For anyone looking to take their career or personal brand to the next level, getting professional headshots done is a no-brainer. Headshots make you look polished and competent, and they can also be utilized across various platforms, like your website, LinkedIn, company directory, or professional portfolio.
However, if you want to get the best quality professional headshots, the costs can vary. While it may not be the cheapest investment for your professional career, it can be made affordable if you use the right option. And the impact it can bring to how others perceive you is immense.
The Cost of Professional Headshots
The cost of professional headshots will vary depending on a number of factors.
- Your location
- The location of the photography studio (if you’re getting them done on-site)
- The headshot package (how many headshots you want)
- The headshot format
- The Photographer’s experience
- Any extras (post-image editing, retouching, printing, off-site photography)
Generally, one headshot can range in price from $100 to $1,500 if you’re getting them taken by a professional photographer. However, AI-generated headshots can range in price from $10 to $80, and you’ll get a selection of headshots to choose from.
Another big factor that affects the final cost of professional headshots is the type of headshot you want. For example, luxury headshots will be more expensive than corporate headshots, while AI-generated headshots will be cheaper than any type of studio headshots.
Types of Professional Headshots: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Cost
1. Studio Headshots
Studio headshots are taken in a photographic studio setting, usually by a professional photographer and sometimes an additional team of lighting experts and photography assistants. Compared to environmental headshots, studio headshots offer a clean, minimalistic, and simple end-result that can be applied to various professional careers—like acting headshots or modeling headshots.
Advantages
- Get optimized lighting. In a photography studio, there’s ultimate control about the type and intensity of the lighting, ensuring a consistent photoshoot.
- Stable background. In other settings, getting the background just right can be tricky. Fluctuating weather, people walking past, or even dirt and grime on an otherwise appropriate wall can impact the final headshot. In a photography studio, you’ll get a consistent and non-distracting backdrop every time.
- Use sitting and posing props. Convenient props that support how you sit or stand are readily available in a studio setting.
Disadvantages
- Limited creative freedom. There are only so many types of headshots you can have taken before it gets repetitive. If you’re looking for more creative or out-of-the-box headshots, you may not get it with studio photography.
- Need to travel to the studio. Because these professional headshots will be taken on-site, you’ll have to travel to the studio, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
How Much Do Studio Headshots Cost?
Depending on the experience of the photographer, the length of the session, and if there are any outfit, prop, or background changes throughout, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $800—or more!—for a studio headshot session.
Some studios will offer extra services like makeup artistry, headshot retouching, or longer sessions for additional fees.
2. Corporate Headshots
As a type of business portrait photo, corporate headshots are all about displaying working professionals in the best light possible. Because corporate headshots are usually used on professional networking websites like LinkedIn, on business cards, and for company websites, these headshots focus on making you look confident and approachable. They can be taken at your office or workplace, at a photography studio, or at another location with an appropriate backdrop.
Advantages
- Make the perfect first impression. When you’re applying for a new job or want to stand out to potential clients, corporate headshots provide the optimal polished look.
- Build trust and credibility. Corporate headshots show that you are who you say you are and can help employers and clients see you in a trustworthy light.
- Clean appearance. Unless you’re in a particularly creative industry, corporate headshots have a simple, clean, and straightforward look.
Disadvantages
- Lack of originality. Business-casual clothing and neutral backgrounds are common for corporate headshots, which can be uninteresting.
- Can only be used for professional applications. Due to the formal nature of corporate headshots, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to use them for more casual settings, like social media profiles or dating apps.
How Much Do Corporate Headshots Cost?
Corporate headshots usually cost between $500 to $1,500 for a session, however this will also vary depending on how many headshots you want and whether they’ll be taken in your office or at the photographer’s studio.
Some corporate headshot photographers will offer extra services, like bringing backdrops to your office, licensing the images (for use on business cards or company websites), retouching, and airbrushing.
3. Outdoor Headshots
Despite popular belief, outdoor headshots can be used for professional purposes and they’re actually an extremely popular choice for people who want a unique professional headshot in a more relaxed setting. During these photoshoots, both the photographer and the subject can leverage environmental elements for stunning backgrounds and lighting.
