2025 Headshot Pricing: Key Takeaways

In 2025, if you're looking for a standard LinkedIn or business headshot for your job, expect to pay around $200 - $300 for a professional headshot session in the San Francisco Bay Area. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a branding headshot session or an actor/model headshot, expect to pay around $500 - $900.

Understanding Headshot Pricing and Factors

Headshots are professional photographs that are used by actors, models, companies, small businesses, realtors, etc. The cost of headshots can vary widely depending on several factors, including the photographer's experience and reputation, the location of the photoshoot, and the number and type of prints or digital files you want. Given the current economic climate in 2025, such as inflation, headshot prices have risen from previous years.

On the lower end of the price spectrum, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to around $500 for a headshot session. This may include a one-hour photoshoot with one or two outfit changes, as well as a few retouched images.

At the higher end of the price range, headshot sessions can cost anywhere from $800 to several thousand dollars. These sessions may include more extensive photoshoots, aesthetically pleasing studios, multiple outfit changes, larger number of retouched images, and even B-roll footage for your social media from your headshot session.

It's important to keep in mind that price is not always an indicator of quality when it comes to headshots. It's a good idea to do your research and look at the portfolios of a few different headshot photographers to find the one that best meets your needs and budget.

Professional Headshot Prices in 2025

One of the key factors that can influence the cost of a headshot is the type of photoshoot you book. Headshots can be divided into several categories, including studio headshots, outdoor headshots, company headshots, and actor/model headshots. The price of your headshot may vary depending on which type you choose. Other add-ons, such as make-up artists, additional retouched images, hiring a stylist for your shoot, etc. will raise the cost of your headshot session.

Studio Headshots

The cost of studio headshots in 2025 can range from $200 to $700, depending on the photographer’s reputation, the length of the session, looks they offer, and the aesthetic of their studio space.

Shorter sessions of 15 to 30 minutes may typically cost on the lower end of the spectrum, such as $200 - $300, which can be great for a straightforward headshot for LinkedIn, Slack, work, email icons, etc. Within this price range, you can expect a decent photographer, one background color, and one retouched image. Additional retouched images and backdrop colors often cost more, for example, additional retouched images from photographers in San Francisco range from $45 - $150 per image.

If you’re looking for more than a standard headshot, then expect to pay for something in the range of $500 - $900. With this price range, your headshot photographer can offer you an aesthetically pleasing studio space, B-roll footage for your headshot session, more retouched images, and excellent coaching. This option is great if you’re a content creator on Instagram or TikTok and need various marketing assets to promote on your social media page in 2025.

Some popular photographers for studio headshot sessions that fall in this price range are Headshots Inc, Slava Blazer, and 415Headshots Inc.

Actor Headshots

The price of actor headshots in 2025 can vary depending on the photographer and the length of the photoshoot. Actor headshots can range anywhere in price from $249 to $1,500, however, you can get a good headshot for anywhere in between $200 - $600. Photographers may have higher prices for actor headshots because this type of headshot photography is in higher demand and requires a greater level of expertise.

When it comes to actor headshots, pick a headshot photographer that has previous clients in current acting or film roles, such as in Netflix or Hulu. This highlights the photographer’s skill level to ensure that your headshot can land you a role. The more often a photographer’s headshots have landed roles for actors, the more pricer they are. For this year, expect to pay a starting rate of $700 for a headshot photographer that has helped actors land roles.

Some well-regarded photographers for actor headshots in this price range include Headshot Photography by Karaminder, Ethan Michael Strong Headshots & Portrait Photography, and 415Headshots.

Outdoor Headshots

The cost of outdoor headshots in 2025 can vary, with prices typically ranging from $199 to $550, but sometimes reaching as high as $1,000. These higher costs may be due to the added expenses associated with organizing and executing an outdoor photoshoot, such as travel costs and the need to be flexible with scheduling due to weather conditions.

Lead photographer and owner of 415Headshots Inc., Jasmeet, recommends to opt-in for studio lighting for your outdoor headshot session. The studio lighting will create a day and night difference for your headshot and really create the professional you’ll need. Opting in for studio lighting will raise the price of your outdoor headshot session, but is well worth it. Expect to pay an extra $150 if you’d like to opt in for studio lighting.

