When you're on a budget, the last thing you want to do is spend too much on a professional headshot. However, skimping on quality can be a costly mistake, especially since your photo is often the first impression potential clients, employers, or partners have of you. Imagine being a small business owner, a job seeker, or an online personal trainer, and the first thing people see is a blurry, outdated photo. You deserve better than that. You need a photo that shows you at your best. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to get a headshot that’s worth a thousand words. In this post, we’ll show you how to find cheap headshot photography services near you, without sacrificing the quality that truly makes an impact.
How Much Do Professional Headshots Cost?
The cost of professional headshots, including corporate photos or professional photos for LinkedIn, can vary depending on several factors. If you're looking for a simple headshot for your LinkedIn profile or company website, the price is usually between $100 and $300. This typically covers one session, a single look, and a few edited photos.
However, if you need higher-quality corporate photos for a business website, the price may increase. For example, you could pay between $200 and $500 per person. In this case, you might get more photos, multiple outfits, or even a studio background.
This is a great option if you want to create a strong, professional image. On the other hand, if you choose a photographer with more experience or who lives in a big city, the price may be higher. High-end shoots can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more. But with this price, you’ll likely receive top-quality photos and may get additional services like extra retouching or custom backgrounds.
For companies or teams that need several headshots, many photographers offer group rates. If your company requires corporate photos for all employees, the price could drop to $100 to $300 per person. This is a great way to save if you need multiple professional headshots.
What Cities Can I Find Cheap Headshots?
Knowing where to look for affordable headshots can make a huge difference. Prices vary based on the city or region, so understanding the average costs in different areas can help you make an informed decision.
States With the Cheapest Headshots in the US
If you're looking for cheap headshots, certain states in the U.S. offer more affordable options without sacrificing quality. Here’s a breakdown of average prices for headshots in various states, where you can find cheap headshot deals compared to larger cities like New York or Los Angeles.
| State | Cities | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Dallas, Houston | $200 |
| Florida | Miami, Orlando | $250 |
| Georgia | Atlanta | $250 |
| Arizona | Phoenix | $200 |
| Ohio | Cleveland, Columbus | $200 |
| Michigan | Detroit | $250 |
These prices offer a good range for those seeking affordable headshots in various regions across the country.
Cities With the Cheapest Headshots in the UK
Generally, cities outside of London tend to offer more affordable prices. Here’s a list of cities where you can find the cheapest headshots:
| City | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Manchester | £150 |
| Birmingham | £180 |
| Leeds | £150 |
| Sheffield | £150 |
| Glasgow | £180 |
| Nottingham | £170 |
Cities With the Cheapest Headshots in the Canada
Here’s a table summarizing the cities in Canada with the cheapest headshots and their prices:
| City | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Ottawa | $150 |
| Calgary | $200 |
| Edmonton | $200 |
| Winnipeg | $150 |
| Quebec City | $200 |
| Halifax | $200 |
| Victoria | $200 |
| Saskatoon | $150 |
| Regina | $150 |
| Hamilton | $180 |
| London | $180 |
How to Find Affordable Headshots Near You
Once you have a sense of the price range, it’s time to start your search for an affordable photographer who can provide high-quality results. Here are several strategies to help you find the best deals:
1. Search Online
The easiest way to start is to go online and search for “affordable headshots near me”. You’ll see a list of photographers in your area. Check out their websites to see their prices and examples of corporate photos or professional headshots for LinkedIn. Websites like Bark or Flytographer are also helpful. They show reviews, ratings, and prices for local photographers. Compare a few options before deciding.
2. Look on Social Media
Many photographers post their work on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. Search for local photographers and scroll through their pages. You might find special deals or promotions for headshots, especially for LinkedIn profile photos. Some photographers offer discounts to new clients or during slow seasons.
3. Ask Friends or Coworkers
Your friends, family, or coworkers might know affordable photographers. Sometimes, people know student photographers or hobbyists who charge less but still deliver high-quality professional photos for LinkedIn or other needs.
4. Check Colleges and Universities
Photography students or recent graduates are often looking to build their portfolios. They usually charge much less than experienced professionals. Visit local colleges or universities and ask about student photographers. Many of them are talented and eager to create stunning corporate photos or headshots at a budget-friendly price.
5. Compare Packages
Most photographers offer packages for headshots. These include multiple photos, retouching, or outfit changes. For affordable options, stick to the simpler packages. A basic package with one or two professional photos is often the cheapest. Be upfront about your budget, and many photographers will work with you to find a deal.
6. Try AI-Based Platforms
For the most affordable option, consider platforms like HeadshotPhoto.io. They use AI to create professional headshots for LinkedIn or other uses at a fraction of the cost of traditional photographers. You can upload a few casual photos of yourself, and the platform generates multiple professional-looking headshots. While these might not have the personal touch of a local photographer, they’re super affordable and great for anyone on a tight budget.
