Introduction
So you need a headshot for your company website, resume, LinkedIn profile, or other business materials. Should you do it yourself or hire a professional photographer? Unlike candid or casual snapshots, professional headshots are posed portraits carefully crafted to convey not just what a person looks like, but their competence, trustworthiness, personality, and professional brand.
But are professional headshots really worth the time, effort, and cost to have them taken? What makes a "professional" headshot different from a quick smartphone selfie anyway? And how do people actually use headshots in business settings?
In this article, we'll explore the costs and benefits of investing in professional headshots. We'll look at how people utilize professional portraits across business, career, and branding materials. We'll also provide tips on what makes an effective professional headshot, how to maximize your photoshoot session, and how to know if a DIY approach suits your needs or if you should hire a pro photographer instead. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of whether professional headshots are a worthwhile investment for presenting your best professional image.
Costs of Professional Headshots
Professional headshots typically range from $100 to $500 depending on your location, the specifics of your shoot, and the experience level of the photographer. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs associated with professional headshots:
Photographer's Fee - This covers the photographer's time at the shoot as well as editing the photos afterwards. Fees generally start at around $200.
Retouching - Most professional headshot photographers offer retouching as an add-on service to perfect things like skin blemishes, stray hairs, shine, etc. Retouching averages $50 per final image.
Prints - Photographers will sell print packages for you to purchase in addition to the digital image files. Smaller sized prints (up to 8x10) are usually around $10-25 each, while large prints range from $50-150+.
Hair & Makeup - While not required, many headshot clients will pay to have their hair and makeup professionally styled before the shoot, which starts around $200.
Location - For headshot sessions done in a studio, there is usually a no additional charge for this. Outdoor/on-location sessions generally attract a fee as the photographer needs to allow for travel and set up time at the location. When they work out of their studio this time is not needed and therefore the cost is lower.
Travel Fees - If you book a photographer who needs to travel a significant distance to your shoot location, they may charge an additional travel fee which could be $100+.
So in total, it's reasonable to expect investing $200 - $800+ for a high-quality, professionally done headshot experience. The exact costs depend on your specific needs and photographer.
Benefits of Investing in Professional Headshots
Getting professional headshots taken is worth the investment. A professional headshot will convey your professionalism and credibility at a glance. It presents you in the best possible light, ensuring a high-quality, flattering image that builds confidence.
A professional photographer will work with you one-on-one to capture customized photos that align with your brand and needs. They use high-end equipment, optimal lighting techniques, and provide art direction to elicit your best look. This results in images that authentically reflect you while meeting the standards of your industry.
Professional headshots command trust and respect which is critical for networking, job seeking, promoting a business, establishing an online presence, or any situation where you want to impress people who don't know you. First impressions matter, so a polished, professional headshot makes a strong impact and projects an image of competence. It shows you are serious and will represent you or your business well.
How People Use Professional Headshots
Professional headshots have many important uses for individuals and businesses alike. One of the most common uses is on professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Having a high-quality, professional-looking headshot helps you stand out and look more credible as you network and job search online.
Company websites and marketing materials similarly benefit from consistent professional headshots. This helps customers connect employees' faces to their names and roles. For public figures, speaker bios, and authors, a professional headshot can help build familiarity and authority. Some common uses like business cards or press releases even require specific framing like head and shoulders shots.
Using the same headshot consistently across your online profiles and public materials creates recognition and a cohesive personal brand. The right headshot also conveys your expertise and personality when people discover you. Choosing a style and composition suited to your goals ensures your headshot successfully represents you in all the places it appears. A professional photographer understands how to deliver the right shot for your needs.
What Makes a Headshot 'Professional'
A professional headshot is distinguished from an amateur one in several key ways:
High resolution image: Professional headshots are taken with high megapixel DSLR or mirrorless cameras, resulting in images with resolution high enough for large prints or digital use. Amateur headshots may be taken with phone cameras or low-end point-and-shoots.
Good lighting/composition: Professional photographers carefully light the subject with off-camera strobe lights for appealing, even lighting. They position and pose subjects intentionally for an authentic yet flattering perspective. Amateur headshots often have uneven lighting and haphazard composition.
Retouching and post-processing: Professionals extensively edit the photos after shooting, cleaning up blemishes, evening out skin tones, enhancing eyes, subtly refining features, and perfecting color, contrast and tone for an idealized yet natural look. Amateur headshots typically don't involve retouching.
The high resolution, thoughtful lighting and posing, and meticulous retouching are what make professional headshots look polished, flattering and suitable for a wide range of professional uses. The photographer's expertise in directing subjects, choosing locations, and editing results are why professional headshots are worth the investment.
DIY vs. Professional Headshots
Taking your own headshots can save money and allow you to experiment until you capture some shots you love. However, professional headshots offer advantages that are often worth the investment for those needing high-quality, consistent images.
The Pros of DIY Headshots
Much lower cost - you only need a camera, tripod, and editing software
Convenience of shooting on your own time as often as needed
Creative control over posing, styling, editing, and backdrop
Ability to experiment freely and learn photography skills
The Cons of DIY Headshots
Inconsistent image quality without pro lighting, camera gear, and editing
Lower likelihood of capturing an image that conveys your brand positively
Limited posing guidance and lack of direction can lead to stiff, awkward shots
No makeup artist support ensures polished, professional appearance
When to Invest in a Professional
If you need headshots for any of the following, consider hiring a pro:
Corporate profiles, executive LinkedIn images, sales collateral
Physicians, attorneys, or finance professionals who want to project expertise
Actors, models, influencers seeking industry-quality headshots for casting
Authors, speakers, coaches wanting memorable, trustworthy images
Entrepreneurs, consultants who want to stand out as thought leaders
DIY Tips
If hiring a pro isn't feasible right now, try these tips:
Use a tripod and self-timer to avoid blurry shots from pressing the shutter
Take photos outdoors near a large window for soft, even lighting
Shoot video and screenshot flattering moments to extract crisp stills
Try multiple angles and poses to see which are most authentic and confident
Have a friend whose photography skills you trust take candid and posed shots
With practice and patience, you can get some solid self-portraits and stand-ins. But for professional, high-quality headshots that enhance your personal brand, investing in a skilled photographer is often worth the cost.
