The city of New York is not an unfamiliar one. Even if you have never visited the Big Apple, many people across the world know of this big-time city by name. As a city with a grand reputation, it only makes sense to question how much it would cost to have your headshot taken here if you are fortunate enough to work in this bustling metropolis.
According to Mercer.com, in North America, New York City (number 7 in the global ranking) remains the most expensive city. It is followed by Nassau, Bahamas (9), Los Angeles (10), Honolulu (12), and San Francisco (13). As the most expensive city in North America, it is worth asking, “How much would it cost to have my headshots taken here if I am a professional in the city?”
This is an excellent question. Of course, if you’ve already made it to NYC, the chances are fairly high that you have a good amount to spend on your headshots. Of course, the question still remains, how much does it cost for headshots New York City, and are they worth it?
On average, you can expect to spend about $300 to $700 on headshots in NYC. Of course, this rate doesn’t apply to everyone. You should always consider the company who is taking the photographs. Truly review their portfolio and see if you like how they represent their clients and the line of work that they are in.
For instance, if you are an attorney and you see that other attorneys appear refined, respectable, and presentable in their headshots, it would be a good idea to choose that particular photography company for your session.
Not everyone has an attorney salary, though. Even if you live and work in NYC, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your budget will allow for a $300-$700 photoshoot. If you find yourself on the lower end, you can expect to spend somewhere around $100, but this will most likely be with an amateur who is first starting out. While it doesn’t mean that your photographs will necessarily be bad, they might not be as polished as if you were to go to an experienced company that has been around for a while.
There are photographers out there who will charge about $1500 for their corporate headshots. While these prices might seem expensive, they are usually worth the money. More often than not, these photographers have had much experience in the field, and know how to use touchups, lighting, and much more to make you appear your absolute best. Also, these packages (within the $1500+ price range) are ideal for professionals who have a certain goal in mind with their corporate headshots. Usually, the goal is extreme professionalism with little to no room for error. These types of headshots are perfect for CEOs, for example.
While you shouldn’t judge a company based on the prices they ask for, it’s always a good idea to look over their portfolio first to see if what they’re asking for seems appropriate to you. Also, make sure to give them a quick call with any questions you might have regarding the quality of their work, what they offer, and more. It never hurts to ask questions, especially when it comes to prices in New York City.