How Much Does a Professional Headshot Cost?

Written By Darren Pellegrino

If you’ve ever Googled “How much does a headshot cost?” you’ve probably seen answers all over the place. Some photographers charge $50. Others charge $1,000. So what gives?

Here’s the honest truth: the price of a professional headshot depends on a few key factors—and it’s about way more than just someone pressing a button on a camera.

So… How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

In Boston, a professional headshot session usually ranges from $200 to $600 for individuals. For corporate teams, photographers often offer group rates that start around $100–$300 per person, depending on how many people you’re booking.

Here’s what can make the price go up or down:

Experience of the Photographer
Are you hiring someone with years of expertise guiding people who “hate having their photo taken”? Or someone who’s still figuring out lighting and posing?

What’s Included

  • Do you get one finished image, or a gallery to choose from?

  • Are images retouched (skin smoothing, flyaway hair fixes, etc.)?

  • Is it shot in a studio with pro lighting, or outdoors with natural light?

Time & Attention
Some photographers offer quick 10-minute “headshot days” at a lower price. Others block out more time to coach you through posing and help you look confident on camera.

Why Not Just Use a Selfie or a Friend’s Camera?

Look, I get it. Paying for headshots can feel like a big leap. But here’s the thing:

Your headshot is often your first impression on LinkedIn, your company’s website, or with clients.

A professional photographer knows how to light you, pose you, and bring out your personality—so you look approachable and confident, not stiff or awkward.

Think of it like this: if your headshot gets you noticed by a recruiter or client, it’s not an expense. It’s an investment.

So, What Do My Headshots Cost?

At Boston Creative Headshots, I keep things simple:

💡 Individual Headshots

  • Starting at $299 (includes 1 retouched image and all unretouched images taken during a session)

  • Studio or outdoor sessions in Boston

💡 Team Headshots

  • Custom pricing based on the size of your group. Email me for group rates.

Every session comes with coaching, guidance on what to wear, and light retouching to make sure you look like your best self.

Darren Pellegrino
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Headshot vs. Environmental Portrait