Posing and Styling Tips
When having professional headshots taken, how you pose and style yourself can make a big difference in the final results. Here are some tips for looking your best:
Outfit
Wear solid colors or simple patterns that will not distract. Darker colors like black, navy, or gray are ideal.
Avoid busy patterns and loud colors that could clash.
Select clothes that fit well and are neatly pressed.
Stick to classic styles vs. overly trendy pieces.
For women, scoop or v-neck tops photograph well. Men may opt for a jacket and collared shirt.
Hair and Makeup
Style your hair neatly and simply. Avoid overly complex styles that could date the photos quickly.
Use anti-shine products if you have oily hair or skin. Shine can be distracting.
Apply makeup naturally and evenly. Go a bit bolder than your everyday look.
Make sure eyebrows are groomed and shaped.
Use color on lips and cheeks to add dimension to your face.
Posing
Posture is important - sit or stand tall with shoulders back.
Position body at an angle rather than straight at the camera.
Chin should be parallel to the ground - avoid tilting your head.
Avoid placing hands in pockets since it hides part of your body.
Women can position hands on lap or lightly clasp in front. Men can clasp hands behind back.
Lean slightly forward and maintain good eye contact with the camera.
Relax your jaw and shoulders to portray an open, friendly vibe.
Background
Solid neutral backgrounds like a gray wall work best.
Make sure lighting is even and consistent on your face.
Avoid distracting backgrounds or super bright light behind you.
Some photographers use umbrellas to diffuse light.
With the right preparation and posing, your personality and professionalism will shine through in your headshots. Work with your photographer to capture different looks and make sure you're comfortable.
Photographer Selection
When hiring a professional photographer for headshots, you'll want to carefully review their qualifications. The photographer's portfolio and experience should demonstrate skill in portrait photography, lighting, and posing. Look for examples of corporate or professional headshots they've shot previously that match the style you're seeking.
Discuss packages and pricing upfront to determine what's included. Many photographers offer different levels of service from basic digital photos to fully edited and retouched images. Make sure you understand exactly what you're paying for.
Check reviews and request referrals to evaluate the photographer's professionalism, personality and reputation. You want someone who makes subjects feel comfortable and brings out their best look. Ask past clients if they were satisfied with the overall experience and their headshots.
Select a seasoned pro whose specialty is professional portraits. Their expertise in positioning, lighting and editing will result in polished headshots that make a fantastic first impression.
Making the Most of Your Headshots
Once you have your professional headshots, it's important to make the most of them by optimizing them for different uses, refreshing them periodically, and using them consistently to build your personal brand.
Optimize Images for Different Uses
Size and crop images appropriately for the platform where they will be used. Smaller headshots work best on social media, while larger, high-resolution versions are better for websites and printed materials.
Pay attention to aspect ratios - some platforms like LinkedIn prefer square cropped headshots. Always follow recommended image sizes.
For online use, compress images to reduce file size without sacrificing quality. Use image editing tools to optimize compression.
Make sure your headshots look good displayed as both color and greyscale. Some platforms will automatically convert color images to greyscale.
Refresh Headshots Periodically
Plan to update your headshots every 2-3 years or whenever you significantly change your hairstyle or appearance.
Occasionally updating headshots prevents them from looking outdated as you age. It also allows you to project your current personal brand.
Check that refreshed headshots match the style and tone of your existing ones. Drastic changes in poses or styling can diminish brand consistency.
Build a Personal Brand
Use the same headshot consistently across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and your professional website.
Consistent headshot usage builds recognition and trust in your personal brand.
For press releases or news articles, always send the same headshot that you use elsewhere. It makes you more easily recognizable.
Make sure your headshot and other visual branding elements align with your desired professional image and specialty area.
Conclusion
Getting professional headshots is a smart investment for many professionals and aspiring professionals. While hiring a photographer carries more upfront costs than taking DIY headshots, professional photos deliver immense value over time. High-quality headshots project an image of credibility and competence that can help advance your career or business.
When deciding whether to get pro headshots, consider how you will use them. Headshots are essential for networking, job searching, promoting a personal brand, establishing authority in your field, and building trust with new clients or customers. Great headshots also give your social media presence a polished look. For many professionals, pro headshots quickly pay for themselves by helping them land job interviews, networking opportunities, speaking engagements, or new business.
If you do opt for professional headshots, take time to find the right photographer. Look for someone experienced in business or corporate headshots with a portfolio you like. Make sure they can guide you in styling, posing, and choosing locations to bring out your best look. Spend time preparing your hair, makeup, and wardrobe as well to look sharp and feel confident.
Once you get photos you love, put them to work. Update any outdated headshots on your website, social media, resumes, business cards, and professional profiles. Consider having some printed to bring to networking events or client meetings. With a set of stellar, professional headshots in hand, you’ll be ready to make the kind of polished first impression that opens doors.
