How Much Do Professional Headshots Really Cost in NYC?

What Do Professional Headshots Cost in NYC?

There is no single price for a professional headshot in New York City. Pricing depends on the photographer, session type, number of looks, retouching, styling, location, and what’s included.

Here are GORNPHOTO’s current published rates:

These rates may change, so check the current pricing before booking.

The key point is that the price reflects the scope of the session. When comparing packages, look at what’s included, such as outfits, retouching, styling, guidance, locations, and final images—not just the starting price.

What Does a $425 LinkedIn Headshot Include?

If you only need a professional photo for LinkedIn or another profile, a focused session may be all you need.

GORNPHOTO’s $425 LinkedIn Headshot package includes:

• One outfit
• One professionally retouched headshot
• Studio or outdoor photography
• Color correction and optimization
• Same-day turnaround
• Preview photos during the session
• Unlimited digital photos and usage rights
• One black-and-white headshot

Example

If you’ve started a new job and need to replace an outdated LinkedIn photo, this type of focused package can provide a current, polished professional portrait without paying for multiple locations, wardrobe changes, or a full branding session.

What Does a $650 Corporate Headshot Include?

The $650 Corporate Headshot package offers more flexibility than the LinkedIn option and is suited to professionals who want multiple looks.

GORNPHOTO’s current package includes:

• Two outfits
• Multiple professional looks
• One professionally retouched headshot
• Unlimited shooting time
• Studio or outdoor photography
• Color correction and optimization
• Same-day turnaround
• Preview photos during the session
• Unlimited digital photos and usage rights
• One black-and-white headshot

Example

A lawyer might need a polished image for a firm website and a more relaxed look for LinkedIn. Similarly, an entrepreneur may want both formal and approachable photographs.

With two outfits and multiple looks, this package provides added flexibility without requiring a full personal-branding session.

What Does a $1,050 Deluxe Corporate Headshot Include?

The $1,050 Deluxe Corporate Headshot package is designed for professionals who want more styling, wardrobe options, and finished images.

GORNPHOTO’s current package includes:

• Three outfits
• Multiple professional looks
• Professional hair and makeup
• Two professionally retouched headshots
• Studio or outdoor photography
• Color correction and optimization
• Same-day turnaround
• Preview photos during the session
• Unlimited digital photos and usage rights
• One black-and-white headshot

Who Is It Best For?

This package can suit executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals who need more variety for different professional platforms.

For example, you might want one polished look for a company website and another for LinkedIn. The additional styling, wardrobe flexibility, and two retouched images provide more options than a basic headshot session.

Why Do Professional Headshot Prices Differ?

A $400 session and a $1,000 session may look similar at first, but the services, preparation, production, and final deliverables can be very different.

Photographer Experience

Experience can influence how well a photographer handles lighting, posing, expressions, and different professional needs. At GORNPHOTO, Lev Gorn personally directs sessions, helping clients with posing, facial expressions, and professional presence.

When comparing photographers, look beyond years of experience. Consider their portfolio, technical skills, communication, and ability to guide you during the session.

Expert insight: Lev Gorn’s approach focuses on helping clients with posing, expressions, and on-camera presence so the finished portrait reflects how they want to present themselves professionally.

The most expensive photographer isn’t necessarily the best choice. Look for a photographer whose experience and approach fit your goals and expectations.

How Much Does Retouching Add?

Retouching can affect the final cost of a headshot session. Some packages include professional editing, while others charge separately for additional images or services.

GORNPHOTO’s current additional retouching rates are:

• 1 image: $60
• 3+ images: $50 per image
• Same-day retouching: Additional 20%

Retouching can address details such as temporary blemishes, oily highlights, flyaway hair, under-eye discoloration, clothing creases, teeth, eyebrows, and color correction.

Why Does Retouching Matter?

When comparing packages, check how many retouched images are included and whether additional editing costs extra. A lower session price may not remain lower once you add retouching.

Good retouching should enhance the photograph while keeping your appearance natural, recognizable, and professional.

Does Hair and Makeup Increase the Cost?

Professional hair and makeup can add to the cost, although some packages include styling.

GORNPHOTO’s $1,050 Deluxe Corporate Headshot includes professional hair and makeup. As an additional service, GORNPHOTO currently lists:

• Women: $350
• Men: $250

Professional styling can be particularly useful for:

• Executive portraits
• Personal branding
• Business owners
• Media photography
• Multi-look sessions

If you only need a simple LinkedIn headshot, you may not need professional styling. For a larger session, however, hair and makeup can help create a more polished and consistent appearance.

How Much Do Corporate Team Headshots Cost?

Corporate team photography requires coordinating multiple people while maintaining a consistent visual style. Pricing can depend on:

• Number of employees
• Scheduling and coordination
• Studio or office location
• Lighting and backdrop setup
• Image consistency
• Delivery requirements

GORNPHOTO currently lists these team packages:

• Up to 5 people: $1,495
• Up to 20 people: $1,995
• Up to 35 people: $2,495
• Up to 60 people: $3,495
• 80+ people: Custom quote

Sessions can take place at the company’s office or GORNPHOTO’s Midtown NYC studio.

Example

A company with 18 employees may benefit from one coordinated session rather than having employees use different photographers. Consistent lighting, backgrounds, framing, and direction can create a more polished look across the company’s website and professional profiles.

