What type of experience are you looking for?
We all want to find a good deal, but a price comparison only works with identical services and experiences. Apples to Apples.
When shopping for a headshot photographer, you will likely want to consider the experience you get at some of the other studios.
For example the above reviews of one well known option show a theme of:
- Waiting 2+ hours in the crowded lobby
- A Rushed 15-minute “Quicky” session
- No wardrobe changes
- Poor quality photos that cost over $100
If you search the web, you can find promises of quicky $99 headshots at this department store (that declared bankruptcy and is scheduled to close) or other semi-local “cattle call group sessions” held once a month in a rented conference room.
We try to talk people out of booking these shoots because paying a price that might “feel right,” is often viewed afterward as a big mistake.
The cheap headshot mistake
We are talking about your image here and a first impression is not something to skimp on. When you “go cheap,” you are getting what you pay for and most people are not just satisfied with their results. Trust us we have tried this and know the results. If you are like me you get frustrated the longer you have to wait and I would be in no mood to take a good photo after waiting for two hours at the department store studio.
We have found Customers who do “quicky sessions” like these commonly want to do “re-shoots” due to not getting what they wanted and need “more time.”
They end up having to book another session with another studio are now paying more than if they had chosen the right experience from the beginning.
The Solution
We don’t schedule individual 10-15 minute quicky sessions in our studio. Over the years, we have found It’s just not enough time for most people to get comfortable and get an image they are happy with. Unless of course, you are a professional model. Professional Models can take great photos with just a few takes, and that’s why agencies pay to shoot with them.
Customers who “go cheap” in the beginning end up paying more and wasting time, rather than “doing it right the first time.”
I still want some cheap headshot recommendations.
You can go cheap at JC Penny (*at least for now – as they have filed for bankruptcy and announced their Concord Store and others may be closing soon.) The charge over $100 for a 10 minute session. Read the reviews and be prepared to wait.
Why can’t I pay JC Penny Prices at your Studio?
We can’t charge JC Penny prices because 1) they offer that service as a loss-leader to get people into their stores to buy clothes and other profitable items. 2) Bargain Price photography is simply not a sustainable business model. JC Penny is bankrupt, The Picture People closed for good abandoning customers and employees alike, even Target recently closed all its photo studios. It’s an experiment that has been tried time and time again without success.
As a business, we have calculated our costs and quality costs more. We believe we… and more importantly you…are worth the extra investment. and that a good customer experience is worth it.
Book A Session with us when your ready to experience a transformation!