How Much Do Professional Headshots Cost in Connecticut?
If you're searching for a professional headshot in Connecticut, you've probably noticed that prices vary a lot. Some photographers charge a couple hundred dollars, others charge several times that. And with each option, the experience and final product can look very different.
So how do you know what’s reasonable? And more importantly, how do you know that what you're getting for the price is fair and worth it?
In this post, I’ll walk you through what typically affects the cost of a headshot, what to expect from a professional session, and what kind of investment makes sense depending on your needs.
What Counts as a Professional Headshot?
Let’s start with what we’re actually talking about.
A professional headshot isn’t just any photo where you’re smiling at the camera. It’s a clean, well-lit image that feels like you on your best day. It's meant to help people get a sense of who you are before they even meet you - whether that's on LinkedIn, your company’s website, a press release, or a client proposal.
A good headshot photographer knows how to work with people who aren’t models. They understand posing, how to make lighting flattering for every type of face, how to bring out a natural expression, and how to help you feel at ease. Because most people don’t love having their photo taken, and a big part of a successful headshot is simply feeling comfortable.. and that might seem a bit surprising for most people to realize. The most useful skill a headshot photographer should have actually has very little to do with photography.
In my mind, knowing how to use the camera, set up the lighting, and take the photo is a very small part of a successful headshot session. Those are the basics. The thing that actually matters is making sure the person in front of the camera is comfortable enough to have a natural expression in their headshot!
So, What Do Headshots Cost in Connecticut?
In general, the cost of a professional headshot in Connecticut can range anywhere from around $150 to over $800. The price depends on a few things: the photographer’s experience, the quality of the service, what’s included in the session, and how the final images are delivered.
Here’s a breakdown of the common pricing tiers:
Lower-End Sessions: $150–$300
These are usually quick, low-frills sessions. You might get one or two final images, and editing may or may not be included. These sessions are often run by photographers who do a little of everything (weddings, events, families) and occasionally offer headshots.
This option might work if you're on a tight budget, but you may find the experience is rushed or that you don’t get much direction during the shoot. The retouching, if it is included, might also not be up to a professional standard, which may or may not matter depending on your age and how photogenic you feel yourself to be.
Mid-Range Sessions: $300–$600
This is where most experienced headshot photographers fall. You’re paying for a more customized experience, professional lighting, guidance during the session, and retouched final images. Many of the photographers in this range focus specifically on portraits or business clients, which means they understand how to get natural, confident results.
Premium Branding Sessions: $700+
At this level, photographers often offer longer sessions with multiple outfit changes, different backgrounds or locations, and a full set of final images. These are great if you're building out a personal brand, launching a business, or need photos for a variety of uses: website banners, social media, speaking engagements, and so on.
What’s Typically Included in a Headshot Session?
Photographers structure their packages differently, but here are a few things to look for when comparing your options:
Image Selection
Some photographers send you a gallery after your session. Others walk you through the images in person and help you choose on the spot. There’s no right or wrong, it just depends on what you’re more comfortable with.
At my Studio, clients choose their favorite image(s) right after the session. You get to see your photos right away, select which ones you like most (I often help my clients narrow things down), and know walking out that we got your headshot.
Retouching
This is a big one. Retouching can range from minimal edits to heavy filters. A good retouch should clean up distractions - stray hairs, blemishes, shine - but still leave you looking like yourself.
I personally do all the retouching by hand, and I keep it natural. You’ll look polished but not overly edited.. which you can see on my website and social media. Everyone looks magazine-ready but also very much like themselves. Retouching should never look like a photo has been retouched.
Turnaround Time
Some photographers deliver images within a few days, others take a week or more. I deliver the final retouched image within 48 hours, and often faster if I can. I work hard to make sure I dedicate appropriate time to each client and set aside retouching time so that their images are always delivered in a timely manner.
Usage Rights
You’ll want to confirm that you can use the image freely on your website, LinkedIn, print materials, and anywhere else you need. I always include full commercial usage rights so there are no surprises or extra fees later on. And yes, that includes using your headshots in advertisements or even on billboards.
How Much Do Headshots Cost at My Studio?
At N. Lalor Photography in Westport, individual headshot sessions in the Studio in 2025 are priced at $450. That includes:
Pre-session prep and guidance (what to wear, how to prepare)
A relaxed, efficient studio session in Westport
On-the-spot image review and selection
Professional retouching of your chosen image(s)
High-resolution digital delivery of the final file
Turnaround within 48 hours
Additional retouched images are available for purchase if you’d like more than one. You don’t have to decide that ahead of time.
What About Team or Company Headshots?
If you're organizing headshots for a company or team, I offer custom quotes based on your specific needs. I photograph teams both in-studio and on location, depending on what works best for your office.
Some companies bring new hires to the studio one at a time. Others schedule a photo day where I come on-site and photograph everyone at once. I also match existing headshot styles if you're looking to keep things consistent with past photos.
If you're interested in pricing for team headshots, the webpage on my site has a lot of info and the ability to request a complimentary price quote.
A professional headshot is an investment in how you present yourself. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, joining a new company, or simply want to feel more confident putting yourself out there, a good headshot makes a real difference.
Pricing can vary, but what matters most is the experience you have and how you feel about the final image. You want to look like yourself - confident, approachable, and professional.
If you’re based in Connecticut and looking for a natural, polished headshot with a straightforward process, I’d be happy to help. You can learn more, view the portfolio, or book a session at www.nlalorphotography.com/headshots. And if you have any questions, just reach out. I'm always happy to talk it through.
