Watch this episode to answer: How much does a Professional Headshot cost?
Professional headshots are an essential tool in today’s competitive world. When it comes to the question How much does a Professional Headshot cost? it’s often followed up with ‘What factors influence the price? In this episode, I’ve taken a creative spin by using different types of fish to illustrate the various professional headshot photographers you’ll find in the market.
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What to expect
Through this quirky analogy, we’ll explore how to align your expectations with the type of photographer you’re hiring. This means you can ensure you invest in what truly matters to you.
How Much Does a Professional Headshot Cost?
What’s that got to do with the price of fish, eggs, or cheese? Let me explain. Just like groceries, headshot photography comes with varying price points, quality levels, and value offerings.
The key is understanding the differences between photographers and matching their services to your needs. Here, you’ll learn to identify where the value lies and discover secret tips to save money while achieving stellar results.
“Our Survey Said…”
Creating this episode was so much fun because it tapped into a nostalgic saying from my roots in the North East of England: “What’s that got to do with the price of fish?” It’s a nod to our strong fishing heritage—my own Grandma Minnie was a Herring Girl!
But when I shared this idea with my team, Michelle from Chicago corrected me, saying, “It’s cheese where I’m from.” This led to a lighthearted social media survey asking you what your version of this saying is.
Plus…
Your responses were delightful! In New York, it’s tea; in South Africa, it’s eggs. Who knew something as simple as a professional headshot pricing conversation could connect us globally?
Time for a Diagram
Let’s use a simple market pricing matrix to understand how professional headshot photographers position themselves. With price on one axis and quality on the other, this diagram helps you gauge where different types of photographers fall.
This visual tool makes it easier to assess your options. You will then be able to set realistic expectations about the value you’ll receive at each price point.
Meet the Sardine Cowboys!
These are the “baddies” of the photography world. Sardine Cowboys are unqualified individuals with a camera. They have a knack for overpromising and underdelivering.
They either offer suspiciously cheap prices on discount apps, or, inflate their rates with clever marketing. Smoke and mirrors, delivering poor results and probably terrible service.
What to Expect from Sardine Cowboys
- Lack of communication.
- Missed deadlines.
- Holding your images hostage.
- Poor-quality photos delivered late.
- Little to no refund policies.
How much does a Professional Headshot cost – with a Sardine Cowboy?
Expect to pay anywhere between £20 and £20,000, but you’ll rarely get what you’re promised. Avoid them at all costs.
Meet the Smoked Mackerel Students!
Smoked Mackerels fall in the “economy” quadrant of the pricing matrix. They’re eager student photographers still learning the ropes.
Their prices are low because they lack experience. They’re eager to practice and build their portfolios.
What to Expert from Smoked Mackerel Photographers
- Limited experience and confidence.
- Occasional technical mishaps. Think – forgetting batteries or botching a shot.
- Delays in delivering images.
- Overworked post-production due to inexperience.
- No professional insurance coverage.
How much does a Professional Headshot cost – with a Smoked Mackerel?
Typically, you’ll pay between £50 and £250.
Pro Tip: If you’re willing to mentor and invest time in these budding photographers, reach out to local art colleges and provide feedback to help them grow.
Meet the Frozen (and Frazzled) Pollocks!
Frozen Pollocks are professional photographers stuck in a cycle of overwork and underpricing. They often handle various types of photography but fail to specialise.
What to Expect from Frozen Pollock?
- A studio experience that feels chaotic and unprofessional.
- Poor-quality images with mismatched editing styles.
- Delays and a conveyor-belt approach to client service.
- Upselling tactics to compensate for their financial struggles.
How Much Does a Professional Headshot Cost with a Frozen Pollock?
Expect to pay between £175 and £400.
Pro Tip: Using a Frozen Pollock photographer is a false economy—both for them and for you.
Meet the Fresh Salmon Experts!
Now we’re in the “premium” quadrant! Here’s where expert headshot photographers reside. These professionals specialise exclusively in professional headshots or personal branding photography. They will be able to offer a tailored service that is designed to exceed your expectations.
What to Expect from Fresh Salmon Photographers
- A delightful, high-quality service from start to finish.
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Comprehensive pre-shoot consultations to align with your goals.
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Expert guidance on posing to match your personal brand.
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Industry-standard images delivered on time.
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A collaborative experience where the photographer connects you with resources to further your goals.
How Much Does a Professional Headshot Cost with a Fresh Salmon?
Expect to invest £800 or more.
Pro Tip: Meet with multiple photographers to find the one who aligns best with your needs. A good Fresh Salmon Photographer will help you plan for a high ROI from your headshots.
Conclusion
Now you know the differences between Sardine Cowboys, Smoked Mackerels, Frozen Pollocks, and Fresh Salmon Photographers. Understanding these nuances ensures you’ll invest wisely and get the professional headshots you deserve AND that fit your budget.
Now that you get the gist of this feel free to explore what to expect at a headshots session.
Ready to book your next professional headshot session?
Now you know the subtle differences in the Headshot photography market. You know what “that’s gotta do with the price of fish”. You can answer the question ‘How much does a Professional Headshot cost?’ with confidence.