Some great headshot photographers that will offer outdoor headshots in San Francisco are: North Point Photography, 415Headshots, and Ben Krantz.

Corporate Headshots

Corporate headshot packages may vary in price between $500 - $1,500 per hour. The cost of corporate headshots may vary based upon the amount of the amount of photo sessions a photographer can offer within an hour. For context, 415Headshots offers six photos corporate photo sessions per hour.

Portrait photographers in San Francisco charge additional fees if they need to bring a backdrop to your office and/or need to travel to your office.

Another common fee is for licensing the images, which allows you to use the headshots for specific purposes such as company websites or business cards. The cost of licensing can vary depending on the intended use of the images and the length of time you want to use them.

Another fee that photographers may charge is for retouching or airbrushing the images. Some photographers include basic retouching in the price of the headshot session, while others may charge extra for this service. The cost of retouching can also vary depending on the extent of the editing needed and the preference of the photographer.

At 415Headshots, all corporate headshot sessions include one, free retouched image and 100% rights to all images taken.

Luxury Headshots

When it comes to luxury headshots, you're investing in a premium level of service that goes beyond the standard. These headshots are tailored for those who seek the utmost in quality, customization, and exclusivity.

In 2025, the cost for luxury headshot sessions typically ranges from $800 to $2,000. This investment reflects the high level of service, expertise, and personalized attention you receive. There are certain factors that justify the price for luxury headshots.

These factors include:

• Expert Photographers: Working with renowned photographers who specialize in high-end headshots

• Customized Experience: Headshot sessions are not just longer, but also more personalized, often including pre-shoot consultations, wardrobe advice, advice for the right jewelry for the headshot, complimentary make-up and hair, professional pose coaching, complimentary beverages/snacks, and detailed post-session retouching.

• Exclusive Locations and Settings: Luxury headshot sessions often include unique or sophisticated studio/outdoor locations to add an extra layer of elegance to the headshots.

• Advanced Equipment and Techniques: In 2025, luxury headshots use state-of-the-art photography lights, a stylist, equipment, and advanced retouching techniques.

Opting for a luxury headshot session is about making a statement. Whether you’re a top executive, a public figure, or a professional aiming to elevate your personal brand, these headshots offer a level of distinction and sophistication that sets you apart.

While the cost is higher, luxury headshots are an investment in your professional image, conveying a message of excellence and prestige.

AI-Generated Headshots

In 2025, AI-generated headshots have gained significant traction in the market, offering a novel and cost-effective alternative to traditional photography. These headshots utilize advanced machine learning algorithms to produce lifelike, customizable images. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect when considering AI headshots:

Advantages of AI Headshots:

1. Cost: AI headshots can be significantly cheaper than traditional headshots. AI-headshots may start as cheap as $19.

2. Customization: Users can customize their AI headshots to fit specific aesthetics, backgrounds, or facial expressions.

3. Convenience: Since they are generated digitally, AI headshots can be created and delivered almost instantly.

The cost of AI-generated headshots is considerably lower compared to traditional professional photos. Prices usually range anywhere from $20 to $50 per 50 - 100 headshots generated. For example, Corporate Headshots AI, charges ~$20 for 60 AI-generated headshots.

Cons of AI Headshots:

1. Authenticity: In 2025, everyone online values authenticity, from social media to your professional presence. When using an AI headshot, some social media platforms can label your image as “AI,” which can lower your credibility and authenticity from your followers and peers.

2. “Not Perfect:” AI isn’t perfect yet! Your headshot may not accurately reflect how you look, your brand, and your overall aesthetic. However, AI is growing and is expected to get better in the upcoming years.

3. Missing Out on the Experience: Getting a headshot is also about the experience! It’s where you get to feel like a movie star by getting your make-up done, picking out your top wardrobe, and standing in front of the lights. You’ll walk away feeling like a million bucks and learn some tips that you’ll use to photograph better in the future.

Where To Get Professional Headshots in San Francisco?

The most cost-effective headshot deal in the San Francisco Bay Area is 415Headshots' Priority Headshot package. Even in 2025, you’ll receive a coached headshot session with 2 free, retouched images and 100% rights to all images taken, all for $219.

If you'd like to view more of 415Headshots' packages, visit our individual pricing and team pricing pages for more information.