How much are headshots for acting
Professional acting headshots are usually priced at $350 to $800 in the United States. Budget sessions can cost $150 to $300, while established photographers in major markets such as Los Angeles and New York may charge $800 to $1,500 or more. These prices usually cover a session with two or three looks and several retouched digital images.
For most actors, a realistic budget is $500 to $800 all in, before travel. That usually covers a reputable actor-headshot photographer, two or three looks, professional retouching and enough final images for casting profiles.
The published pricing examples below were checked on ****.
Acting Headshot Prices at a Glance
| Price range | What is usually included | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| $150 to $300 | One look, a short session and one to three retouched images | Actors who need an affordable first headshot |
| $350 to $800 | Two or three looks, posing direction and several retouched images | Most actors submitting for television, film or theatre |
| $800 to $1,500 or more | Multiple looks, a longer session, hair and makeup, more final images or a photographer with higher rates | Actors building a complete professional package |
The price depends more on the number of looks, retouched images and included services than on the amount of time you spend in front of the camera.
What Do Professional Actor Headshots Cost in Los Angeles and New York?
Los Angeles and New York generally cost more than smaller markets because demand is higher and both cities have many photographers who specialise in acting headshots.
Published examples show the range:
- Los Angeles: ConneryFilm lists sessions at $395 for two looks and three retouched images or $650 for four looks. WendyPix lists packages from $600 for two looks and three retouched images to $1,400 for unlimited looks, ten retouched images, hair and makeup.
- New York City: New York Headshots lists packages from $450 for a 45-minute session with two outfits and two retouched images to $899 for a longer package with more images, location work and professional hair and makeup. Its portfolio package costs $1,899.
These are individual photographer prices, not fixed industry rates. A smaller market may offer similar work for less, while a sought-after photographer may charge much more.
What Is Included in an Acting Headshot Session?
A standard professional package often includes:
- A pre-session consultation
- Professional lighting and posing direction
- One to three outfit or character changes
- A private proof gallery
- Basic colour correction
- Two to six fully retouched digital images
- Web-ready files for casting profiles and submissions
Some photographers charge separately for extra retouching, additional looks, hair and makeup, studio rental, rush delivery or commercial usage. WendyPix, for example, lists additional retouched images at $45 each, an extra half-hour at $150 and hair and makeup at $200.
What Extra Costs Should Actors Budget For?
The advertised session price may not be the final cost. Check these items before booking.
Hair and Makeup
Professional hair and makeup can add roughly $150 to $300 in Los Angeles, although some higher-priced packages include it.
Hair and makeup may be useful if:
- You need theatrical and commercial looks
- You are changing hairstyles between looks
- You are not confident styling yourself
- The photographer requires a makeup artist for the package
You usually do not need heavy makeup for a natural theatrical headshot. The goal is to look like yourself on audition day.
Retouching
Basic retouching should remove temporary blemishes, stray hairs and minor distractions while keeping your natural features. Additional retouched images may cost $20 to $75 per image, depending on the photographer and the level of editing.
Avoid photographers who make you look significantly different from your real appearance. Casting directors need a headshot that represents the actor who will attend the audition.
Printing
Most casting submissions are digital, so you may not need many printed headshots. Printing costs vary by size, paper type and quantity. Ask whether digital files are included before paying extra for physical prints.
Rush Delivery
Rush delivery can increase the price if you need photographs before an audition, agent meeting or production deadline. Ask about the normal delivery time when comparing packages.
Is a Cheap Acting Headshot Worth It?
A cheap acting headshot can be useful when you are starting out, but the lowest price is not always the best value.
A session priced below $250 may include only one look, limited direction and one or two finished images. That can work if you need a temporary submission photo, but it may not give you enough variety for different casting opportunities. Los Angeles pricing examples show that budget sessions can start around this level, while more complete packages commonly cost $395 to $850.
The more useful question is:
How much will I pay for the final images I can actually use?
For example:
- $200 session
- $40 per retouched image
- Three final images
Total cost: $320
A $450 package that already includes three retouched images may therefore offer better value.
What Should Most Actors Spend?
Most actors should start with a photography budget of $350 to $650 and look for:
- Two or three distinct looks
- At least two professionally retouched final images
- Digital files sized for casting websites
- Hair and makeup only if needed
- No unnecessary prints or expensive extras
A two-look session in the $350 to $550 range is also identified as a reasonable target in actor-headshot guidance from City Headshots.
Spend more when the photographer has a strong portfolio of working actors, provides useful direction and includes the number of final images you need. Do not spend more solely because the photographer has a famous name or expensive studio.
How to Compare Acting Headshot Packages
Before booking, ask each photographer:
How many looks are included? A look usually means a different outfit, styling direction or casting type.
How many retouched images do I receive? A large proof gallery is not the same as receiving finished files.
Is retouching included in the advertised price?
Is hair and makeup included or charged separately?
Will I choose the final images from a proof gallery?
Are the files formatted for Actors Access, Casting Networks and agency submissions?
What is the delivery time?
Does the photographer specialise in actor headshots?
A photographer who understands theatrical, commercial and character casting can usually create more useful images than a general portrait photographer offering the lowest price.
Bottom Line
The cheapest quote is not necessarily the lowest total cost. Compare the number of looks, finished images, retouching, hair and makeup, file format and delivery time before you book.