What are average headshot photographer prices?

While headshot photos are most commonly known for aspiring artists looking for a gig, they can also be for corporate professionals for branding purposes or for individuals looking to get a glamorized photo of them taken. 

How much do photographers charge for headshots? You can expect to pay $325 for an hour-long project for headshots. Still, headshot photography prices in the US can go as low as $150 to as high as $500, depending on the requirements. 

Headshot photography price list

If you’re an aspiring model, actor, or corporate professional, here’s an overview of headshot photo costs:

Types of professional headshots

Corporate headshots are different from casting call headshots. The latter depends on the nature of the audition. Is it for entertainment or modeling? Each type has a different approach, from the setting and direction of the shoot to editing. 

Corporate

Corporate headshots are for business purposes, taking place in offices to show the atmosphere of companies. These photos are usually for professional social media pages like LinkedIn and business websites. 

Corporate headshots can be for an individual or the whole company, and each incurs a different cost. Studios or professionals can provide accurate quotes for corporate headshot photography pricing.

Acting

Perhaps the most associated profession with headshots is acting. Ideally, actor headshots should be as creative as possible to show multi-faceted artists. Since these are for entertainment purposes, the goal is to stand out.

Modeling

Model headshots are also popular and require ingenuity. But in contrast to acting headshots, these usually capture models in their most natural state: bare-faced or without makeup. 

Graduation

If you’re graduating and want to immortalize this significant accomplishment, requesting professional graduation portraits is good. They involve relatively short photo shoots and minimal directions from photographers. The list below shows the usual inclusions for each type:

Other factors affecting headshot costs

Number of shots

How much is a headshot photo? While most packages offer unlimited shots, some still limit them per individual. Also, photographers limit the photos they edit. The more pictures to take and edit, the higher the total cost.

Photo-editing requirements

Most photographers include Photoshop post-processing in their packages, but this is considered an additional fee. The intricacy of editing might also affect the price, whether you want a plain background or some face retouches. 

Photographer expertise

Another consideration is the photographer’s experience. Ask about their specialty. Do they have more actor or model clients, or do they mostly take family and individual portraits and get commercial photography gigs? It’s wise to look for reviews of their services and check their credentials. 

Styling needs

Some photographers include makeup and hairstyling services in their headshot packages. However, this isn’t always the case. Styling fees depend on how heavy the workload is. 

Location

The shoot location will affect the cost, especially if you’re hiring someone outside your area. You have to shoulder the travel expenses of the photographer and their crew. So if you’re planning to save money, find an experienced local photographer. 

Why you should get professional headshots

First impressions last, so you want to put your best foot forward. Getting a headshot is an essential step in your professional career. Here’s a list of reasons to request professional services:

• You can enjoy flattering photos
• You can boost your confidence
• You can avail of quality photo processing
• Headshots tell a story and reflect your personality
• Headshots are an investment in yourself and your career

Now that you’ve covered the basics, you can post a task. Once you receive quotes or offers, you can select the best photographer for your needs.