Eric Weber Studios

How many times have we photographers heard this?

“I just need a “SIMPLE” headshot”…or

“I just need “ONE” headshot”.

“Why is ONE headshot so expensive?”

Well, for me, it’s more times than I can count. Of course I HAVE been in business for 38 years. But, it made me think that maybe I should make my first blog post about “Why is it so expensive to get ONE headshot ?”

I did a bit of research on the inter webs and asked that same question. Overwhelmingly, photographers said the same three things:

It takes lots of years and practice to become skilled at shooting headshots.

The equipment is expensive.

Insurance, studio rent, marketing and advertising…you know, the cost of doing business.

All true, but the main reason ( I think) is this…

Headshots are a marketing and advertising “tool”. They are not designed to hang on the wall in your family room. They are meant to be used. They have strength, confidence and a strong connection with the viewer (potential clients). You might say, if they’re done right, they are probably a little too aggressive to hang in your family room.

This photo is going to be the face of your business. It’s going to appear on your LinkedIn, Facebook profile...all your social media. It’ll possibly be on your business card or in your online advertising.

Also, the typical business headshot will last you 4 to 5 years... More about that in another blog post... Anyway...that’s a lot of usage for an image that will cost you $300-500 and maybe more. Sure it’s a lot to invest, but when you look at the big picture (excuse the pun) it really is just pennies a day.

Lastly, addressing the questions at the beginning of this. It’s not just ONE headshot…it’s a photography session during which time your photographer will draw upon years of experience to coax out of you the energy and friendly connection that will make people sit up and take notice. The shoot will take a couple of hours and will include 100 or so proofs out of which you will choose the ONE that has all the right elements to grab people’s attention. That ONE photo will then be retouched and enhanced by a skilled photographer who has spent many hours learning how to do that.

That ONE shot will get you noticed. Nothing simple about that.

Musings from a People Photographer

Why is ONE Headshot So Expensive?

12/14/2019

Why is ONE Headshot So Expensive?

12/14/2019

How many times have we photographers heard this?

“I just need a “SIMPLE” headshot”…or

“I just need “ONE” headshot”.

“Why is ONE headshot so expensive?”

Well, for me, it’s more times than I can count. Of course I HAVE been in business for 38 years. But, it made me think that maybe I should make my first blog post about “Why is it so expensive to get ONE headshot ?”

I did a bit of research on the inter webs and asked that same question. Overwhelmingly, photographers said the same three things:

It takes lots of years and practice to become skilled at shooting headshots.

The equipment is expensive.

Insurance, studio rent, marketing and advertising…you know, the cost of doing business.

All true, but the main reason ( I think) is this…

Headshots are a marketing and advertising “tool”. They are not designed to hang on the wall in your family room. They are meant to be used. They have strength, confidence and a strong connection with the viewer (potential clients). You might say, if they’re done right, they are probably a little too aggressive to hang in your family room.

This photo is going to be the face of your business. It’s going to appear on your LinkedIn, Facebook profile...all your social media. It’ll possibly be on your business card or in your online advertising.

Also, the typical business headshot will last you 4 to 5 years... More about that in another blog post... Anyway...that’s a lot of usage for an image that will cost you $300-500 and maybe more. Sure it’s a lot to invest, but when you look at the big picture (excuse the pun) it really is just pennies a day.

Lastly, addressing the questions at the beginning of this. It’s not just ONE headshot…it’s a photography session during which time your photographer will draw upon years of experience to coax out of you the energy and friendly connection that will make people sit up and take notice. The shoot will take a couple of hours and will include 100 or so proofs out of which you will choose the ONE that has all the right elements to grab people’s attention. That ONE photo will then be retouched and enhanced by a skilled photographer who has spent many hours learning how to do that.

That ONE shot will get you noticed. Nothing simple about that.