Advantages
- Utilize the beauty of nature. The beauty of outdoor headshots lies in their organic and natural feel. Trees, parks, and even flower shrubs can provide visual interest to headshots and bring out certain colors and shades in your face.
- Able to play around with colors and poses. Unlike corporate or studio headshots, outdoor headshots suit relaxed stances. Lean against a tree, sit on a park bench, or simply incorporate movement and fluidity, like the environment around you.
- You can stand out from the crowd. Since corporate headshots taken in a studio have become the norm, taking headshots outside can help you stand out. Just make sure it looks professional enough!
Disadvantages
- Post-image editing is needed. Outdoor headshots aren’t taken in a controlled setting. This means it’s likely that post-image retouching is needed to remove unwanted passers-by, tidy up the background, and ensure the lighting hits your face just right.
- Unpredictable photography sessions. Nature is beautiful, but it can also be unpredictable. The weather, time of day, and other factors can impact the final headshot, making the outdoor environment more unpredictable than headshots taken in a studio.
How Much Do Outdoor Headshots Cost?
For outdoor headshots, pricing usually ranges from $200 to $500 for a session. However, in some cases, they can go up to $1,000. This is due to the necessary expenses of transport to the location, setting up equipment, organizing the day, and the need to be flexible due to timing and weather conditions.
Outdoor headshots can be taken at your local park or at a more exotic location, like on a mountain top or in front of a lake. If you decide on an exotic location, it’s likely that extra costs will be added on top of the base price.
4. Luxury Headshots
If you want to bring a touch of luxury and glamor to your headshots, then opt for luxury headshots. Characterized by strong poses, subtle yet elegant clothing and accessories, and vibrant backdrops that are beautiful yet lavish, luxury headshots can make you look wealthy, powerful, and ready to achieve everything you set their mind to.
Advantages
- Elevate the perception of your brand. If you want to be perceived in a certain way that sets you apart from the crowd, luxury headshots can help you do so.
- Reinforce professionalism. When your hair, makeup, and outfit look luxurious and high-class, luxury headshots can greatly reinforce your prestige and credibility.
- Adds visual interest. Unlike corporate headshots, which are usually shot with a neutral and simple backdrop, luxury headshots can be taken in front of a yacht or plush lounge area, which adds visual interest.
Disadvantages
- Expensive to prepare for. To match the luxurious environment that you’ll be shooting in, you’ll need to have the right hair, makeup, accessories, and outfit to match. This can be expensive to prepare to ensure you look as polished as possible.
- Potential for negative connotations. You’re likely to be perceived as high-class and glamorous. But in some cases, luxury headshots can make you look elitist and out-of-touch, especially if it’s taken overboard.
How much do luxury headshots cost?
Like the name suggests, getting luxury headshots taken of you means you’re choosing a premium level of service that goes above and beyond a typical professional headshot. It’s likely that you’ll undergo a consultation with the photographer beforehand and discuss how you can customize the final headshots so they look as high quality and personalized as possible.
Because of this, pricing for luxury headshots usually cost between $800 and a few thousand dollars. Additional services like complimentary hair and makeup appointments, snacks on set, sophisticated props, and exclusive locations will incur extra fees.
5. AI-Generated Headshots
With the rise of AI technology in so many areas of our society, it’s no surprise that AI-generated headshots have exploded in popularity in the last few years. If you aren’t the most comfortable being in front of the camera, AI-generated headshots provide an ideal option. You simply need to upload a few existing selfies or casual photos of yourself and let the AI software create professional headshots in no time.
Advantages
- No preparation needed. If you’re wondering what to wear or how to pose for a professional headshot, AI headshot generators take care of your outfit, pose, and even optimize how your hair and makeup looks.
- Cost-effective. Unlike professional headshots taken by a photographer, AI-generated headshots are cost-effective, saving you hundreds of dollars.
- Convenient and accessible. No need to travel to a photography studio—AI generated headshots can be created in the comfort of your own home. You’ll just need the AI platform and some good photos of yourself, and a reliable internet connection. Since the images are created on the platform, they can be delivered as soon as they’re generated—usually in under an hour.
