How Much Do Headshots Cost in 2023?
Most headshot photographers charge anywhere from $150 to $450, but the overall price range can range greatly, from as low as $25 to as high as $2,500 or even higher!
Most photographers set their prices based on factors like number of looks/outfits, how much time they allot, how many high-res or retouched photos you'll receive. But well-known photographers set their cost of headshots at a premium because of how in-demand they are.
In this short guide you'll learn what type of photos you can expect at each price point.
Because rates can vary widely however, you shouldn't choose a photographer solely based on rates. Make sure to do your research and work with a photographer you feel comfortable with and one that has good reviews online.
A note about reviews: Check out FakeSpot.com. It uses a computer algorithm to analyze reviews and tell you whether a photographer's review page is trustworthy or if the reviews are fake. You can even use FakeSpot when buying products on Amazon, going to restaurants and using Yelp, etc.
Most photographers set their prices based on factors like number of looks/outfits, how much time they allot, how many high-res or retouched photos you'll receive. But well-known photographers set their cost of headshots at a premium because of how in-demand they are.
In this short guide you'll learn what type of photos you can expect at each price point.
Because rates can vary widely however, you shouldn't choose a photographer solely based on rates. Make sure to do your research and work with a photographer you feel comfortable with and one that has good reviews online.
A note about reviews: Check out FakeSpot.com. It uses a computer algorithm to analyze reviews and tell you whether a photographer's review page is trustworthy or if the reviews are fake. You can even use FakeSpot when buying products on Amazon, going to restaurants and using Yelp, etc.
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Headshot Prices
So, how much do headshots cost? In this section, we'll outline the most common price points and what to expect at each:
$25 - $75 for a 1-2 Hr Shoot
This is a fairly common rate you'll find on Craigslist. Anyone who is charging this much for headshots is likely just starting out and will probably take photos that look similar to what your friend could take if they used a professional camera.
Be sure that their portfolio is really good, otherwise don't work with them if you can't see samples of their shots. In most cases, a headshot at this level will do no more to help your career than a snapshot from your friend would. Most people can tell how much you spent on your photo, and if it looks cheap they'll assume you don't take your career seriously.
Rather than spending $25-75 for a photo, it's better to just ask a friend to take your shot for free.
Be sure that their portfolio is really good, otherwise don't work with them if you can't see samples of their shots. In most cases, a headshot at this level will do no more to help your career than a snapshot from your friend would. Most people can tell how much you spent on your photo, and if it looks cheap they'll assume you don't take your career seriously.
Rather than spending $25-75 for a photo, it's better to just ask a friend to take your shot for free.
$75 - $200 for a 1-2 Hr Shoot
These photographers usually know how to shoot headshots and can get some decent images.
On the low end of this scale you're unlikely to find a full-time headshot photographer, meaning they won't know enough about headshots to direct you into a great expression. Because genuine expression is very important to a memorable headshot, it's up to you to choose a photographer that knows what they're doing.
Look through their portfolio because most photographers charging this rate will refuse to refund you if you don't like your photos. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind they likely won't have a professional studio environment and might be shooting out of their home. This can make some people uncomfortable.
A few important factors to keep in mind:
IMPORTANT: Look for the worst images in their portfolio and judge the photographer by those. A portfolio should only have the photographer's greatest photos, and if they put any bad ones in there, you have to ask yourself why. Did they think that terrible photo was great? Well, if it's in their portfolio, they probably did.
Want a headshot that pops? Download the free Actor Headshot Checklist to look your best no matter who you shoot with.
On the low end of this scale you're unlikely to find a full-time headshot photographer, meaning they won't know enough about headshots to direct you into a great expression. Because genuine expression is very important to a memorable headshot, it's up to you to choose a photographer that knows what they're doing.
Look through their portfolio because most photographers charging this rate will refuse to refund you if you don't like your photos. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind they likely won't have a professional studio environment and might be shooting out of their home. This can make some people uncomfortable.
A few important factors to keep in mind:
- Will the photographer know what to correct if you're not liking the way you look? Certain angles might not be flattering for you, and if you don't like something, inexperienced photographers won't know how to adjust the lighting or angles so you like the way you look.
- Does the photographer have a makeup artist you can hire if you want one? It's best to work with a makeup artist who is experienced with makeup for headshots because it's different than makeup for everyday life. If you're thinking of getting a makeup artist for your photos, ask the photographer if they have a makeup artist they recommend.
- Does the photographer have a straightforward process so you know what you're getting and won't be surprised? Some photographers don't offer retouched images or will suddenly surprise you with hidden fees (example: you only get access to low-res images and have to pay a premium to get one high-res photo). Be sure you know what you're getting before you book!
IMPORTANT: Look for the worst images in their portfolio and judge the photographer by those. A portfolio should only have the photographer's greatest photos, and if they put any bad ones in there, you have to ask yourself why. Did they think that terrible photo was great? Well, if it's in their portfolio, they probably did.
Want a headshot that pops? Download the free Actor Headshot Checklist to look your best no matter who you shoot with.
$250 - $800 for a 1-2 Hr Shoot
These are the established, professional headshot photographers who only do this for a living and have built up a name for themselves over the years. They have a large client base and usually get most of their clients through word of mouth. They know what they are doing and will likely get you excellent shots.
Just be sure that headshots are their speciality and that they don't actually specialize in something else like weddings or events. Also, make sure they have a trustworthy guarantee in place in case you're unhappy.
If you're not sure, search them online and see what reviews people are writing!
Our prices sit within this level, so if you're considering working with us, see our actor headshot pricing here.
