NUTSHELL
Headshots are an important part of any professional’s portfolio and having quality shots can help set them apart from their competition. The average cost of a headshot depends on several factors such as location, photographer, and session duration, but generally ranges anywhere from the low $100s-$500+. There are options out there for every budget, and personality, but just make sure you're getting what you need out of the situation. That I feel is what you should be looking for, "Does this person provide me what I really need/want?" at the end of the day.
