One question that is on the mind of most professionals, especially those who are just starting out, is “Do I really need to spend this huge amount of money for just one photo?” Fortunately, looking sharp in a professional headshot doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, applying for jobs, or building your personal brand, there is always a way to get affordable headshots that suit your needs. The big question is “how/where can you get these headshots?” In this blog, we’ll show you how to find affordable professional headshots that look just as polished as the pricey ones. Ready to look professional without breaking the bank? Let’s get started.
Why Do I Need a Professional Headshot?
Before you start comparing prices or scheduling a session with a photographer, it’s important to understand the full value of a professional headshot. They include:
Make a Good First Impression on Your Company Website
If you’re part of a company or organization, your headshot will likely appear on the “About Us” or team page. According to research by Forbes, visitors spend 5-10 seconds evaluating a site before deciding to explore further. So, you need a clear, professional photo to help humanize your brand and build instant trust with potential clients or collaborators. Also, Team headshots give your business a face and make you more relatable, which is essential in today’s people-first business world.
Elevates Your Online Portfolio and Personal Website
It doesn’t matter if you’re a freelance designer, photographer, consultant, or creative; having a high-quality headshot on your website or portfolio adds credibility. More like a signal to visitors that you take your work seriously, and helps establish trust. People connect more easily when they can see the face behind the brand. Furthermore, a professional photo adds a polished look to your portfolio, which makes it feel more complete and engaging for potential clients or employers.
Good for Social Media Profiles
Even if you basically use Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter) for casual content, maintaining a professional-looking headshot on your public or business profile matters. Remember, if you’re using social media for personal branding, job searching, or networking, your photo should be consistent and professional across platforms.
Adds a Personal Touch to Your Resumes and CVs
Including a headshot on your resume or CV is still a debated topic, especially in countries like the U.S, where it can raise concerns about bias. However, in the media, design, fashion, and public relations, a photo can be an asset. For instance, in Europe or Asia, it’s often expected. If done tastefully (small size, neutral expression, professional attire), it can help your application stand out and create a stronger first impression.
Great for Business Cards
Though many networking interactions have gone digital, printed business cards still have their place, especially at events, conferences, or meetups. Including a small, professional headshot helps people remember you after the conversation ends. This is useful if you’re in real estate, law, or consulting, where personal connections are important.
Humanizes Your Email Signatures
Adding a small professional photo to your email signature is a subtle but powerful way to personalize your communication. Recent research shows that emails with visual elements, including images, improve reader engagement by up to 42%. This is because a well-composed headshot reminds recipients they’re dealing with a real person, not just text on a screen.
Where Can I Get Affordable Professional Headshots?
Whether you’re in NYC, LA, or London, there are great budget options available. Here are some of the best based on your city.
1. Tals Studio
Location: 115 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
Tals Studio, led by photographer Zion Yoni Levy, offers several budget-friendly packages. Their Basic Package ($99) delivers a 15-minute session, same-day turnaround, two retouched images, and one background option, which is ideal for LinkedIn, corporate, and actor looks.
Then, the 30‑Minute Professional Package ($149) includes four retouched images, two outfit changes, two background colors, and an online proofing gallery, all with full usage rights
2. Brandon and Andre
Location: 1930 Wilshire Blvd Suite 705, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Brandon Andre’s “Weekend Special” in LA offers a 60‑minute shared session on Fridays and Saturdays for $399. Clients enjoy three outfit looks, same-day delivery of raw files via Dropbox, and efficient studio time, typically sharing their slot with another client to keep costs down. Now, this studio is ideal for actors who need different looks on a budget. Also, this setup provides professional lighting, expert direction, and fast delivery, making it a standout mid-tier choice in LA’s competitive actor market.
3. Stepanyan Photography
Location: 122 E 7th St, Suite 802, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Emerging photographers in LA, like Stepanyan Photography, often list “express sessions” on Craigslist or Backstage for approximately $200. These one‑look packages usually include two retouched images, making them perfect for actors on a tight budget. While styles may vary, clients seeking affordability and fast turnaround find this a viable option.
4. Splento
Location: House, 92 Albert Embankment Tintagel, London SE1 7TY, UK
Splento is a vetted headshot platform operating in London. They offer studio sessions at £99/hour with expert retouching delivered within 24–48 hours. Clients love the easy booking process, diverse photography styles, and responsive service. With a 4.9/5 review score based on hundreds of clients, Splento stands out as a reliable, budget-conscious option ideal for professionals and creatives who value efficiency and polished results.
