If you’re refreshing your LinkedIn, team page, or speaking bio this year, you’ll see wildly different quotes for headshots—anything from quick, budget mini-sessions to premium personal-branding packages. This guide breaks down what affects the price, what typical packages include, and a practical state-by-state snapshot so you can benchmark before you book.
Quick Take: What People Are Paying in 2025
Typical solo headshot session: about $200–$400 for a standard package with 1–3 retouched images.
Typical solo headshot session: about $200–$400 for a standard package with 1–3 retouched images.
Budget or volume options can be under $150.
Boutique branding sessions commonly run $750+ (and can reach four figures) once you add planning, multiple looks, hair/makeup, on-location time, and larger image sets.
Corporate team days are priced per person and usually come out cheaper per head than a one-off individual booking.
What Drives the Price
1) Photographer expertise and specialization
Photographers who coach expression, advise wardrobe, and tailor lighting to your brand tend to charge more than “just a nice photo” shooters. You’re paying for craft, consistency, and a result you’ll actually use for 18–24 months.
2) Time on set and number of finals
A 15–20 minute mini with one lightly retouched image is cheaper than a 60–120 minute session with multiple outfits and 3–10 retouched finals. You’re paying for selection time and retouching, not just the clicking.
3) Studio vs. on-location
Travel, setup, permits, and portable lighting add cost compared with a controlled studio session. Outdoor shoots can also require backup weather dates.
4) Retouching and licensing
Light, natural retouching (stray hairs, temporary blemishes, subtle skin cleanup) is often included. Heavier beauty work or composites cost more. For normal professional use (LinkedIn, website bio, press kit), most licenses are generous—ads and large paid campaigns may require broader usage.
5) Market and demand
Large metros and high cost-of-living areas price higher than smaller markets. Within the same city, premium studio experiences will cost more than simple “camera-only” sessions.
2025 Headshot Cost by U.S. State (Median Benchmarks)
Use these medians as a starting point; actual quotes vary by experience, package design, and deliverables.
Alabama — $250
Alaska — $300
Arizona — $250
Arkansas — $300
California — $450
Colorado — $250
Connecticut — $250
Delaware — $250
Florida — $225
Georgia — $300
Hawaii — $265
Idaho — $250
Illinois — $315
Indiana — $175
Iowa — $250
Kansas — $250
Kentucky — $250
Louisiana — $300
Maine — $250
Maryland — $375
Massachusetts — $400
Michigan — $300
Minnesota — $250
Mississippi — $449
Missouri — $175
Montana — $250
Nebraska — $225
Nevada — $150
New Hampshire — $300
New Jersey — $250
New Mexico — $250
New York — $399
North Carolina — $325
North Dakota — $299
Ohio — $200
Oklahoma — $349
Oregon — $250
Pennsylvania — $250
Rhode Island — $325
South Carolina — $225
South Dakota — $300
Tennessee — $395
Texas — $300
Utah — $325
Vermont — $250
Virginia — $250
Washington — $449
West Virginia — $200
Wisconsin — $300
Wyoming — $550
Tip: Even within a state, prices can vary a lot between a small town and a major metro. Always compare deliverables, not just sticker price.
What You Typically Get at Common Price Points
Under $150
Short mini-sessions hosted on specific dates with fixed lighting/backgrounds, often one lightly retouched file included. Great for a quick LinkedIn refresh if you’re not picky about setups or wardrobe variety.
$200–$400
The “sweet spot” for many professionals: a clean, consistent studio setup, guidance on expression/posing, 1–3 retouched finals, web and print files, and a reasonable turnaround time. Often the best value if you need one great look for the next 1–2 years.
$400–$900
Expanded solo packages: longer sessions, multiple looks/backgrounds, on-location options, extra retouching, and more final images. Popular with executives and creators who need variety for websites, press, and decks.
$1,000+
Personal-branding experiences: planning consults, wardrobe guidance, multiple locations, lighting changes, and a larger image library. Ideal if you’re launching a site, speaking regularly, or need a cohesive content bank.
Corporate & Team Pricing
If you’re booking a group (5–100+), expect a lower per-person rate than solo sessions. You’ll typically choose:
One standard background for consistency
On-site proofing so each person picks a favorite
A set number of retouched files per person
Clarify travel/setup fees, on-site time limits, and whether you’ll get a style guide for future hires so new photos match the existing set.
AI Headshots vs. Studio in 2025
AI headshot tools have improved a lot and can be a fast, low-cost option—often tens of dollars for dozens to hundreds of renders. They’re convenient for tight timelines or budget-sensitive scenarios. Trade-offs: you lose live expression coaching, micro-adjusted lighting, and the exact likeness control that a skilled photographer brings. If you try AI, upload varied, well-lit source images and choose outputs that genuinely look like you.
How to Read a Photographer’s Package (and Avoid Surprise Fees)
Time vs. deliverables: A “60-minute, 1 final image” package can be more expensive than a 20-minute mini with 2 finals because coaching and customized lighting take time.
Retouching: Confirm how many images include retouching and how many rounds of edits you get.
Usage: Ensure the license covers your real-world needs (LinkedIn, website, media kit); ask about ads if relevant.
Hair/makeup: Some studios include light touch-ups or refer pros—know the rates and who books.
On-location fees: Travel, parking, permits, and location rentals can add up; get them itemized.
Turnaround: Ask for typical proofing and final delivery timelines and rush options if you’re on a deadline.
Archive policy: Can you buy more images later? How long are files kept?
Reschedule terms: Life happens—know the policy before you send a deposit.
Ways to Save Without Compromising Quality
Mini-session days: Many studios batch clients through one lighting setup—same quality, lower price.
Group with colleagues: Team rates drop the per-person cost while keeping lighting consistent.
Prep well: Bring two tops or jackets that layer nicely, press/steam wardrobe, tame flyaways, clean glasses, and hydrate—good prep reduces how many finals you “need.”
Pick the right season: Booking during slower months or mid-week can sometimes yield better availability or promos.
Department clinics: Universities, hospitals, and companies often host headshot days—ask HR or your communications team.
A Simple Decision Path
Define your use and shelf life. If you just need a sharp LinkedIn and team-page image for the next 18–24 months, plan for a $200–$400 local session with 2–3 finals.
Need a content library? If you’ll be on podcasts, panels, or building a personal site, consider a $750+ branding session with multiple looks and locations.
Tight deadline or budget? Try an AI set or a mini-session now, then upgrade to a custom shoot later.
Checklist to Compare Quotes Fairly
Number of retouched images and file types (web + print)
Coaching level (hands-on posing and expression vs. quick capture)
Background/lighting variety (one look vs. several)
Turnaround time and rush options
Usage/licensing fit for your needs
Hair/makeup inclusion or referral list
On-location and travel fees (if any)
Edit rounds and re-retouch fees
Archive duration and image buy-later policy
Reschedule/cancellation terms and deposit requirements
Bottom Line
In 2025, most professionals can expect to pay $200–$400 for a quality, natural-looking headshot from a reputable local photographer, with higher prices in large metros and for expanded branding packages. Teams save with per-person rates, and AI can be a convenient stopgap if timing or budget is tight. Start by clarifying how you’ll use the images, how long you want them to last, and how many distinct looks you need—then choose the tier that balances expression coaching, deliverables, and licensing. With a bit of prep and the right package, you’ll walk away with photos you actually love and use.