What You Can Expect to Pay for Corporate Headshots — and What You Actually Get
If you’ve been putting off getting a professional headshot because you weren’t sure what it would cost, you’re not alone. Most people come to me already knowing they need one done. They just want to understand what they’re getting before they put a date on the calendar. So let me break it all down clearly — no surprises, no vague “starting at” language that tells you nothing.
I’ve been photographing professionals in Carmel and the Indianapolis area for nearly 25 years. Whether you need a single polished image for your LinkedIn profile or your company needs its entire team photographed, I can help you figure out exactly what makes sense for your situation. You can learn more about what I offer on my business headshots page.
Before you book, it also helps to think about a few things beyond price. Where the photos will be used, what industry you’re in, and what you’re planning to wear all affect how your final image turns out. If you’re not sure what to wear, I have a full guide on what to wear for your corporate headshot that walks you through everything.
Below I’ll walk you through my pricing, what each option includes, and how to decide which approach is right for you.
In this guide:
- Studio headshot pricing
- On-location and team sessions
- The outdoor headshot option
- What your session actually looks like
- Is a professional headshot worth the cost?
- Frequently asked questions
How Much Does a Studio Business Headshot Cost?
My studio headshot rate is $125. That covers your session in my Carmel studio and one professionally retouched digital file delivered ready to use. Additional images are also available to purchase if you wish.
No hidden fees. No surprise add-ons after the fact. You know exactly what you’re paying before you ever walk through the door.
For most professionals, one strong image is all they need. A clean, polished headshot for LinkedIn, a company website bio, a speaker profile, or a business card does a lot of work from a single file. One image done right goes a long way.
Some clients want two or three finished images so they have options for different platforms or looks. In that case, we simply add additional images at the same per-image rate. We talk through that before you book so you come in with a clear plan.
How Much Do On-Location and Team Headshots Cost?
If your company needs multiple employees photographed and you’d rather not send everyone across town, I come to you. I bring my full studio equipment to your office and set up on-site so your team can step in, get their photos taken, and get back to work with minimal disruption to the day.
Pricing for on-location team sessions varies based on two things: how many people need to be photographed and where your business is located. Because of that, I give custom quotes for every team session rather than listing a flat rate that may not reflect your actual situation.
The best approach is to reach out with your team size and location and I’ll put together a quote that makes sense. Most businesses find the per-person cost comes down as the group size goes up, which makes on-site team days a smart investment when you have multiple staff members who all need updated photos.
Companies across Carmel, Westfield, and Hamilton County have used this approach to get their entire team looking consistent and professional without the hassle of coordinating individual appointments across town.
Can You Do Outdoor Business Headshots?
Yes, and for some professionals it is actually the better choice. My studio produces a clean, polished, classic look that works well for law, finance, healthcare, and most traditional corporate environments. However, if your work has a more approachable or creative feel, an outdoor session can communicate that naturally.
I shoot outdoor headshots in and around Carmel, including locations like Coxhall Gardens and the Village of West Clay. The setting gives your image a warmer, more relaxed quality while still looking completely professional.
What works best depends on your industry and the impression you want to make. If you’re not sure which direction fits you, take a look at my guide to corporate headshot styles by industry — it breaks down what tends to work best across a range of professions. When we talk before your session, we figure that out together so you walk away with something that actually fits your brand.
What Does a Headshot Session Actually Look Like?
Most people haven’t had professional headshots taken in years, if ever. Some have never done it at all. So let me walk you through what actually happens so there are no surprises on the day.
You come into my Carmel studio at your scheduled time. We talk briefly about where the images will be used and what look you’re going for. From there, I direct you through the session. You don’t need to know how to pose. That is my job.
Lighting, angles, expression, and timing are all handled on my end. Your job is to show up looking like yourself. Wear something that fits well and reflects how you present yourself professionally. If you’re unsure about your outfit before the session, send me a photo and I’ll give you honest feedback before you ever leave the house.
Sessions are efficient. Most individuals are in and out in under an hour. For team sessions at your office, we work through your staff in a steady, organized flow so the day doesn’t drag on.
After the session, your images are professionally retouched and delivered digitally. You get clean, polished files ready to upload wherever you need them.
Is a Professional Headshot Worth the Cost?
That depends on what you think your professional image is worth. Most people who call me aren’t asking that question. They already know the answer. They need the headshot done and they want it done right.
Your headshot is often the first thing a potential client, employer, or colleague sees when they look you up. It shows up on LinkedIn, your company website, your email signature, conference materials, and press features. A blurry phone photo or a years-old image that no longer looks like you sends a message you probably don’t intend to send.
In fact, the impact a strong headshot has on your LinkedIn presence alone is significant. I go deeper on that in my post about why your LinkedIn headshot may be costing you business — it’s worth a read if you’ve been on the fence about updating your photo.
A $125 investment for a single strong image is a low bar relative to what it does for your credibility. For companies paying to photograph an entire team, the return is even clearer. Consistent, professional staff photos signal that your business takes its brand seriously.
Furthermore, most professionals who come in for the first time wish they had done it sooner. That is the most common thing I hear when someone walks out with their final image.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Headshot Costs
How much does one professional headshot cost at L. Severson Photography?
Studio headshots are $125 per finished image. That includes your session time and one professionally retouched digital file.
Do you charge more for additional images?
Additional retouched images are available at $35 each. We talk through how many you need before you book so you come in with a clear plan.
How much do team or staff headshots cost?
On-location team sessions are priced based on team size and location. Reach out with your details and I’ll send you a custom quote. Most teams find the per-person cost decreases as the group size increases.
Do you travel to businesses in Carmel and Indianapolis for team photos?
Yes. I bring my full studio equipment to your location anywhere in Carmel, Westfield, and the surrounding Hamilton County area. Contact me to discuss your team’s needs and we’ll figure out the best approach together.
How long does a headshot session take?
Individual studio sessions typically take just a few minutes. If you want more pictures, or more variety than just your typical head and shoulders “head shot,” let’s talk about what you want and I can give you an accurate price. On-location team days vary based on how many people are being photographed. I work efficiently so your staff gets in and out with minimal disruption to the workday.
What is the difference between a studio headshot and an outdoor headshot?
Studio headshots produce a clean, polished, classic look that works well across most professional industries. Outdoor sessions have a warmer, more natural feel and work well for professionals whose brand is more approachable or creative. We decide together before your session which approach fits you best.
Can I send outfit photos before my session?
Yes, and I encourage it. Send me photos of what you’re planning to wear and I’ll give you honest feedback before you arrive. What looks good in the mirror does not always translate on camera, and it’s much easier to fix that ahead of time than after the fact.
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