5. Infinity Focus Photography
Location: 1 Ruskin Walk, Herne Hill, London SE24 9NA, United Kingdom
The owner of Infinity Focus Photography, Maxim Vinciguerra, specializes in actor headshots with a one-hour package for £180 that includes three professionally edited images. He is known for providing high-quality headshots. Vinciguerra suits clients looking for Spotlight-caliber headshots without paying agency studio rates.
6. Lumosia Photography
Location: 54/55 Cornhill, London EC3V 3PD, United Kingdom
Lumosia offers flexible pricing with individual shots at £55 each or a bundle of five for £220. This option is ideal for models, dancers, and actors who want multiple looks for the spotlight or personal branding. Lumosia’s reputation for consistency and affordability makes them a compelling option for polished yet economical headshots.
That being said, here's a comparison table that summarizes pricing, key features, and what makes each provider stand out:
Can I Get an Affordable Professional Headshot Myself?
Yes, you can. With the invention of smartphones and AI, you can create professional-looking headshots without a photographer. Let us take a closer look at how they work:.
1. DIY Headshots Using Your Smartphone Camera
It is now easier to take a good headshot of yourself thanks to improvements in smartphone technology. Here's how to get the best outcomes possible:
Use Good Lighting: During the day, face a window to enjoy even, gentle natural light. Steer clear of direct sunshine or harsh overhead lighting, as they will produce unpleasant shadows.
Pick a Good Background: Select a background that is simple and clutter-free. A simple curtain, a blank wall, or even a hazy outdoor scene can be used.
Find the Perfect Camera Angle: Your phone should be held at eye level or just above when taking a DIY headshot. Steer clear of taking photos that are too low, as this can result in an ugly double chin.
Expression and Pose: The best expressions are sincere smiles. For a more dynamic stance, loosen your shoulders and tilt your body slightly to one side.
Focus and Quality: Aim for a sharp focus on your face. If it's available, use your smartphone's portrait mode, which will blur the background to resemble professional cameras.
2. Online Photo Generation and Editing Services
Online Photo Generation services like Headshot Photo use Artificial Intelligence to turn low-quality images into gorgeous headshots. This is a great option for people who want a polished look without the stress of taking a photo themselves or booking a studio session. For Headshot Photo, prices for professional-looking headshots start from as low as €34 for 40 headshots, €39 for 100 headshots, and €59 for 200 headshots. Furthermore, you also get editing credits that allow you to edit your photos to suit your taste.
Here's how to generate quality headshots at an affordable price:
Step 1: Visit the Website and Create an Account
You need to visit Headshot Photo on your device’s browser and create an account if you don't have one. Once you create an account, choose a package that suits your budget and pay for it.
Step 2: Upload Your Photos
After you have paid for a package, you will be redirected to the dashboard where you can upload photos of yourself. Click on the Upload button and select clear images from your device. Note that uploading clear images is very important because it will help the AI analyze your pictures properly and come up with the best results.
Step 3: Choose Your Style/Look
The next thing you need to do after uploading your photos is to pick the styles you want for your headshots. Do you want a corporate look? Or are you comfortable with a plain or collared background? Whatever look you want to create, choose from the multiple options that the platform provides you with.
Step 4: AI Generation:
After processing your images, the AI on the site will produce a variety of headshots depending on your choices.
Step 5: Preview and Download
Once the AI is done transforming your pictures into professional-looking headshots, you can preview and make some edits. When you are satisfied with the results, you can save them to your device by clicking on the Download/Export button.
Conclusion
We all need good headshots these days, and hiring a photographer can cost a fortune. Actually, getting an affordable professional headshot doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. With options like smartphone DIYs and AI-powered tools, you don’t need a full studio session to look sharp and polished. So, if you're looking to update your LinkedIn photo or need something professional for work, but you don't want to blow your budget, give Headshot Photo a shot. It's way cheaper than the traditional route, and honestly, the results will surprise you.
FAQs
1. Can you really get professional headshots on a budget?
Yes! You can find affordable headshot options starting at around $200. You can also use AI tools like Headshot Photo, which offer dozens of polished headshots starting at under €35.
2. Are AI-generated headshots actually good quality?
Absolutely. Headshot Photo uses advanced AI to enhance your selfies or casual photos, making them look like they were shot in a professional studio.
3. What should I wear for an affordable headshot session?
If you're doing DIY or using AI, stick to outfits that reflect your industry (e.g., blazer for corporate, a casual button-up for creatives).
4. How do I know if I’m getting a good deal on a headshot session?
Compare the number of photos, retouching options, and session length. Affordable doesn’t mean cheap; it should still include clear, well-lit images that present you professionally.
