corporate headshots near me

Photo Studio 308 headshot photographer nyc

How Much Do Professional Headshots Cost?

News /

Headshot NYC

Have you ever looked up something like “best headshots photography NYC pricing”, and been utterly confused by the results? That’s actually quite common. A lack of transparency seems to be the reason for this, but there are many other factors that are responsible as well. One thing to note: pricing can drastically differ from photographer to photographer. In this article, we will discuss the pricing of headshot photography, and why it differs between different photographers.

Why Does the Pricing for Headshot Photography Vary?

If you look up something like ‘best headshot photographers NYC’, you’ll be surprised to see the variety of services being offered in the area alone. These services vary in terms of quality, and thus prices. But other than the obvious reason that is the quality of headshots, what contributes to this difference in pricing of headshots?

  • The reputation of the photographer:

    if you’re looking for the best headshot photographer in NYC, their prices will reflect their reputation as a photographer. Someone with a huge number of 5-star reviews will charge you more for their services than, for example, a newly established photographer.

  • The skillset of the photographer:

    a photographer who’s skilled in multiple kinds of photography will probably charge you more. This is because of the one-stop-shop convenience they provide you with. If you need a headshot one day, and a portrait the other, you can go to them for all your photography needs.

  • The workflow of the photographer:

    if it’s someone who can capture, edit and process your headshot for you in no time, you may need to pay them more. In contrast, photographers who take their time don’t charge you too heavily.

  • The beliefs of the photographer:

    some photographers don’t charge high prices not because the quality of their work is unreliable, but because they simply do not wish to. Yes, the objectives of photographers vary, and so do their prices. Photographers build their brands around these beliefs, and if a photographer gives you a sense of luxury, it reflects their beliefs for their business.

Photo Studio 308 portrait photography nyc
Photo Studio 308 portrait photography nyc

REQUEST A QUOTE →

What is the Average Price Range for Headshot Photography?

To sum up the pricing range, it starts from around $50 and goes up to multiple thousands of dollars. There are some headshot photography sessions that go beyond the $5000 mark, but those are obviously the very best photographers in the business.

The high-end headshot photographers

For those new to headshot photography, it’s understandable if you wonder why anyone would pay more than $1000 for a headshot photography session. Well, it all comes down to the demand and supply of such high-end photographers. These are the best in the game, and people are more than willing to splurge on their services.

The reputation such photographers hold, as well their reviews and networking give them the competitive edge needed to charge premium prices. So if you’re looking for the very best headshot photography, be ready to stretch your budget a little.

The mid-range headshot photographers

The mid-range photographers charge you less than their high-end counterparts, but can still seem a tad expensive. Their prices start from around $300 and go up to $1000. For a good headshot session that doesn’t burn holes through your pocket, the mid-range photographers can be your best bet.

If you have a number of options before you in the mid-range headshot photography market, here are some of the things you should consider before picking one:

  • Their style:

    your headshot photographer’s work should speak to you. If you’re looking for solemn, dark photos, then choosing a photographer with a bright and bubbly style would obviously be the wrong thing to do. Therefore, you should first know your own preferences and then look for a photographer who matches them in terms of style.

  • Skill level:

    not every photographer in the mid-range will have the same skill set, which is why the prices between them also vary. If you’re looking for top-quality headshots, you should go for the more expensive options. You could again look at past work to get an idea about the quality of any given photographer’s headshot quality. Are the poses off? Do the backgrounds look tacky? If that’s the case, you should steer clear of such photographers.

  • Retouching:

    retouching is the all-important step of headshot photography because it can make or break a headshot. Some clients avoid retouching, others want entire features altered in a headshot. However, the quality of retouching can vary wildly between different headshot photographers. Some can achieve that natural look while altering the images, while others struggle in that department. So your decision should only be made once you’ve had a look at both non-retouched and retouched versions of a photographer’s past work.

Photo Studio 308 Professional Headshots NYC
Photo Studio 308 Professional Headshots NYC

REQUEST A QUOTE →

The budget headshot photographers

These are the headshot photographers who can capture a decent headshot for around $50-$300. For those new to photography, choosing a budget headshot photographer seems like a great idea. But to others who have experience with headshot photography, it’s not all clear why someone would charge such low prices for their services. There are a number of answers to that question:

  • They are new with minimal experience
  • The photographer does not own a formal studio
  • The photographer wants to attract the maximum number of clients
  • They do not understand business practices

While you could get lucky, budget headshot photography is slightly risky. Because such photographers usually have little experience, they can fail to deliver the quality of pictures you’re looking for. Several retakes may also be needed, so the process with budget photographers may not be the quickest. Plus, if you just do not receive the quality you require, despite multiple retakes, that could mean a  total waste of your time and resources.

Photo Studio 308 acting headshots photographer
Photo Studio 308 acting headshots photographer

REQUEST A QUOTE →

Conclusion

Headshot photography can be both expensive and cheap depending on the photographer you approach. However, there are many things to consider, such as experience and reputation, in order to get the most out of your photograph and the money you spend. We hope this article cleared up all your pricing-related doubts relating to the best headshots photographers in NYC.

