With so many photographers out there, all charging different amounts, it can be tricky as an actor or performer to know how much money to set aside for your headshots. As a headshot photographer in the performing arts space myself, 'how much is an actors headshot' is a question I hear a lot! Below I'll briefly run through why prices differ so much, what you're getting for your money, and some average prices too.
Why Do Prices Differ So Much?
There are so many elements that may dictate the cost of a headshot session and the images produced. Prices may differ between photographers and headshot packages due to things like:
Rent of a studio/kit
The photographers experience
The photographers location (generally London photographers will charge more)
Editing time
Admin time
Length of shoot
Number of images produced
That being said, most photographers are freelance and can essentially charge what they like! Cost may not be dictated by the above at all, and the price of a headshot session is what it is because the photographer has decided they want to charge that specific amount. Therefore, a more expensive set of headshots may not necessarily mean the images are any 'better' than a cheaper set. But on the other hand, it might!
When it comes to headshots, price isn't necessarily indicative of 'quality'. Quality is largely subjective when it comes to headshots and photography in general. As with any type of photography, there are many different styles of headshot and this often has no link to pricing what so ever.
The most important thing for actors and performers is that a headshot captures your uniqueness, personality, and displays what you look like in real life accurately. As long as it does this, the style of headshot you prefer comes down to personal preference. You may end up paying more money or less money to book the photographer that has a style you like!
What Are You Getting For Your Money?
Two elements to consider when it comes to cost is the number of images you'll end up with and the length of the shoot (and therefore, how many looks/clothing changes you can make). You'll find this will be the main difference in price between headshot packages from an individual photographer as well as between photographers too.
Be sure that the package/headshot shoot your looking at purchasing produces the number of images you're looking to get, and allows you to change clothing/capture a few different looks. Do also find out if you'll get black and white versions of your images too as these can sometimes cost extra. Most photographers will also allow you to purchase extra images if you end up liking more than the number you've purchased within any given package.
To get the best headshots, it's also important that the photographer makes you feel comfortable in front of camera. Just because one photographer is more expensive, doesn't necessarily mean they are any 'better' at this than one who is cheaper. These things can't really be purchased and are down to the photographer as an individual, so it's important to look at reviews, and the photographers portfolio too.
Average Cost
This really does depend on many different factors. However, see a ballpark amount for both headshots in, and outside of London below:
Outside London:
£75-£150 - 2 images/looks
£150-£250 - 4 images/looks
£250+ - Multiple images/looks
Inside London:
£150-£250 - 2 images/looks
£250-£350 - 4 images/looks
£350+ - Multiple images/looks
Is Cost Important?
Yes and no!
Cost is of course going to be a consideration when it comes to looking at booking a headshot shoot as most of us don't have an unlimited budget. However, as discussed above, a more expensive shoot doesn't necessarily mean 'better' headshots. Photography is a subjective art with some preferring certain styles over others. A more expensive shoot does sometimes mean more images are produced and you'll have more time in front of camera though.
For actors and performers, the most important element is that your images display your uniqueness, and accurately represent what you look like in real life. It's also important that you're comfortable with the photographer you choose, and love the headshot images they've produced in the past. This means you're more than likely going to come out with some great images, irrespective of how much they cost!
Check out my headshots & packages by clicking the 'find out more' button below!
Jonny
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