Headshot photography: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What headshot photography is

A photographer shoots professional headshots for resumes, websites or profiles, adjusting lighting and expression, then retouches selected images. People book one when they want a clear, current photo that represents them well to employers, clients or an online audience.

Signs you need it

  • You need a current photo for a resume, a LinkedIn profile or a company website
  • You are starting a business and need a clear image for your website or marketing
  • Your current photo is old, blurry or does not match how you look now
  • You want a photo that shows you in a professional setting
  • You want a quick session with a clear plan for lighting and clothing
  • You want a few looks, such as a plain background and a casual version

What the pro does

  • Asks what the headshots are for, where they will appear and the look you want
  • Advises on clothing colors, backgrounds and hair that suit the use
  • Sets up a simple lighting plan and checks the background
  • Guides your expression, angle and posture for a natural, confident look
  • Selects the best frames and retouches them to the agreed level
  • Delivers the final images in the sizes and formats you need

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of the session and the number of looks or backgrounds
  • Number of people photographed, such as individuals or a team
  • Studio or on-site shoot at an office
  • Number of retouched images delivered and the retouching level
  • Whether the photographer provides a wardrobe or styling consult
  • Travel needed to reach an office or a location
  • Whether the session includes a team day or multiple people

What a written quote should spell out

  • Session length, location and the number of looks
  • Number of people and any team session details
  • Number of retouched images and the retouching level
  • File sizes and formats for web, print and social profiles
  • Usage rights for resume, website and marketing use
  • What happens if the session must move because of illness or weather

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What file sizes and formats will I get for my resume, website and social profiles?
  • How many retouched images will I receive, and how long until delivery?
  • Can I see headshots from a session for someone in my field?
  • Do you give clothing and color advice before the session?
  • Who owns the images, and can I use them for marketing?
  • How do you handle a team headshot day when an employee is absent or needs a retake?
  • Can you send a certificate of insurance if my office building asks for one before you shoot there?

Red flags

  • They retouch so heavily that the photo does not look like you
  • They show only dramatic or artistic images and no clean headshots
  • They do not ask what the headshots are for
  • They will not confirm the file formats or the usage rights in writing
  • They cannot describe their lighting or how they put you at ease

What you can do yourself

You can choose clothes that fit your work and look comfortable, in solid colors that stand out from the background. You can also get a good night's rest and a simple haircut before the session. Hire a headshot photographer for the lighting, the expression and the retouching, since a clean, natural headshot depends on light and direction that are hard to control alone.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for headshot photography, so ask for proof of liability insurance and sample headshots instead. If you shoot at a company office or a public site, check the site's rules and any permit needs with your state or local licensing agency.

Headshot photography questions

Does a headshot photographer need a license?

Usually not a state license. Ask for insurance and sample headshots, and check the rules for any office or public site.

What should I wear for a headshot?

Choose solid colors that suit your work and skin tone, avoid busy patterns and ask the photographer for a color guide.

Can I use headshots on my resume and LinkedIn?

Yes, that is a common use. Confirm the usage rights in your contract and get the file sizes you need for each platform.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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