How much does a headshot cost in Orlando?
How much does a headshot cost in Orlando?
This question of how much headshots cost are comes up often. In this economy and culture, we know that budget is important, and there are a few things to considering when choosing your headshot photographer in Orlando. Let’s take a look at what goes into a headshot photographer pricing, and also look at some rates that are typical for Orlando, Florida headshots.
Prices for headshots can vary greatly from one photographer to another depending on experience.
Something many people don’t realize is a photographer’s experience directly impacts quality, and quality is usually more expensive. One photographer may be just starting out, which often means headshots that aren’t as well composed, don’t have professional lighting, the photographer may not have had enough time to practice shooting in natural light, and the experience itself may be less than what you find at a studio or with an experienced photographer.
Expertise matters! You wouldn’t expect to pay the same prices for a fast food burger as a burger or steak at Morton’s Steak House, and that’s for good reason! Quality matters, and that comes with the experience.
Now, this doesn’t mean that the young or inexperienced photographer isn’t the right choice for you (just like, sometimes a McDonald’s burger is just calling my name!). Sometimes, budget is the top priority for professionals looking to get headshots, and an average headshot is good enough to get them through this next season! When I was just starting out, I only charged $25 for a headshot, knowing that the images would not have the quality of a studio professional. This rate allowed me lots of practice so I could get better and better, and provide excellent work for my clients.
For a beginner photographer, a headshot in Orlando should cost anywhere from $25 - $50 and include a handful of edited images.
I’m going to be super vulnerable and show you my work when I was just starting out as a photographer in 2009!
Check out this headshot of a great guy I took when I was just getting started —->
…As you can see, my lighting was low-quality, background was quite busy, and my composition didn’t do this client many favors. All I owned was my slightly-above-average DSLR camera, and the kit lens. I did my best to find a place with good shade, as I wasn’t able to work well with the sun yet, and I hadn’t learned the art of how to draw someone in through subject positioning, strong lighting with good balance, and editing. However, I am not ashamed of this headshot! It was a great starting place for me, and encouraged me to keep going in this field! This client was only charged $25 for his image. For this client, that was a great price and he was ok that my work wasn’t of superior quality, as this image was for relatively casual use online. I would sure love the opportunity to photograph him again now and see how far I’ve come!
Review the portfolio of each photographer before making your decision.
Whatever the cost, it’s very important to make sure your photographer can produce consistent work, so you know what you’re getting when you book your headshot session. Pay attention to these few details to ensure consistency in their work:
Is the lighting in each portrait similar?
Look at how the light is balanced. For an effective headshot you can use comfortably in your professional or acting career, the strongest light should reach evenly over the face of your subject, with the background not taking away from the subject. Portraits where the light on the subject’s face is not strong enough to balance the back lighting or background is a troublesome sign, as this type of lighting is not professional, nor is it flattering
Does this photographer seem to work with natural light only, or can you see those round or square catchlights in their eyes, indicating professional photography lighting gear?
Natural light can produce stunning headshots, but the photographer needs to know how to wield and craft the light so that the subject shines! If the photographer seems to use studio lights, is the face brighter than the back light (kick light that sometimes edges the side or shoulder)? Or does the back light take over and seem out of balance? This is a tell-tale sign of a photographer-in-training.
A headshot photographer’s artistic eye is valuable.
You want your headshot photo to be taken with an artistic eye so that it looks great on social media as well as on company websites or resumes. Just as all artists, the better the art, the higher the rate will be. A photographer should have an eye for art and composition. Using this type of talent will elevate your headshot to the next level. While style and design tastes can vary, art in headshots can either draw you in with their perfect eye positioning, angles, light, and color, or someone who may not have as much artistic ability could unknowingly product headshots that seem off-putting (though it might be hard to put your finger on ‘why’).
When going through a photographer’s portfolio, see if the “art” they create speaks to you and makes you feel like you could be well represented in that style of image.
Remember that we don’t want a headshot that is TOO artistic, haha! Moody photos that don’t speak to your personality or draw people in do not seem professional. An artist in headshot photography will know how to position your eyes in the camera, your body, and create a captivating environment for your portrait. We often love to create a few candids for our clients based on their company message and can get a little more “artsy” with those! But your main headshot should be artfully, and professionally, beautiful.
Headshot photographers that have the experience to provide well-composed, artistic, balanced images with that “WOW” factor typically cost between $300 - $600 for a headshot session. There are a few more factors to consider when budgeting for your professional headshots!
Corporate Headshot Event Pricing Orlando
Orlando is home to many convention centers and large gatherings due to our wonderful selection of entertainment, great weather, and things to do. For photographers with good experience and the correct equipment, corporate events should start at $1000 and go up from there depending on how many are to be photographed. Photographers will bring their studio to your location, should bring as assistant, and know how to work quickly and efficiently to produce fast, quality images for your team. For a team of around 50, budget for about $3500 - $4000 in Orlando. When you break down the math, these $70-headshots are actually quite affordable! This is a great way to provide a service for your team or convention guests with a more affordable price tag then if each client were to receive a private $200-headshot session. We have seen companies offer corporate headshots to the team instead of expensive backpacks, Yeti water bottles, and other items that might not be as useful to each person as a headshot will be.
A few more questions that you may still be wondering:
Can I get a quality headshot for less?
We are going to say, not usually. Unless you have partnered with a photographer through your company (like ReMax, acting coaches, or agencies), the bottom line is normally, “you get what you pay for.”
Why do headshots cost more than other types of photography?
When we shoot headshots, we are stepping in to partner with you in your business and career, so you can be as successful as possible. We want our portraits to help YOU succeed in business. Being a headshot photographer is a very specialized style of photography if done effectively. The best headshots require a studio full of equipment, the expertise in how to use it, and a specialized professional to create images that shine.
Why should I pay for a professional headshot?
You would be surprised how often we photograph individuals whose “headshot” is a snapshot. But we love helping those who finally have decided that the zoom or webex profile photo that was just cropped out of a wedding photo isn’t communicating professionalism and they are ready for a change. If you are serious about how you are being perceived, a professional headshot is a must. This client from 2023 was using a snapshot for her headshot, not realizing that in her profession, as a manager, a professional headshot would speak volumes about her professionalism.
The Cost of Headshots in 2023
Fortunately, thought inflation has gone wild the past few years, headshot photography pricing hasn’t changed much! If you are in need of a more professional headshot for your business needs, now is the time to book!
Most professional headshot photographers charge anywhere from $150 to $450, but the overall price range can range from as low as $25 to as high as $2,500 or even higher! Everything depends on your photographer's experience and what they have to offer.
Most photographers set their prices based on factors like number of looks/outfits, how much time they allot, how many high-res or retouched photos you'll receive. But well-known photographers set their cost of headshots at a premium because of how in-demand they are.
However, you shouldn't choose a photographer solely based on rates. Make sure to do your research and work with a photographer that you feel good about, and who is reviewed positively online.
How Much Are Headshots in 2024?
We expect headshot pricing to go up a small bit in 2024, in order to keep up with cost of living. However, we at Palm Lake Headshots have decided to freeze our 2023 pricing for one more year in order to help others reach their business goals in this uncertain professional climate.
Book your session with Palm Lake Headshots today and receive our 2023 pricing through December of 2024.
When you book a session with us, we will make sure that you are completely satisfied with your images, and if you book a headshots in Orlando before 2023 is out, you will receive a same-day proofing for an immediate turnaround that can’t be beat.
Can’t wait to see you in the studio!
