Why are my headshots affordable?
I used to charge $100.00 for headshots. Two looks. One hour. Two retouches. I thought, maybe this price can’t be beat! It was at this time that a great mentor to me had said,
“You’re in New York City now! Your headshots are cheap, not affordable.”
There is a long list of valid reasons an actor might open up a tab on their computer and type into Google, “affordable headshots near me.” Maybe you’re just starting out - going to college in NYC and ready to submit for some summer auditions. Maybe you got a new haircut and just need a quick update to capture your new look. Either way, you might not be in a position to break the bank on new headshots.
It is my dream for actors to have access to headshots that are just as usable at a much lower price point. If you don’t have the budget for an expensive photographer, you should still have access to affordable options that are representative of your branding and dazzling talent. That’s where I come in!
First I think it’s important to understand what exactly you’re paying for when purchasing headshots. The end result, of course, is a product (your beautiful new photos). However, many things go into making those headshots happen. Some right before your session ... some during ... some after ... some years before you even searched, “affordable headshots near me.” The first thing that goes into a headshot’s value is time and equipment. Building a studio can cost thousands of dollars over time - even when purchasing affordable equipment. At the time of your headshot session, that photographer has already purchased a camera, lights, backdrops, editing software, marketing tools to help you come across their website, paid rent for a studio, and beyond. All of these things factor into a comfortable and professional headshot session.
The next thing in a headshot session that I personally place a lot of value in (both as an actor and as someone who has worked his share of retail, serving, and customer service jobs) is how important the interaction is. Headshots are a vulnerable thing! So it’s important that you feel relaxed, taken care of, and open to getting incredible shots where your personality shines through. Every part of a portrait session - from booking, communication, the shoot, and the exchange of retouched photos - should be easy and make you feel comfortable and confident in the work you are doing with the photographer.
The last piece (and the most businessy you’ll hear me get) is the market itself for headshots. Having a studio in Jersey City and working with clients from all over New Jersey, I am one in a LONG list of headshot photographers. Each photographer has a different style, setup, equipment, and philosophy on what makes a headshot POP. In my experience, this community is loving and supportive - especially those that are also actors like me. We lift each other up, share tips, and have inspired conversations about why we couldn’t put the camera down.
Finding a headshot photographer can be a little bit like dating at times. Some people are a good fit, and some people aren’t - but may be perfect for someone else’s style and goals. There is value in being a part of this massive market of NJ and NYC headshot photographers.
All of this being said, I hope to provide some insight on what gives value to an actor or business headshot and explain why I consider my pricing to be affordable. With each package you sign up for, you are getting the best service, a fun and safe environment, and a flexible photographer whose main goal is to make you shine and give you your money’s worth of USABLE content. I try to use the time in my studio to capture THE headshot, yes, but also to have fun and let your personality shine through. After our shoot, you have access to a whole range of unedited photos that are still great for social media, business cards, website photos, and more (I’m also always an email away from an extra retouch).
I try my hardest to provide an intuitive and responsive headshot experience at the lowest price that allows me to incorporate time and attention to detail.
As an actor, $100 headshots sound fantastic when I’m desperate for new ones! However, I definitely think it’s important to think critically about why that price is what it is.