For businesses, that consistency can be an important part of the overall value.

How Much Does an On-Location Business Portrait Cost?

If you want professional photos in your office or another relevant setting, an on-location session can be a good alternative to studio photography.

GORNPHOTO currently lists its On-Location Business Portrait at $1,750, including:

• Six wardrobe changes
• One location
• Three retouched headshots
• Private online gallery
• Preview photos
• Color correction and optimization
• Unlimited digital photos and usage rights
• One black-and-white headshot

Who Is It Best For?

On-location portraits can work well for:

• Entrepreneurs
• Business owners
• Executives
• Consultants
• Realtors
• Creative professionals
• Personal branding

For example, an architect could use their studio as the setting, while an entrepreneur could incorporate their workplace to add context and personality to the images.

What Does a CEO Portrait Cost in NYC?

GORNPHOTO currently lists its CEO Portrait at $2,995. This premium session is designed for executives who need more than a standard profile photo.

The package includes:

• Unlimited wardrobe changes
• Multiple locations
• Professional hair and makeup
• Three professionally retouched headshots
• Digital images
• Unlimited usage rights
• One black-and-white headshot

Who Is It For?

A CEO portrait can be useful for:

• Company websites
• Press and publications
• Speaking engagements
• Executive profiles
• Personal branding
• Business marketing

The higher price reflects the broader scope of the session, including multiple locations, styling, wardrobe options, and several finished portraits. GORNPHOTO’s approach also considers the client’s vision, lighting, and overall professional image rather than treating it as a simple headshot.

Studio vs. Outdoor or On-Location Photography

The location of your session can affect the look, feel, and cost of your headshots.

Studio Photography

A studio offers controlled lighting and backgrounds, making it ideal for:

• Clean, professional portraits
• LinkedIn and business profiles
• Corporate team photography
• Consistent image quality

Outdoor and On-Location Photography

On-location sessions add variety and context by incorporating an office, workplace, or outdoor setting. They can work well for:

• Personal branding
• Executive portraits
• Business owners
• Environmental photography

For example, an entrepreneur may choose their office to add personality and context to their images.

Which Should You Choose?

A studio is often best for a clean, consistent professional look, while on-location photography can provide more personality and visual context. Choose based on how you’ll use the images and the professional image you want to communicate.

What Should You Compare Before Booking?

When researching Professional Headshots in NYC, don’t compare photographers by price alone. Look at what’s included and whether the package fits your needs.

Compare:

• Session length, How much time is included?
• Outfits and looks, How many changes are allowed?
• Retouching, How many images are professionally edited?
• Hair and makeup, Is styling included or available?
• Location, Studio, outdoor, or on-location?
• Experience, Does the photographer work with professionals like you?
• Posing and coaching, Will you receive direction during the session?
• Turnaround, When will you receive the final images?
• Digital files, What files are included?
• Usage rights, Where can you use the photographs?
• Additional fees, Are there charges for extras or rush delivery?
• Reviews and portfolio, Does the work match your expectations?

A lower price doesn’t always mean better value. Choose the package based on what you need, what’s included, and the professional image you want to create.

How to Choose the Right Package for Your Budget

The right package depends on what you need the photographs for, not just your budget.

If You Need a LinkedIn Photo

A focused session with one professionally retouched image may be enough for LinkedIn or other professional profiles.

If You’re an Executive

A more comprehensive session can provide multiple looks for LinkedIn, company websites, press, and speaking engagements.

If You’re a Business Owner

Consider whether you need a traditional headshot or broader personal-branding images for your website and marketing.

If You’re Hiring for a Team

Prioritize consistency, scheduling, and image quality so employees have a cohesive professional look.

If You’re Building a Personal Brand

Multiple outfits, settings, and finished images can provide more useful content across different platforms.

Are Expensive Headshots Worth It?

Not necessarily. A higher price doesn’t automatically mean better value.

Ask yourself:

Does this package provide what I actually need?

If you only need one LinkedIn photo, a premium session may be unnecessary. If you’re a CEO or business owner building a professional brand, a larger session may offer better value.

The best investment is a package that provides the quality, flexibility, and services you need without paying for extras you won’t use.

Questions to Ask Before Paying for Headshots

Before booking, make sure you know what’s included and whether there are additional costs. Ask:

• What’s included in the package?
• How many images are retouched?
• How many outfits or looks are included?
• Is posing guidance provided?
• Is hair and makeup included or available?
• Can I choose studio or on-location photography?
• When will I receive the final images?
• Are there additional fees?
• What usage rights are included?
• Can I purchase additional retouched images?

Clear answers make it easier to compare the overall value, not just the advertised price.

A Simple NYC Headshot Budget Guide

Choose your package based on what you actually need:

• LinkedIn photo: The $425 LinkedIn Headshot includes one professionally retouched image.
• Multiple professional looks: The $650 Corporate Headshot includes two outfits and multiple looks.
• Styling and more images: The $1,050 Deluxe Corporate Headshot includes three outfits, hair and makeup, and two retouched headshots.
• Team photography: Packages start at $1,495 for up to five people.
• On-location portrait: The package is currently $1,750 and includes six wardrobe changes and three retouched headshots.
• CEO portrait: The current package is $2,995, with multiple locations, unlimited wardrobe changes, hair and makeup, and three retouched headshots.

Prices may change, so check GORNPHOTO’s current package details before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions