Will a Cheap Headshot Hold You Back?

As small business owners and freelancers, we all are tirelessly trying to cut out unnecessary expenses and maximize every single penny. Hence it might feel like a good idea to save on a business aspect that doesn’t affect client experience, and opt for a cheap headshot. Instead of paying a premium for the best headshot photographer in the area, you could spend this money on something else – paid ads for example.

Is saving money of your professional headshot worth it?

Let’s look at 3 key drawbacks of a cheap headshot.

Risk of paying twice

Do you know the saying, ‘buy cheap – buy twice’?

Are you an actor, model or a dancer wishing to get signed by an agency? You might think all you need is a basic shot just to get accepted, and you find the cheapest headshot photography option available… You are running the risk of paying double. Here’s the catch, if your headshot does not meet the requirements, an agency will ask you to re-shoot at your own expense.

Right angles & direction

While a headshot is predominantly a close head-and-shoulders crop of you face looking at the camera, it is not as simple as that. Think about a passport photo or a mugshot. These are also head-and-shoulders portraits! When it comes to professional headshots, you don’t want them to look like a passport photo or a mugshot. 

An experienced headshot photographer will take time to help you determine your ‘good side’ if you believe you don’t have one, find the best poses and most flattering angles for your facial structure and body type. Basically, they will get the best out of you for your professional headshot image. 

You might also enjoy reading Why You Should Hire A Professional Photographer?

A Cheap look

Quality 

Everyone has a different understanding of quality. For some, quality means simply technical aspects of a photograph (image size and resolution, focus, grain etc). Others understand quality as how flattering a photograph is, which usually includes lighting and editing.  

A beginner photographer is likely not an expert in lighting and how light shapes a person’s face. You don’t want to have ‘racoon eyes’ (shadows under eyebrows that create dark circles under the eyes) in your pro headshot! 

Over-editing is another sign of a cheap headshot – many amateur photographers experiment with colours and saturation in post-production. So if you want your skin to look as natural as possible, choose a more experienced headshot photographer. 

Lack of touch-ups

Even if you’re against ‘photoshopping’, let me tell you the truth. Everyone needs touching up! When we think of Photoshop, most of us usually imagine drastic changes to a body, skin smoothing, and all the outdated magazine images of celebrities. It’s 2022, and skin retouching these days is all about subtle yet effective touch-ups. 

I’m a big believer in getting the perfect shot straight from the camera, though without a makeup and hair expert on the set, it’s a challenge. Makeup smudges and melts, stray hairs are noticeable on a contrasty background, etc. Editing completes a sleek and professional look. 

Cutting costs by opting for a cheap or DIY headshot, may save you a little bit of cash short term, but may cost you in the long run. Think about all the opportunities a great professional headshot will open, and potential clients that are more likely to buy when they see an incredible headshot portrait of you. A headshot is your first impression, make it a great one! 

Get in touch to book your headshot photography session today!