Easy answer, they are expensive to create!

Professional headshot photographers spend countless hours in training and equipment in this specific genre of photography.

Let’s talk about equipment first.

Cameras capable of producing high quality images start at around $3400, that’s just the camera. This can go up to $47,995 for the ultra-cool Hasselblad H6D-400C. Considering that most photographers have at least 2 cameras in case of failure, it’s probably starting to become clearer.

Lenses are another extremely expensive piece of equipment that no headshot photographer can do without. Most professional photographers have no less than 4-5 lenses. There are 3 different lenses we typically use for headshot photography. Canon 85mm 1.2L, Canon 85mm 1.2L IS USM and the Canon 100mm 2.8L Macro. These are used in different circumstances according to the type of headshot.

Now, you need somewhere to store these images once you’ve taken them right? Of course! No normal computer will do when dealing with large files and images processing. These computers need to be fast! We have 2 laptops and 1 desktop.

Monitors are incredibly important to creating the best real-life representation of color. These need to be the best and software used to calibrate them every week is easily as important.

Where do you store all the digital images taken? We use large external hard drives as well as an online backup. There would be nothing worse than getting 1000s of images for them to be lost because of a corrupt hard drive. It is imperative to back up the files. Right now, we have 2- 5 Terabyte drives not including the online backup.

To fully equip a studio with everything it needs to delivery the best results cost $1000s. This includes lighting being the most expensive, light modifiers, stands, and backdrops. Don’t forget the software needed. We use Capture One, Photoshop and Lightroom for editing, culling and color grading.

Did you think that was it?

We have tons of CF cards, SD cards, light meters, reflectors, batteries, flash transmitters, receivers, etc. None of this would work if we didn’t have a professional space to shoot them in. Of course, you can setup a studio almost anywhere including a garage. We have studio space in fantastic location that exudes professionalism and it’s just downright badass which we pay a premium for.

The following headshots were taken by the items mentioned above. Is it worth it? YES!