How Much Should I Pay For Headshots?

By Darryl Green

  • Headshots are extremely important to actors. They are the “business cards” that actors use to obtain representation from agencies and to obtain consideration for acting work. Therefore, actors need to make sure they get good headshots, and be willing to pay adequate money for them. Different types of headshots may cost more or less, and headshot prices will vary based on location.

    Typical Costs

    In most cases, headshots will cost anywhere from $300-$600, at the time of this writing. This is a general range. The costs of these photographs may be less expensive if an actor lives in a rural area or a small market. These costs may be more expensive if an actor lives in a larger, more competitive market, such as Los Angeles. That’s because the amount of actors willing to pay more for quality headshots is greater in a larger market. Also, the cost of living in the L.A. market is much greater than that of a smaller market.

    Getting Good Advice

    When it comes to headshots, the most important thing an actor can do is to receive good advice. The best source of advice is from the actor’s talent agent. Agents are a great source of advice because they have a great understanding of their particular market. Agents understand what types of headshots will bring employment opportunities for their clients. They understand how much headshots in their local area usually cost. And they know which photographers tend to do the best work.

    If you don’t have an agent who can guide you through the process, actors should turn to other actors to help fill that void. Actors should ask other actors where they got their headshots done, what the experience was like and how much did it cost.

    Comparing notes with other actors is not as effective as receiving advice from talent agents because talent agents understand the goals and career paths of an actor better than the actor’s peers. They also understand the local market needs better than the average actor does. However, if one doesn’t yet have an agent, one’s peers can be a great source of information.

    Headshot Scams

    Even though actors should be willing to pay adequate money for their headshots, it doesn’t mean that they should pay an arm and a leg. There are many scams that take advantage of actors seeking headshots, by charging extraordinary amounts of money, sometimes as much as $1500 to $2000. Therefore, actors should seek guidance from their talent agency.

    Unfortunately, some talent agencies are also scams. They pretend to be a legitimate agency, eager to send an actor out on acting jobs. However, they require the actor to get their photos taken only by the agency itself or by a company that is tied to the agency. In this case, the agency is not an agency at all. It is a photography company posing as an agency. They pretend to be interested in sending actors out on acting jobs so they can make a commission on their work, but their real money is made by selling photos to actors.

    That’s why, in addition to seeking advice from talent agencies, actors should also ask other actors about their experiences. Other local actors can shed insight into which companies are scams, which ones charge the most, and which companies have great reputations for providing quality, affordable work.

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • What is a Leading Character?

    What is a Leading Character? Exploring the role, importance, and characteristics of leading characters in film, television, and literature (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Defining a Leading Character In any narrative—whether on screen, stage, or…

    What is a Male Actor Called?

    What is a Male Actor Called? Exploring the terminology, history, and modern usage of the word “actor” for men (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Defining the Term: What is a Male Actor Called? The most…

    Who is the greatest female actor of all time?

    Who is the greatest female actor of all time? Exploring the legendary careers that have shaped the world of cinema (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Question of Greatness: What Defines a Great Female Actor?…

    What is the difference between leading actor and lead actor?

    What is the difference between leading actor and lead actor? Unpacking the subtle distinction between two frequently used industry terms (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Understanding the Basics: What Do the Terms Mean? In the…

    Can You Make a Living Doing Improv?

    Can You Make a Living Doing Improv? Exploring the Viability of Improv as a Full-Time Career Path in the Entertainment Industry (By Ray Reese) Improvisational comedy, or improv, has become increasingly visible thanks…

  • Ad

  • What is Bad Improv?

    What is Bad Improv? An Exploration of Common Pitfalls and Mistakes in Improvisational Comedy (By Ray Reese) Improvisational comedy, or improv, is an art form that thrives on spontaneity, creativity, and collaboration. Whether…

    What is the Writers Guild of America (WGA)?

    What is the Writers Guild of America (WGA)? Understanding the Role, Power, and Purpose of the Writers Guild in Hollywood and Beyond (By Tonya Tannenbaum) Introduction: Defining the WGA The Writers Guild of…

    Can You Practice Improv Alone?

    Can You Practice Improv Alone? Unlocking Solo Creativity: How Improvisation Can Thrive Without a Partner (By Ray Reese) Introduction: The Solo Performer’s Dilemma When most people think of improv, they picture a high-energy…

  • Ad

  • DO ACTORS MEMORIZE THE ENTIRE SCRIPT?

    DO ACTORS MEMORIZE THE ENTIRE SCRIPT? An Insight into the Memorization Process for Actors (By Ray Reese) The Complex World of Acting and Script Memorization Acting is an art that requires much more…

    What Was the Least Successful Movie of All Time?

    What Was the Least Successful Movie of All Time? Exploring the film industry’s most infamous flops and what went wrong (By Carmichael Phillip) The Criteria for a Box-Office Failure Movie success is often…

    What Is the Most Recognizable Movie Quote of All Time?

    What Is the Most Recognizable Movie Quote of All Time? Exploring the most iconic lines that have defined cinema history (By Carmichael Phillip) The Timeless Power of a Single Line Some movie quotes…

    What Famous Movie Line Was Improvised?

    What Famous Movie Line Was Improvised? Exploring iconic unscripted movie moments that became unforgettable quotes (By Carmichael Phillip) The Power of Improvisation in Film Improvisation in film is like catching lightning in a…

    What Does CSA Stand for After a Name?

    What Does CSA Stand for After a Name? Understanding the meaning of CSA in film and television credits and the role of casting professionals (By Jim Webb) What Is CSA? When you see…

  • Ad

  • Why Don’t Movies Have Opening Credits Anymore?

    Why Don’t Movies Have Opening Credits Anymore? Exploring the evolution of the cinematic opening and why the tradition of long opening credits has nearly vanished (By Jim Webb) The Golden Age of Opening…

    What is the Number 1 Best Movie of All Time?

    What is the Number 1 Best Movie of All Time? A deep dive into the debates, rankings, and arguments behind the most acclaimed movie in cinematic history (By Carmichael Phillip) Introduction: The Impossible…

    How Much Do Principal Broadway Actors Make?

    How Much Do Principal Broadway Actors Make? A behind-the-scenes look at Broadway paychecks, perks, and how stars earn a living on the Great White Way (By Carmichael Phillip) Understanding the Role of a…

  • Ad

  • How Long Are the Commercials Before a Movie?

    How Long Are the Commercials Before a Movie? Everything you need to know about pre-show ads, trailers, and what to expect before the main feature starts (By Jim Webb) The Basics: What Comes…

    What is a Top Billed Actor?

    What is a Top Billed Actor? A deep dive into one of Hollywood’s most coveted credit positions (By Jim Webb) Understanding the Term: What Does “Top Billed” Mean? The phrase “top billed actor”…

    What does “in association with” mean in film credits?

    What does “in association with” mean in film credits? Understanding the role of secondary production companies in the filmmaking process (By Jim Webb) Introduction: Cracking the Code of Film Credits When you watch…

    What Nationality Is Flo from Progressive?

    What Nationality Is Flo from Progressive? The cultural background of a beloved commercial icon and its impact on her persona (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Rise of Flo: An Iconic Commercial Character Flo, the…

    What Insurance Company Keeps You from Becoming Your Parents?

    What Insurance Company Keeps You from Becoming Your Parents? Exploring how choosing the right insurance can help break the cycle and create your own financial path (By Tonya Tannenbaum) The Generational Insurance Trap…

  • Ad