4 Tips For Finding the Right Headshot Photographer

So you’ve decided you need some new photos of yourself. Smart move! A great headshot can make an impactful first impression and is an investment in your personal brand. So you Google “headshot photographers near me,” and your search populates pages and pages of options. With so many photographers out there, how do you select the right one? Getting your picture taken can be intimidating enough, so here are four quick tips to finding the right photographer for you.

1. Trust word of mouth. Do you know someone who has awesome photos of themselves? Start by getting recommendations from your friends, colleagues, or local professionals. This can help narrow your search, while also establishing some preliminary trust with a given photographer’s capabilities. A majority of our business comes from referrals, which we love, because we have an immediate connection to our new clients.

2. Match your style. Once you’ve received some recommendations, it’s time to do some sleuthing of your own. Every photographer is working with their own creative process and varied equipment, so check out their website to make sure you like their style and that it works for the intended use of your desired images. If you are excited to work with a photographer because of their existing work, they’ll be excited to work with you. This magnetic match often leads to better results.

3. Reach out and ask questions. This is particularly important if you’ve never had professional portraits taken before. Here are some questions to ask any prospective photographer:

Do you shoot with studio or natural lighting?

How many shots do you take?

How long are the sessions?

What clothing should I bring?

Do you I need a hair and makeup stylist?

How do I select and pay for images?

Is retouching included?

When will I receive my photos?

4. Determine your budget. Professional headshot and portrait sessions can range anywhere from $250 to $1000+. Picking the least expensive photographer may seem like a savings initially, but more often than not you’ll end up not getting what you expected and it’ll be a waste of your time and money. On the flip-side, choosing the most expensive option may be overkill. While a photographer’s pricing generally equates to experience, equipment used, and the quality of their creative process, the sweet spot is whatever works within your budget and leaves you with images you love!