Good Question! First off, they’re not, when you think in terms of value, instead of cost. What does expensive mean? It’s a relative term – is $1,000 expensive? For a loaf of bread it’s crazy expensive, but for a new Porsche it’s super cheap. So what’s the difference? I’d caution you to think not about the cost, but instead consider the value of Headshots, and what you’re actually getting compared to the price.
So what is the value of the Headshots I shoot? We’ve already discussed the importance of a good headshot in general terms. Go back and read that if you need to.
So here’s why mine cost what they do…
1. The Photos are really good!
2. I specialize in Headshots. I’m not a Wedding Photographer, nor am I a Product Photographer. Ditto for not being a Sports Photographer, or a Baby Photographer. You get the picture. Nothing wrong with those things, in fact, those Photographers often charge far more than my meager rates. I do one thing, and I think I do it well.
3. It’s me shooting the photos – not an employee! I bring a lot of experience to the table, having been in the Business of Photography (more on this later) for almost 30 years. I’m still here, so I must have a clue about what I’m doing. You have questions, I have answers.
4. I don’t shoot in my living room, or meet clients in a park. I actually did that for a while, but I realized that made a few people uncomfortable, and it wasn’t Professional. I have a office/studio, centrally located in Downtown Orlando where I can shoot indoors or outdoors in a variety of locations and I don’t have to wonder if I forgot to clean the litter box.
5. Photo equipment, Computer equipment, Software, and other necessary stuff is not cheap. As a Pro, I have backups, and in some cases, backups to the backups. I heard about a guy that actually forgot batteries for his regular camera and tried to shoot headshots with his point & shoot, and then still charged his regular fee. SMDH…
6. I treat Headshots as a real business, not just a hobby. A legitimate business has costs besides the equipment – rent, licensing, insurance, etc., and more importantly, it must make a profit so I can continue to offer Headshots in the future.
7. With all that said, prices have to be competitive in the market we’re in. It’s great that Actors will pay more than $1,000 for a headshot in New York, and $600 in L.A., but this is still Orlando, and the market won’t bear those prices.
A lot of thought goes into what to charge. I hope this helps.
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