A great headshot does more than look good. It can elevate your professional presence across platforms like LinkedIn, your company website, and even email signatures. And, having a sharp, up-to-date headshot is no longer optional.
Thankfully, getting one does not mean spending hours in a photo studio or shelling out thousands of rupees. With options ranging from AI-generated portraits to affordable freelance photographers and even DIY setups using your phone, there is a solution for every budget and comfort level.
In this post, we will share five reliable ways to get professional headshots, covering the pros, cons, pricing, and ideal use cases for each. Whether you are refreshing your online presence or gearing up for your next big opportunity, this guide will help you find the best option for your needs.
Where to Get a Professional Headshot - 5 Popular Options
You do not need to step into a fancy studio to get a great headshot anymore. From AI tools to student photographers and even your own smartphone, there are multiple ways to achieve polished results.
Here are five popular options to consider -
1. Professional Studio Photographers
If you want a polished, high-quality headshot that looks great across LinkedIn, company websites, press kits, or speaking profiles, hiring a professional photographer is one of the best routes you can take. These photographers understand how to use lighting, angles, and post-processing techniques to bring out your best features while maintaining a natural look. You will also benefit from guidance on how to pose, what to wear, and how to present yourself based on the image you want to project. For example, corporate, creative, or casual.
With this option, you typically receive high-resolution images taken from multiple angles, the ability to change outfits during the shoot, access to professional lighting setups, and final images that are carefully retouched. Depending on the photographer’s experience, location, and the number of edited images included in the package, prices usually range from $200 to $500 or more.
When to Choose - Choose this if you need polished, high-quality headshots for corporate use, acting portfolios, or LinkedIn and are willing to invest for the best results.
Best for - Executives, creatives, actors, or anyone needing premium-quality visuals for resumes, websites, or press kits.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Personalized posing guidance | Can be expensive |
| Professional-grade lighting and equipment | May involve travel |
| Quality retouching included | May include scheduling delays |
2. Corporate Events or Headshot Booths
If your company is organizing a conference, annual retreat, or internal brand photo session, there is a good chance a headshot photographer will be present. Some employers even bring in headshot booths during onboarding or all-hands meetings. These setups are fast, efficient, and usually free for employees. Thus, making them a convenient option if you are looking for something quick yet professional.
With this option, you will typically receive 1–2 edited headshots shot against a standard backdrop. Photographers may spend only a few minutes per person, but they are still using professional cameras and lighting, resulting in solid output. While the experience is not as personalized as a studio shoot, the results are often more than good enough for professional use.
When to Choose - This type of arrangement is ideal if you are already attending a professional event or networking conference where headshots are offered. It is convenient and often included in your ticket.
Best for - Employees looking for free or company-sponsored headshots for LinkedIn or internal portals.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free or company-paid | Limited time with photographer |
| Quick and easy | Standardized background and posing |
| Professional lighting and equipment | Fewer customization options |
3. Student or Hobbyist Photographers
If you are on a tight budget but still want a human touch, consider working with a student or hobbyist photographer. Many photography students or enthusiasts are looking to build their portfolios and are happy to shoot professional headshots at a lower cost. Sometimes for free in exchange for permission to use your images in their portfolio.
You might find them through local colleges, Instagram, or photography forums. While they may not have years of experience, many are highly skilled and own decent equipment. Just be sure to review their previous work and discuss your expectations clearly beforehand.
When to Choose - Such photographers are a great option if you are on a tight budget but still want a custom shoot.
Best for - Students, early-career professionals, or anyone seeking quality on a budget
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable (often free or under $100) | Inconsistent quality |
| Supportive of emerging talent | May lack access to professional studio lighting or retouching |
| Room for more creative, personalized shots | Scheduling a session can be tricky |
4. DIY Headshots at Home
If you do not have the time or budget for a photographer, you can absolutely take professional-looking headshots at home with just a smartphone and a bit of preparation. With good lighting, a neutral background, and the right outfit, it is possible to create a clean, polished photo that works well for LinkedIn or a personal website.
Set up near a window for natural light, use portrait mode if available, and position your phone at eye level. Use a tripod or a stack of books to keep the camera steady. Editing apps like Snapseed, Adobe Photoshop, or Lightroom Mobile can help you touch up the image afterward.
When to Choose - DIY headshots are best for social media or internal use, when you have a good phone camera, natural light, and basic editing skills or want full creative control.
Best for - Entrepreneurs, creatives, remote workers, or anyone on a tight budget or deadline.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free | Limited by your equipment and photography skills |
| You control every aspect of the photo | May require trial and error |
| Can be done quickly, anytime | Lacks the polish of professional retouching |
5. AI Headshot Generators
AI headshot tools have become a go-to option for professionals who want polished portraits without the hassle of scheduling a shoot. All you need to do is upload a few casual selfies that are often taken on your phone and the AI does the rest. Within a few hours, you receive dozens of professional-looking headshots in various outfits, poses, and backdrops.
Many tools even let you choose your preferred style, such as corporate, creative, or casual outdoors. Some offer facial retouching, lighting enhancements, and background options. While results may vary slightly depending on the quality of input images, top-tier platforms are impressively accurate and often indistinguishable from real photo shoots.
When to Choose - Go for this when you need fast, affordable, and good-enough headshots.
Best for - Busy professionals, remote workers, freelancers, and job seekers who want fast, affordable headshots.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No shoot required, everything is done online | Quality depends on input photos |
| Get dozens of headshots in various looks | Some results may feel overly airbrushed or generic |
| Extremely time-efficient and cost-effective |
Wrapping Up
Finding the right place to get a professional headshot depends on your budget, your time, and how polished you need the final result to be. Whether you are investing in a studio session, working with a local freelancer, or taking matters into your own hands, there is an option for everyone.
If you want something quick, polished, and surprisingly affordable, without booking a photographer or setting up your phone, AI tools like Headshot Photo offer a powerful solution. Just upload a few casual photos, and the tool creates studio-quality headshots that look authentic and professional. It is a smart choice for busy professionals who need results fast.
The important thing is to choose a solution that reflects your personality and aligns with your goals because your headshot should work as hard as you do. Try Headshot Photo today!
FAQs
1. Where can I get a professional headshot quickly?
If you are short on time, AI headshot generators like Headshot Photo can create professional-quality images in under an hour using casual selfies. You can also look for event photographers offering on-the-spot headshot sessions.
2. What is the most affordable way to get a professional headshot? DIY headshots taken with a smartphone and edited with free apps are the most budget-friendly. Alternatively, student photographers or AI tools offer affordable middle-ground options without compromising too much on quality.
3. Are AI-generated headshots acceptable for LinkedIn and resumes?
Yes. As long as they look natural and polished, AI-generated headshots are a great choice for LinkedIn, resumes, and even company websites. Just make sure they reflect your real appearance and are not overly stylized.