Just be sure that headshots are their speciality and that they don't actually specialize in something else like weddings or events. Also, make sure they have a trustworthy guarantee in place in case you're unhappy.
If you're not sure, search them online and see what reviews people are writing!
Our prices sit within this level, so if you're considering working with us, see our actor headshot pricing here.
$800 - $1,400 for a 1-2 Hr Shoot
These are usually the big-name photographers. They will give you headshots that look just as good as the $250-$800 range, and most of them will bring out the best side of you quickly. They have makeup artists, great studios, and amazing equipment that they use to get you excellent images.
That being said, take note that in many cases, the headshots you get from these photographers will not get you any more work than the photos you can get from the $250 to $800 range. The reason these photographers charge so much is simply that they've been doing it such a long time that they're very busy and have to raise their rates to account for demand.
That being said, take note that in many cases, the headshots you get from these photographers will not get you any more work than the photos you can get from the $250 to $800 range. The reason these photographers charge so much is simply that they've been doing it such a long time that they're very busy and have to raise their rates to account for demand.
$1,400 and Up for a 1-2 Hr Shoot
These people are likely scammers trying to take your money (or decent photographers who just don't want to shoot much because they're either retiring or focusing on something else). A lot of people get tricked into thinking they have to pay $2,000-$3,000 for headshots when that's totally not true.
At that level you're either just paying to work with a famous photographer or you're being lied to. Be sure to check out their portfolio before you hire them, and if you haven't heard their name before and you can't find much info about them on the internet, stay away.
At that level you're either just paying to work with a famous photographer or you're being lied to. Be sure to check out their portfolio before you hire them, and if you haven't heard their name before and you can't find much info about them on the internet, stay away.
3 Numbers All Actors Should Know
Knowing how to get great headshots is important, but it's just one small part of growing your acting career.
If your goal is to act full-time, you should know these 3 numbers:
If your numbers aren't there yet, that's OK! It's certainly not easy to audition and book that much.
But those are actual, real numbers from busy, working actors who didn't just get lucky.
Those busy, working actors started at the beginning – for them, the biggest question swirling in their minds at the time was:
How do I get taken seriously by casting directors when I don't have good credits or footage? And how do I get credits/footage without being taken seriously by casting directors?
It's the classic actor's catch 22.
When we're struggling to get our careers off the ground, our minds can slip into "desperation mode" and start looking for quick-fix solutions. We'll ask ourselves questions like:
But questions like those mean you're focused on Tactics, instead of Strategy.
Think about it this way: Would you bake a cake by randomly sliding a pile of flour, eggs, and chocolate into the oven? Of course not! How you combine the ingredients, the temperature you cook it at, and for how long are all just as important.
Similarly, the long-term, well thought-out strategy you follow as you grow your acting career matters. A LOT.
That's why "strategic thinking" is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as an actor.
So today I'd like to give you a gift: 3 tools specifically designed to help you start thinking and operating strategically.
These tools have helped over 14,000 actors so far, many of whom have gone on to:
My free Actor's Toolkit will help you BLAST through the actor's catch 22 so you start getting WAY more auditions and bookings every month:
If your goal is to act full-time, you should know these 3 numbers:
- 40-60 Submissions – This is how often full-time, working actors submit themselves (whether they have an agent or not) each month.
- 10-20 Auditions – This is how many times full-time working actors audition (or at least record and submit self-tapes) each month.
- 3-5 Bookings – This is how often full-time working actors book real, paid acting jobs each and every month.
If your numbers aren't there yet, that's OK! It's certainly not easy to audition and book that much.
But those are actual, real numbers from busy, working actors who didn't just get lucky.
Those busy, working actors started at the beginning – for them, the biggest question swirling in their minds at the time was:
How do I get taken seriously by casting directors when I don't have good credits or footage? And how do I get credits/footage without being taken seriously by casting directors?
It's the classic actor's catch 22.
When we're struggling to get our careers off the ground, our minds can slip into "desperation mode" and start looking for quick-fix solutions. We'll ask ourselves questions like:
- "Should I take another acting class?"
- "Do I need better headshots or should I pay to shoot a reel?"
- "What's the fastest way to get an agent?"
But questions like those mean you're focused on Tactics, instead of Strategy.
Think about it this way: Would you bake a cake by randomly sliding a pile of flour, eggs, and chocolate into the oven? Of course not! How you combine the ingredients, the temperature you cook it at, and for how long are all just as important.
Similarly, the long-term, well thought-out strategy you follow as you grow your acting career matters. A LOT.
That's why "strategic thinking" is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as an actor.
So today I'd like to give you a gift: 3 tools specifically designed to help you start thinking and operating strategically.
These tools have helped over 14,000 actors so far, many of whom have gone on to:
- Book Broadway roles
- Land network television and Netflix shows
- Sign with agents and managers
- And much more – faster than you'd expect (you can see some success stories here).
My free Actor's Toolkit will help you BLAST through the actor's catch 22 so you start getting WAY more auditions and bookings every month:
The Actor's Toolkit
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Martin Bentsen (author of this guide) is an actor marketing coach who uses strategic thinking to help actors book more work. He’s helped over 14,000 actors with their careers and actor headshots since 2009 and his photography studio City Headshots is ranked #1 on Yelp. He’s spoken at NYU, The New England Theater Conference, The Actor’s Green Room, and other venues. Want to book more acting work by thinking strategically? Start with his free Actor’s Toolkit to create new opportunities right away, or visit his website at www.martinbentsen.com. |
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