 

How Much Do Professional Headshots Cost? Read More »

Photo Studio308 Professional Headshots nyc

Professional Business Headshots

News /

REQUEST A QUOTE →

The Importance of Professional Corporate or Business Headshots

People are beginning to see the value and importance of investing in professional corporate and business headshots. There are so many outlets these days that require more than just a “selfie.” Social media sites, especially LinkedIn and Facebook, as well as corporate and personal websites all increasingly require some type of professional photos. Which is why it’s a great idea to invest in professional business headshots. We are a visual society, and one’s appearance is key. Hirers can often tell the difference between a professionally done, polished corporate headshot, and a glorified selfie. Do some research for “business portrait photographer” or “corporate headshots near me” to find a photographer in your area. You can then read any reviews they may have and view their work online to see if it matches your style.

What to Wear

There are several good rules of thumb when it comes to what to wear for a business headshot or company headshot. Perhaps the most important is to simply dress as if you are meeting with an important client. In this case, you would probably make sure that you look polished and professional. You want to look your best, make the sale, or at the very least, make a good impression. If you don’t have a job, try and dress for the job or role you want. Remember that your appearance and what you wear is an extension of your brand, and first impressions are everything. A 2006 Princeton University study found that it takes just one-tenth of a second to make judgments about a person.

Another rule is to keep it simple. You don’t want to wear anything that is too busy or distracting. Over-the-top colors or busy prints may be fine for your everyday, but they don’t tend to read well on camera. Also, you want the focus to be on you, not your clothes. It’s also important to avoid tightly spaced patterns, which can cause a moiré effect—a distracting optical illusion of wavy lines.

Think simple, structured, fitted, and neutral for the best results. Patterns don’t need to be avoided entirely, as long as they are simple and subtle. Light or flimsy fabrics like linen or silk may not work best, as they are difficult to keep wrinkle-free. Structured or fitted clothing is preferred because they show the natural curve of the body. It is certainly more flattering than bulky pieces. Also, the camera adds ten pounds, and no one wants to appear bigger than they actually are because of clothing choice. Layers tend to work well, look polished, and add interest. A blazer or cardigan on top of a button down shirt or dress is a smart option.

Color and Accessories

If you insist on color, jewel tones also work well. They are flattering on most skin tones. But avoid nude colors or anything that is too close to your actual skin color: think contrast. Also, a white or light colored shirt with no detail might appear blown out.

Jewelry and accessories should be kept simple. A statement jewelry piece might work, or a dainty, choker-like necklace for women. For men, a tie should be solid or simple-patterned and should generally match the width of your jacket lapels.

Keep in mind that if you are using this for a LinkedIn profile, the picture will be cropped. So something like a long strand of necklace may likely be cut and look awkward just floating in space.

Another thing to avoid is anything that is too trendy or seasonal. Unless you are having your headshot taken every other week, you want it to last over a period of time. A scarf or heavy sweater may work for winter months but not if you’re applying to jobs in the middle of summer.

Exceptions to the Rule

Of course there are exceptions to the rule. Boring or conservative does not have to be the name of the game. If you’re in a creative field or your entire personality revolves around being loud and proud, then by all means, look the part! It all depends on what you are trying to convey. An executive portrait may differ from a model or actor headshot.

Most importantly, wear what best represents who you are. If you are not a suit and tie guy, don’t wear it. Maybe a tailored button down shirt and jacket will suffice. When in doubt, always bring options, even if your shoot is for one look only. Your photographer can help you choose what works best on camera. Whatever you choose should make you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Confidence During Your Shoot

If you feel good in the outfit you choose then that is the first step to feeling confident during your shoot. Many people tend to freeze up when they get in front of a camera. This is normal. But the idea is that hopefully as you go along during the shoot you begin to loosen up. A lot may have to do with the chemistry you share with your photographer. A skilled corporate photographer will know how to put his/her subject at ease. It may simply be through casual conversation.

Research Poses

Generally, you’ll want to convey a sense of confidence, approachability, and friendliness in your headshot. Practice poses and different facial expressions before your shoot day. This will give you an idea of what works for you and what doesn’t. It may also help you discern what your “good side” is, if you don’t already know.

People are usually more comfortable sitting down. It also gives you somewhere to rest your hands! (People often don’t know what to do with their hands so simply resting them on your thighs helps). Sitting can also help with stability and not moving around too much. Once you are posed you want to avoid large sweeping motions. This will help keep your hair and clothes intact. From there, you should make small adjustments to your pose with each snap. Sometimes the smallest gestures will bring out the most natural expressions.

Don’t Forget to Breathe!

We tend to hold our breath when we are uncomfortable. If you’re too tense it will often show up in your pictures. A good exercise is to overly exaggerate a smile and then soften it. It will serve to help ease the muscles in your face and give you a more natural expression.

REQUEST A QUOTE →

Professional Business Headshots Read More »