How Much Does A Headshot Cost? | The Average Costs Of Professional Headshots
Let’s spare the overly long self-indulgent introduction and cut to it here: how much does a headshot cost? Because, I’m aware you’ve probably Googled it, opened a few tabs, and found yourself staring at prices that range from £50 to £500, and no clear reason why. Frustrating, right?
That’s because headshot pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. It varies depending on the photographer, location, setup, number of images, and even how many people are being photographed. And in a city like London? The range can stretch even further.
But there is some good news that I hope can provide you with a little more clarity on headshot pricing; once you know what you’re actually paying for, things start to make a lot more sense. Whether you’re after a fresh LinkedIn photo, updating your personal brand, or booking a team session for your business, understanding the cost of professional headshots means you can budget smart and can help you avoid wasting money on something that doesn’t deliver.
This guide breaks it all down: average corporate headshots prices, what impacts the fee, how to compare company headshots pricing, and where to get the kind of images that actually feel like you.
What Impacts The Cost Of Professional Headshots?
Firstly, there’s more to it than “a guy with a camera.”
Simply put, when it comes to the cost of professional headshots, you're paying for more than just a photo. You’re paying for expertise, time, equipment, editing, direction, and an experience that helps you actually feel confident in front of the lens.
Here are a few of the key things that affect how much you’ll pay:
Photographer’s Experience: Seasoned photographers who shoot headshots for a living (not just dabble) typically charge more. But you’re also getting someone who knows how to bring out your best—quickly and confidently.
Studio vs. Location: Studio shoots tend to cost more due to overheads. Outdoor sessions might save on fees, but they’re weather-dependent and come with different lighting challenges.
Length of Session: Quick 15-minute shoots are cheaper, but often limited in quality or variety. Longer sessions allow time to settle in, try different outfits, and get multiple looks.
Number of Final Images: Some packages include one fully edited shot; others offer a small gallery to choose from. More edited images = more photographer time = higher cost.
Turnaround Time: Need it urgently? Faster delivery often means an extra charge.
So when you're asking how much does a headshot cost, remember: the numbers might look similar across photographers, but what’s actually included can be wildly different.
Average Corporate Headshots Prices In London
London isn’t exactly known for being cheap—and corporate headshots prices are no exception. But what you can expect is a decent range depending on who you’re booking, how long the session is, and what you’re actually getting at the end of it.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what’s out there:
Budget Options (£50–£150)
You’ll usually find these on freelance marketplaces or as “mini sessions” run by photographers offering short time slots. These are often fast, no-frills, and may include just one lightly edited image. Decent for students or if you're in a pinch—but not ideal if you’re after something that really feels like you.
Mid-Range Options (£150–£350)
This is the sweet spot for most professionals. Expect a proper session (30–60 mins), multiple outfit changes, a choice of backdrops or locations, and a few fully edited shots. At this level, corporate headshots prices reflect a photographer who takes the time to guide you, get authentic expressions, and deliver something polished.
Premium Options (£350+)
Here you’re getting full-service treatment: extended shoot time, pre-session consults, makeup/hair options, image licensing for commercial use, and fast turnarounds. This level suits CEOs, media contributors, and public-facing professionals who need assets across a range of platforms.
And if you're after corporate headshots London prices specifically? Most bookings in the capital fall somewhere between £200–£400, depending on the style of shoot, number of images, and whether you're shooting solo or with a team.
If your company is booking headshots for multiple staff members, some photographers offer discounted group rates.
Company Headshots Pricing Vs Solo Sessions
If you're booking a headshot for yourself, it's pretty simple really isn’t it, you just find a photographer, choose a package, and you're good to go. But if you're organising photos for a team or whole department? That’s where company headshots pricing starts to work a bit differently.
For Individuals
When you're booking a solo session, you're paying for:
The photographer’s time, prep, and post-processing (fancy way of saying editing)
Studio or location costs
A handful of fully edited images
A flexible slot that fits around your schedule
For Companies & Teams
With group sessions, things get more streamlined. You’re not booking multiple full shoots; you’re booking one efficient block of time to shoot multiple people, with consistency. That’s why business headshots pricing for teams is often discounted per person compared to solo sessions.
Team packages often include:
A consistent lighting/setup across all images
Quick back-to-back sessions (often 5–15 minutes per person)
One or two retouched shots per team member
Optional group/team photos
So when comparing company headshots pricing vs solo rates, the key difference is efficiency. Team shoots prioritise consistency and speed, while solo sessions are about depth and variety.
Of course, if your team needs a bit more than just "stand-and-smile" energy, I also offer more personal, brand-led shoots for teams who want something that goes beyond the usual corporate feel.
What Do You Actually Get For Your Money?
In the absolute abstract, it does kind of seem that all you’re partying for is “a few nice photos”. But that’s doing the whole process an incredible disservice really. You see the cost of professional headshots includes a lot more than just a shutter click and a backdrop.
1) Preparation & Planning
Good photographers don’t just show up and start shooting. There’s often a pre-shoot consultation, help with outfit choices, and discussions around your goals or brand tone. Are you going for polished and powerful, or relaxed and approachable? Often these things depend on your vocation itself, but the direction given here then shapes everything else.
2. The Session Experience
You’re paying for someone who can help you feel relaxed, guide you into natural poses, and bring out genuine expressions (especially if you're someone who usually hates being in front of the camera.) This isn’t about looking like a model; it’s about looking like you, on your best day!
3. Editing & Retouching
This is where a lot of the magic happens. Professional editing isn’t about filters like those that come preloaded into Snapchat & Instagram but that everyone else has seen 1000 times before, it’s about subtle retouching that keeps you looking real. Think clean skin, bright eyes, good lighting. The kind of polish applied to an image that looks effortless (even though it isn’t).
4. Delivery & Licensing
Depending on the package, you might get a set number of high-resolution images, cropped versions for social, or commercial usage rights. Not all photographers include these as standard—so make sure you know what you’re getting.
So yes, taking corporate headshot prices at face value, it can be easy to compare quotes solely based on the numbers, but try to think bigger and dig deeper! Not all headshot photography sessions (or their results for that matter) are created equal.
The best headshots aren’t just about image quality, they’re about how you feel when you see the final photo. And that? That’s worth every penny.
