Professional Headshot Pricing — A Guide for Companies & Individuals
For many people, photography is a foreign territory, so when it comes to pricing it can often feel hard to understand the range. Some photographers will give away a gallery of 100 employees for $1,000, while that same job could be quoted for 20x that number from another studio.
Below is a quick guide to help demystify what goes into producing corporate headshots & portraits so you can decide how much a single image really is worth.
The Overview
Experience - An experienced photographer knows how to get the results you want, and can do it quickly, predictably, and repeatedly. They know how to navigate the challenges that come up from technical issues to managing all kinds of personalities on camera.
Style - For professionals and companies investing in their brand, style matters. Either you want the style of a certain photographer or you’re paying someone else to hopefully replicate it.
Coaching and posing guidance - Does each individual need coaching? If so, part of what you’re paying for could be the coaching that helps produce authentic results.
Retouching - Basic retouching might work in some cases but usually it is worth investing in the advanced retouching to ensure the most polished results.
Section 2: What to Expect at Each Price Point
Lower: Quick shoot, limited time for coaching/review, may not get to choose final image
Mid: Studio lighting, coaching, wardrobe guidance, solid edits
High: Seamless experience with brand-focused visuals, includes professional retouching and multiple formats, cropped for social
Section 3: Why Invest in Better Headshots?
First impressions = online handshake
Recruiters, clients, partners judge subconsciously based on image quality
Consistent, professional headshots strengthen your entire team or brand
Section 4: Group/Corporate Pricing
Economies of scale — team shoots often cost less per person
Expect $150–$500 per team member depending on scope
Full-day corporate sessions start at ~$2,500 in major cities
Wrap-up:
If your work is professional, your photo should be too. The right headshot can open doors, strengthen trust, and elevate how you show up in your industry.
