Tampa Photography Blog

When it comes to hiring a professional for a business head shot, most people go to a name they know like Sears or JCPenney because they think they’re saving money. I’m writing this article to map out the different options including hiring an independent professional photographer and going to studios in the mall.

First, let me start by stressing the importance of hiring a professional for your head shot. Asking a friend or family member to shoot your head shot with a point-and-shoot camera is not the same and it shows in the final product. The reason businesses hire professionals is that they know there’s a reason we exist. If you’re an accountant or a doctor or a lawyer, I would hire you for your services because I know you’ve been trained well to do your job and I cannot do it for you. Photography is no different.

Second, when you choose not to hire a professional photographer and use a head shot created by an amateur, it shows your client you don’t think it’s worth the money to invest in a real head shot. If you won’t invest in your business, why should anyone else?

Third, I did my research by calling or visiting these other studios in person so I got an accurate price list for Tampa head shots. I used the area of Carrollwood as my base since there is a JCPenney studio, a Sears studio and a Picture People location in Citrus Park Mall.

Let’s start with what I offer for my head shot package. For a group session (a minimum of five people), the rate is only $75 per person and I travel to your office. The best option is for me to set up my mobile studio in a conference room. The $75 head shot rate includes five final images that are retouched and ready to print. The client has full rights to reproduce these images in any way they see fit. It also includes an online gallery of raw images where the client can choose their favorite images.  I recommend a dark grey/black backdrop but I also have light gray, dark blue, red, white and black to choose from. The client may wear as many different tops as time permits.

I visited Picture People and the associate told me that for only three retouched images on CD, the rate is $90. At JCPenney Portrait Studio, the rate for three head shots on CD is $70. I called Sears Portrait Studio and after being on hold for ten minutes during normal business hours, I decided to look online for pricing information. The current sale offered on their website is one retouched business portrait on CD for $65.

The general public might think they are getting a great deal by going to a department store studio. I researched these options so others can see the difference. My rate compared to those studios is only a $5-$10 difference and, in one case, my rate is nearly 20% less expensive.

My other concern is that if you want your head shot or business portrait to look creative, it is sometimes hard to find that in a department store setting. The employee photographing you usually has a part-time position with little to no real world experience outside of the mall as a professional photographer and more importantly,  he or she may not be there if you come back with any problems or questions.

I always tell clients to do their own research. I believe in what I do and if your only concern is cost – not quality or service, then sometimes the best option is Wal-Mart. When you’re ready for a professional set of images to set your business apart from the others – I’m ready and I’ll be here to help before, during and after any session.