How Much Does Headshot Photography Cost?

Headshot Photography Pricing in Toronto & the GTAA clear pricing guide and what you’re really paying for.

If you’ve ever Googled “How much do headshots cost?” you’ve probably found answers that range everywhere from $100 to $1000+. It’s confusing and not very helpful. The truth is that headshot pricing varies widely depending on a number of factors - the photographer’s skill, what’s included, whether you need a simple one-look portrait or polished images for a full team, and licensing needs, to name a few.

So today, I want to break down what you can realistically expect to invest, what affects the cost, and what you actually get when you hire a professional headshot photographer using my process as an example.

But first! The Short Answer:

A professional headshot session typically starts at $250.

For my studio and for many quality photographers in the GTA a standard headshot experience begins at $250 for a one-hour session, including one retouched image.  Additional images at CatG Photography are $50 each

This price is based on one subject. For businesses who need headshots for multiple team members, pricing is structured differently:

Team & Corporate Headshot Pricing

If you’re booking headshots for your workplace, group pricing reduces the overall investment per person, while ensuring that everyone has a cohesive, polished look.

Team Sessions (on-site or in-studio)

For sessions including up to 20 people: the initial setup + 1 person $250, each additional person (up to 20) is $175/pp

For teams of 20+ people, a half-day or full-day rate applies. (Contact for a custom quote)

For sessions with large teams, I’ll set up a consistent lighting and background configuration so every headshot matches with the same tone, same lighting, same polish. This is important for websites, proposal decks, LinkedIn directories, media kits, and internal branding.

We also handle things like:  scheduling staff headshots efficiently, individual image selections, provide files to each person privately as well as deliver a full set to the marketing team.

Clean. Professional. Organized.

What You’re Paying For:

It’s more than standing in front of a camera.  One of the biggest misconceptions is that you’re paying for an hour of photography. In reality, you’re investing in:

Coaching in posing & expression

Most people don’t naturally know what to do with their chin, shoulders, or hands.  That’s okay. I guide you into poses that flatter your face and posture, and match the personality your role requires.

Different professions call for different expressions - approachable, bold, thoughtful, energetic;  and I direct you into each with clarity and ease.

Wardrobe, colour + styling guidance

Your headshot isn’t just a photo, it's branding. We help choose colours, tones, and clothing that enhance your features and align with your brand message.

Professional lighting & background control

Good lighting is the difference between a photo that looks "fine" and one that looks expensive, trustworthy, and magazine-quality. This takes training, time, and the right equipment.

Natural, professional retouching

Colour correction, flyaway hair cleanup, blemish removal, light skin smoothing, all done in a way that looks real, not plastic.

Studio or On-Location? It’s Your Choice

Some people love the crisp, controlled environment of an in-studio session.  Others want their photo taken in the heart of their own business, surrounded by branding elements, energy, and familiarity.

I offer Studio headshots, on-location sessions and custom sessions to include a blend of both for variety.

On-site team sessions are especially helpful because we can photograph your full team of employees consistently and efficiently in one place.

Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Cheaper

You can absolutely find someone who charges less but here’s the catch: The most common issues with low-cost headshots are poor lighting, poor posing, and flat expression.  A camera alone doesn’t create a strong professional image. Experience does.

When you hire a photographer, you’re paying for years of training, understanding of posing & angles, professional lighting & editing skills, and most importantly, a guided and confident client experience

It’s about expertise.

How much should you expect to invest?

Many clients book the $250 headshot session and for some, one polished image is all they need, but here’s what often happens:  They see themselves looking confident, polished, and professional.  They realize one image isn’t quite enough for their brand.  They upgrade to more images, or even to a full brand session.

Because once you see what a strong portrait does for your confidence, your website, and your brand presence, you often want more than a single frame.

Final Takeaway

Headshots aren’t just about what you look like,  they’re about how people perceive you.

You’re not paying for an hour in front of a camera.   You’re paying for someone who knows how to make you look capable, trustworthy, skilled, and confident. And when done well?  It is worth every single penny (and pixel!)

Toronto & GTA Headshot Photography

Ready to update your professional image? Explore my GTA headshots for individuals and small teams to see session options, what’s included, and how to book. Update your team’s professional image with polished lighting, confident posing, and natural retouching - ideal for LinkedIn, websites, speaking bios, or company branding. Individual sessions and full team shoots available across Toronto + the GTA.