How Much Do Headshots Cost in 2025?
Professional headshots typically cost $200-$500 for traditional photography. But with AI alternatives starting at $7, you can save 95% while getting comparable quality. Here's a complete breakdown of what you'll pay.
Traditional Photography Costs
Traditional professional headshot sessions vary widely based on photographer experience, location, and what's included. Here's what to expect:
Basic Session
$150-$300- 30-45 minute session
- 1-2 outfit changes
- 3-5 final edited images
- Basic retouching included
Best for: Job seekers, LinkedIn updates, basic professional needs
Standard Session
$300-$500- 1 hour session
- 3-4 outfit changes
- 8-15 final edited images
- Professional retouching
- Multiple background options
Best for: Executives, entrepreneurs, extensive marketing needs
Premium/Executive Session
$500-$1500+- 2+ hour session
- Unlimited outfit changes
- 20+ final edited images
- High-end retouching
- Hair/makeup stylist available
- Print rights included
Best for: C-suite executives, public figures, magazine features
Cost by Location
Major Cities (NYC, LA, SF)
$400-$1500+ average
Mid-Size Cities
$200-$500 average
Small Cities/Towns
$150-$300 average
AI (Location Independent)
$7-$50
AI Headshot Costs
AI headshot generators have disrupted the market, offering professional quality at a fraction of traditional costs. Here's what the leading services charge:
| Service | Price | Headshots | Per Headshot | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HeadShotCreate | $7-$19 | 1-5 | $3.80-$7 | 60 seconds |
| HeadshotPro | $29-$76 | 40-200 | $0.38-$0.73 | 1-2 hours |
| Aragon AI | $29-$72 | 40-200 | $0.36-$0.73 | 2+ hours |
| BetterPic | $25-$45 | 20-100 | $0.45-$1.25 | 30-60 min |
The Cost Savings
AI headshots cost 93-97% less than traditional photography:
Traditional Average
$350
HeadShotCreate
$7-$19
That's $330+ in savings for comparable professional results.
Headshot Cost by Use Case
What you should spend depends on how you'll use your headshot:
LinkedIn Profile
Most common use case
Traditional Cost
$150-$300
Recommended: AI
$7-$19
Our recommendation: AI headshots are perfect for LinkedIn. Profiles with professional photos get 14x more views - the method of creation doesn't matter.
Corporate Teams
Company website, directories
Traditional (per person)
$100-$250
Recommended: AI
$7-$19 per person
Our recommendation: AI ensures consistent styling across the team without scheduling nightmares. A 50-person team saves $5,000-$10,000+.
Job Seekers
Resume, applications
Budget Constraint
Often limited
Best Option: AI
$7
Our recommendation: Job seekers need professional photos but rarely have $300+ to spend. AI headshots at $7 provide the professional edge without breaking the bank.
C-Suite Executives
Annual reports, board materials
Traditional (high-end)
$500-$1500
AI Alternative
$19
Our recommendation: For most executive uses, AI works well. Reserve traditional photography for magazine features, high-profile board materials, or when the experience matters.
Is It Worth It? ROI Analysis
The question isn't just "how much does a headshot cost" but "what's the return?"
LinkedIn ROI
- Profiles with professional photos get 14x more views
- Receive 36x more messages from recruiters
- If one job lead from LinkedIn increases your salary by $5,000, a $7 headshot has 71,000% ROI
Business Development ROI
- Professional appearance increases trust and credibility
- One client won from improved presence pays for years of headshots
- At $7-$19, the risk is essentially zero
The Bottom Line
Professional headshots have exceptional ROI regardless of cost. But with AI options at $7, the cost barrier has been eliminated. There's no longer any reason to have an unprofessional online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do professional headshots cost?
Professional headshots cost $200-$500 for traditional photography, or $7-$50 for AI-generated headshots. The price varies based on location, photographer experience, and the number of final images included.
How much should I pay for a LinkedIn headshot?
For LinkedIn, you can get professional-quality results with AI headshots for $7-$19. Traditional photography starts at $150-$300. For most LinkedIn users, AI headshots provide comparable quality at 95% lower cost.
Why are professional headshots so expensive?
Traditional headshot costs include studio rental ($100-$200/hour), photographer fees ($200-$400/hour), equipment, editing time, and overhead. AI headshots eliminate these costs, passing savings to customers.
Is it worth paying for professional headshots?
Yes, professional headshots significantly improve your online presence. LinkedIn profiles with professional photos get 14x more views. However, AI headshots now offer comparable quality at a fraction of the cost.
How much do corporate headshots cost per person?
Corporate headshot sessions typically cost $100-$300 per person for on-site photography, or $7-$19 per person for AI solutions. Volume discounts apply for larger teams.
What's the cheapest way to get professional headshots?
The cheapest way to get professional-quality headshots is through AI generators like HeadShotCreate, starting at $7. This is 95% cheaper than traditional photography while delivering comparable results.
Get Professional Headshots for $7
Why pay $300+ when you can get studio-quality results in 60 seconds?
Free preview before you pay • From $7 • Ready in 60 seconds