Disadvantages
- Can look unrealistic. Low-quality AI headshot generators utilize AI machine learning that may not be as skilled as better generators. To avoid that unwanted “uncanny valley” look that can originate from AI images, it’s worth going for high-quality and credible AI headshot generators like PixelPose.
- Concerns around data security and privacy. Because AI headshots are created by processing your personal data, concerns around privacy and data security have been raised. It’s recommended to opt for AI headshot generators with clear policies around how they process and protect your data.
How Much Do AI-Generated Headshots Cost?
The cost of AI-generated headshots is noticeably lower than professional headshots taken by professional photographers. Packages usually range in cost from $20 to $100. You’ll also usually receive a selection of 30—100 headshots to choose from, giving you more control about picking the headshot(s) that look the best.
Some AI headshot generators also offer prompts for extra customization, like adjusting the poses or outfits. In these cases, the total cost may be more, but it’s likely to be only a $10—$20 difference.
Where To Get Professional Headshots Done
An easy way to search for places to get your professional headshots done is by looking up “professional headshots in *your city or location*” or “professional headshots near me” in Google or other internet search engines. The results will show a list of photography studios or freelance photographers that can take headshots for you.
If you want to be even more specific, you can search specific keywords pertaining to the type of headshot you want. For example, “luxury headshot photography near me” or “headshot photography in nature.”
And if you don’t want the hassle of traveling to an in-person studio or meeting a headshot photographer, AI headshot generators can be accessed from the convenience of your own home. Best of all, these AI generator platforms aren’t limited to your location, so you can choose the best one for you.
If you’re looking for incredibly lifelike AI-generated headshots created by cutting-edge technology and AI experts, PixelPose is a realistic AI headshot generator. Packages currently range from $29 to $69, depending on the number of headshots you want and your preferred turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions: Professional Headshots
Why Are Professional Headshots so Expensive?
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to taking professional headshots. Sure, you’re paying for the photographer’s time and expertise, but there’s also a lot that goes on behind the scenes and into the preparation of a professional photoshoot.
- Studio space and rental
- Lighting equipment
- Upkeep of backdrops and props
- Camera equipment
- Business expenses (if it’s a photography studio)
- Insurance
- Travel fees
- Use of editing software
Because of all of the above factors, professional headshots aren’t the cheapest type of photography out there. However, if you’re serious about establishing your personal brand or advancing your career, getting a good selection of professional headshots is highly recommended.
Should I Use an AI Headshot Generator or Work with a Photographer?
Both AI headshot generators and professional photographers come with advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, deciding between the two will boil down to your budget, if you have the time to travel to an in-person location, and whether you’re looking for a more niche type of headshot.
While most headshot photographers don’t offer free trials, you may be able to work out an initial trial or “beginner” deal with them, especially if you don’t want to commit to a full-length headshot photoshoot. Sometimes, you won’t be sure if you’re comfortable with a photoshoot until you’ve done a trial.
Some AI headshot generators offer free headshot generation, especially for first-time users to their platform. Others will offer free headshot generation, but with a watermark attached. The watermark can only be removed by purchasing digital tokens or a subscription plan. Either way, this is a great way for you to decide whether AI headshots are what you’re looking for.
Which AI Headshot Generator Should I Choose?
Choosing the right AI headshot generator for you is a highly personal choice. However, there are several factors to consider that give you the best chances at finding the AI software that works the best and is a joy to use.
- Check the price range of each platform. Which one is within your budget?
- Check if they offer customization. Is there a specific type of headshot you’re looking for?
- Check any additional services that may be provided. Do they offer post-generation editing tools?
- Check that their website provides clear information about the AI headshot generation process and what you can expect. Does this align with what you’re comfortable uploading?
- Check if they provide examples of the AI headshots that can be generated by their software. Do they look realistic and high-quality?
It’s also important to read customer reviews of the AI platform to ensure the website is credible, safe, and trustworthy. Read up on their policies around refunds (if the results are completely off the mark), data security, and how they process your personal photos and the created headshots.