How much do headshots cost in 2025—and why most people are overpaying

Your headshot might need an upgrade. Here’s the real cost breakdown: $29 AI vs $1,200+ studios.

Look, we need to talk about headshot pricing because nobody’s giving it to you straight. If you’ve been wondering how much do headshots cost in 2025, here’s the no-BS breakdown of what you’re gonna shell out for someone to make you look good on LinkedIn:

Real cost tiers

• Amateur photographers: $75-250 AKA “My cousin has a DSLR and a Facebook page”
  • Expect basic editing (they know what filters are)
  • Maybe their “studio” is literally their living room
  • Perfect if you just need something better than your iPhone selfie
• Actually decent pros: $250-500
  • They’ve been doing this long enough to own real equipment
  • Can actually direct you so you don’t look awkward AF
  • Will fix that weird thing your face does without making you look like a plastic doll
• Bougie premium shooters: $500-1,200+
  • The kind who name-drop their celebrity clients
  • Studio probably has better furniture than your apartment
  • You’re basically paying for the “shot by [name]” flex

Why prices are all over the map

When people ask how much do headshots cost, the answer depends on several factors:

1. Location matters. NYC and LA photographers charge double because…rent. Meanwhile, someone in the middle of nowhere charges half because…also rent.
2. Experience = $$. That 10,000-hour rule is real. Veterans can make you look fire in 10 minutes while newbies need an hour to figure out their lighting.
3. Session length. 15 minutes = basic LinkedIn refresh 2 hours = full personal brand overhaul with tea breaks
4. What you actually get. Some give you 1-2 heavily edited pics, others hook you up with 10+ options. Big difference.
5. Editing level. Basic: “We fixed the lighting.” Premium: “We literally sculpted your jawline and you look 5 years younger.”

Package breakdown

• Quick hit. 15-30 mins, 1-3 photos, $75-250. Perfect for that “oh crap I need a new profile pic ASAP” moment.
• Standard. 30-60 mins, 3-5 images, $200-500. The goldilocks zone for most professionals
• Premium: 1-2 hours, multiple looks, 5-10+ images, $400-1,000+. When you’re serious about your personal brand, or an actor who needs range

Hidden costs they don’t tell you about

• Hair and makeup will add another $75-200 (worth it btw)
• Want it rushed? That’ll be an extra 50%
• Location fees, travel costs, additional retouched images…it adds up FAST

GenYOU: headshots that don’t suck your wallet dry

It’s AI that takes your selfies and turns them into headshots that don’t scream “I took this in my bathroom.” You upload pics, the algorithm works its magic, and boom—professional-looking headshots without the awkward photoshoot.

Why people are actually using this

• Price: Starts at $29 (vs. hundreds for traditional)
• Speed: Minutes vs. waiting days/weeks for edited pics
• Convenience: No scheduling, no studio visits, no awkward poses
• Quantity: Get multiple looks for the price of one traditional shot

Honest AI vs. human comparison

• Personalization: AI can’t tell you your hair looks weird or that your smile seems forced
• Cost: $29 vs. potentially $1,000+ (math isn’t hard here)
• Time: Minutes vs. blocking off half your day
• Quality: Good enough for most digital needs vs. ultra-premium

Which one won’t waste your money?

Ask yourself these questions and be honest:

• Do you need a headshot for basic professional profiles, or are you an actor whose headshot literally determines if you eat?
• Is your industry super image-conscious, or just regular professional?
• Do you have time to schedule, travel to, and sit through a photoshoot?
• Is your budget closer to “ramen for dinner” or “whatever it takes”?

For the startup hustler, side-gigger, or budget-conscious professional: GenYOU is probably your jam. $29 gets you in the game with something that doesn’t look like trash.

For the executive, actor, or personal brand builder: Traditional might be worth the investment. Your face is literally your business card.

Bottom line: don’t be basic, but don’t get played

Whether you go traditional or AI, you need something better than that cropped wedding photo or bathroom selfie. Your professional image deserves at least some investment.

Traditional photographers provide a premium, personalized experience that AI can’t match. But GenYOU offers a legitimate solution that won’t drain your bank account for those who need something solid without the premium price tag.

Just do something already

Your career deserves better than that current profile pic. Whether you drop $29 on GenYOU or $500 on a photographer, make the investment in not looking like a potato online.

And if you’re curious about the AI route, check out GenYOU. It might just be the hack your professional image needs without the price tag that makes you question your life choices.

If you want to take headshots yourself, here’s our ultimate guide on DIY headshots.

About the author
Adeline Knight. Content writer at Icons8. She started as a professional photographer before falling for design. She enjoys experimenting with new tools and uncovering tips and tricks to simplify her life and boost her creativity.