How much does Headshot photography cost?

What is Headshot Photography?

Headshots are designed to represent your company values while also reflecting your individual personality. Selfies, while the norm these days aren’t always considered professional, especially for corporate use. That’s why headshots taken by a photographer are recommended instead. 

Your headshot photographer will make sure the pose, lighting, and camera angles deliver the right kind of look for the purpose. The top-quality images can be used for your website, professional profiles, or general marketing materials.

Another popular use for headshot photography is for those in the entertainment industry, who are looking to build a portfolio. This includes the likes of actors, models, singers, and TV presenters. Headshots can make or break a career, so they need to show the person off in the best light, and be true to character depending on the industry they work for. 

How much does Headshot Photography cost?

The cost of headshot photography ranges between $135 and $300, with an average price of $200.

Typically, headshot photography in a corporate setting is fairly straightforward to complete, therefore isn’t wildly expensive. 

However, entertainment style headshots may be more experimental in terms of the angles, lighting, hair and makeup, backgrounds, etc. If so, it will cost more money because of the additional time and expertise required, versus a generic headshot.

What changes the price of Headshot Photography? 

The cost of headshot photography varies depending on several factors, including:

• Type of headshot

• Number of people

• Allotted shot number

• Post-production

• Time

• Experience

• Location

Type of Headshot

A headshot for a marketing company website isn’t the same as a headshot for a Hollywood casting call. Each requires a different approach from the photographer, and some skills may be more costly than others. 

Headshots can be commercial, comedic, or dramatic in style. So the type of headshot you require may alter the price of the photographer, depending on their specialism. As an example, dramatic headshots shot in black in white for an actor can be breathtaking, but require a high level of skill to execute properly.

Typically, corporate headshots are the cheapest starting at just $135 for individual shoots.

Team shots are the most expensive, ranging between $240 and $370 per session. This is due to the larger number of people that need photographing, which will take longer than one individual person.

Number of people

Headshots can be for one person or a large group of people. Though as you might expect, the number of people will impact the cost of the service. 

However, the benefit for larger groups is that by using a headshot photographer, the images will be the same in terms of size, quality, and style. This matters especially when using images on your company website, as too many different photographic styles can look haphazard. 

Look out for any package deals the photographer may provide if you require headshots for a large group of people. 

Allotted shot number

Although more of a rarity these days, some photographers still work by the number of camera shots they will give you per shoot. For example, 50 shots per person. If this is the case, then the greater number of shots you select, the more it will cost you. 

Post-production

An optional service is post-production, which is another term for image editing. This may include anything from background removal to blurring a pesky blemish. Or even adding your company branding to each image. Post-production doesn’t usually come as standard, so ask your photographer if it’s something you are concerned about. Remember, the headshot still needs to look natural, so excessive editing isn’t recommended. 

Time

The amount of time the photographer estimates the job will take will be factored into your quote. Some photographers may also charge by the hour rather than a fixed fee. Consider the time needed to not only take the shot but all of the setup time too. Plus any time required for post-production editing. 

Experience

The experience of the photographer will impact the cost, especially for highly experienced or well-known photographers. 

Location

The location where your photographer is based will usually impact the cost of hiring them. This is due to a difference in operational costs. On average, photographers cost as little as $135 to hire in Perth, rising to $300 in Sydney.

For entertainment style shots in particular, prices will be higher in Sydney and Melbourne versus rural areas, to reflect the greater demand for these services in major cities.

As photographers set their own rates, the true cost will very much depend on their experience and the type of headshot you require, rather than location alone. 

Keep in mind that the location will also matter if it’s a long-distance from where the photographer is based. If so, the cost of travel expenses and accommodation (if applicable) will be factored into the quote.

Is it worth getting Headshot Photography?

When it comes to photographs of yourself or your team, first impressions count for a lot. Getting that all-important headshot is impossible without the right equipment, knowledge, or technique. Therefore, professional headshot photographers are the best people to complete the job. Whether you’re representing your business or trying to land an audition, the right headshot can make all the difference. 

Find the best professional for the job on Bark today.