How Much Do AI Headshots Cost?
On HeadshotPhoto.io, AI headshots are available at three affordable pricing plans, each designed to fit different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
Basic Plan - $19 (One-time fee)
This plan gives you 40 professional headshots, with 4 unique backgrounds and outfits. It has a 3-hour turnaround time, making it a great option if you want a budget-friendly and quick solution.
Premium Plan - $29 (One-time fee)
The most popular Premium Plan includes 100 headshots, 10 unique backgrounds, and 10 different outfit styles. It offers a faster 2-hour turnaround time, providing more variety for those who need a high volume of headshots in a short time.
Enterprise Plan - $49 (One-time fee)
The Enterprise Plan offers the most extensive package. You'll get 200 headshots, 20 unique backgrounds, and 20 different outfits, with a super-fast 1-hour turnaround time. This plan is ideal for businesses or individuals who need a large number of headshots with maximum customization
What are the Factors that Affect the Price of a Professional Headshot
When evaluating headshot options, it’s important to consider the factors that influence pricing. They include:
1. Photographer’s Experience and Reputation
One of the biggest things that affect the price of your headshot is the photographer’s experience. More experienced photographers who have been working for a long time usually charge more. That’s because they have developed their skills and built a reputation over time. They know exactly how to make you look your best and have probably worked with many clients in the past.
On the other hand, newer photographers who are just starting might offer cheaper prices. While they might not have as much experience, they can still provide great results, especially if they are eager to build their portfolio. If you're on a budget, a less experienced photographer might be a good option, but if you’re looking for top-quality work, you can choose someone with more experience.
2. Location of the Photoshoot
Where you live can also affect the price of a headshot. In big cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, the cost of living is higher, so photographers tend to charge more. This makes sense, right? If a photographer’s rent, equipment costs, and other expenses are higher, they’ll need to charge more to cover those costs. However, if you live in a smaller town or city, you can find that headshots are cheaper. Photographers in less busy areas don’t have to pay as much for their space or materials, so they often offer more affordable prices. Keep this in mind if you're flexible with where you can get your headshot taken.
3. Package and Services Included
When you look for a photographer, you’ll find that they often offer different packages. These packages can include things like the number of photos, the amount of editing, and whether you get extra services like hair and makeup. A basic package might include one or two photos with light editing, and it’s usually the most affordable option. But if you want more options, like several outfits, background changes, or even high-end editing, expect to pay more. Some photographers also offer hair and makeup services, which can increase the overall cost. These services help make you look your best, but they are usually extra.
4. Studio vs. Outdoor Session
Another thing that affects the price is where the photoshoot takes place. The cost is usually higher if you choose to have your headshots taken in a professional studio. That’s because photographers have to rent the space, and studios have special lighting, backdrops, and equipment that cost money.
However, if you choose to have your headshots taken outdoors or at a different location, the price can be lower. Outdoor shoots can be a good option if you want a more natural or relaxed look. But keep in mind, that some photographers charge more for on-location shoots because they have to bring their equipment with them.
5. Editing and Retouching
Finally, the amount of editing you need can also change the price. Some photographers include basic editing, like fixing a couple of small blemishes, in the price. But if you want more detailed editing, like smoothing out your skin, changing the background, or other high-end fixes, you might need to pay extra. The more editing you want, the more it can cost, so it’s a good idea to ask upfront what’s included and if there are extra charges for retouching.
Conclusion
You don't necessarily have to sacrifice the quality of your headshot, just because you want to get it at a cheaper rate. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a professional photo for your LinkedIn profile, corporate photos, or just to refresh your image, there are lots of budget-friendly options available. From local photographers offering great deals to AI-powered tools like HeadshotPhoto.io, you can find a solution that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Remember, a high-quality headshot is one of the most important investments in your brand. So, don’t hesitate to start your search for affordable, professional headshots today. You can get started today and get your professional headshot in hours.
FAQs
How to do cheap headshots?
If you can’t afford professional headshots, you can still make the best of what you’ve got. Find a plain background, wear something neat and simple, and zoom in so your face stands out. With so many good cameras around, it’s easier than ever to take decent pictures.
How can I generate professional headshots for free?
You can use Headshot Photo.io to generate professional headshots for free. Just upload a picture of yourself, and the tool edits it to make it look like a professional headshot. So, even if you don’t have a fancy camera or money for a professional photographer, you can still get a great headshot without spending anything.
Can I do my own headshots?
Yes, you can. Sometimes, you don’t need a fancy camera to take an amazing headshot, your phone can do the job. With a little know-how about taking pictures, you can make your photo look super professional.
