Why Professional Headshots Can Be Costly (And Why They’re Worth It)

If this is the first time you’re considering professional headshots, you might be shocked by the price tag. Before you decide that booking a session isn’t right for you, here is what you should consider about headshot pricing.

– Experience Requires Time and Money

Experienced headshot photographers have spent years honing their skills, which is why they can produce the professional and creative images they do. Headshots aren’t just profile photos either – they need to look professional and tell a story too.

Professional photographers also need the right equipment to assist clients. From cameras and lenses to reflectors and flashes, there is a lot of equipment that comes in handy for these types of sessions. Not only is the initial purchase costly, but there are repairs, maintenance, and insurance costs to account for too.

– Commuting is Sometimes Required

Very often, photographers will need to travel to a specific location for a shoot, which also costs money. Most headshot photography costs include travel, which can drive up the total price. Something else that many people forget to consider is the time it takes a photographer to set everything up and answer any questions you might have. Each of my headshot sessions also come with a 30 minute consultation where I get to know my clients before our time together and help set their minds at ease. This also serves as a space and time to help prepare wardrobe and location ideas.

– Retouching Takes Time

Impressed with the headshots you’ve seen in a photographer’s portfolio? They didn’t get that way naturally. Some retouching is always required after a photo session, which requires time, skill, the appropriate updated software and effort. Photographers take this time into consideration too when building a quotation.

If you are serious about your personal brand, headshot sessions are a worthwhile investment. What’s more, you only need to update your headshots every 2 – 3 years. If your budget is tight, there is always the option of only purchasing one or two digitals files that you love and must have rather than purchasing the whole bunch– while you do end up with fewer photos, the results are still fantastic and won’t cost as much.

Jamie Salima Love is a FingerLakes based Headshot and Personal Branding Photographer extraordinaire. She has helped thousands of small businesses, brands, and entrepreneurs over her 20 yr career by creating updated photo libraries with stellar imagery. She is available for a multitude of services, whether you’re looking to work with her to simply update your Headshots, or to create an extensive Personal Branding Photography strategy and library with all the bells and whistles she’s got you covered.