Why We Charge for Additional Headshots and Unedited Photos: A Comprehensive Guide for Fairfax and Washington, D.C. Clients
As a professional headshot photographer in Fairfax, VA, and Washington, D.C., I often get asked why additional headshots or unedited versions of photos come with a charge. While it may seem like a small request, there’s a lot more behind the scenes that clients might not realize. In this blog post, I’ll explain why this policy is in place and how it protects both your investment and the quality of the work we deliver.
Understanding the Cost of Professional Headshots
When you book a headshot session, you're paying for more than just the time in front of the camera. Our standard local headshot sessions (within Fairfax, VA, and Washington, D.C.) are priced at $550 and include:
Full Setup: We bring professional lighting, camera equipment, and backgrounds to you, whether it’s at your home, office, or a location of your choice.
Photographer’s Expertise: Years of experience in posing, lighting, and camera techniques to ensure you get the best result.
On-Site Review: You get the chance to review your photos during the session, allowing us to make sure you’re happy with the shots.
Post-Processing: This includes professional retouching to ensure your final images look polished and perfect.
In addition, each final edited image is $75, which includes complete retouching, licensing, and high-resolution delivery within 48 hours of selection.
Why We Charge for Unedited Photos: Protecting Your Investment
Some clients may wonder, “Why can’t I just get the unedited version of the photo for free?” Here’s why:
It Devalues the Product:
Think of a professional headshot as a finished product, not just the raw materials. The photography session is only half of the process; the other half is in the retouching and editing, where we turn a good photo into a great one. If we were to give away unedited images, we’d essentially be handing out an incomplete product, which doesn’t reflect the level of professionalism we guarantee.
Fairness to All Clients:
Many of our clients pay for the time, expertise, and final retouched images. Giving out unedited photos for free would be unfair to those who’ve invested fully in the process. It would be like paying for a professionally crafted product but then offering a lower-quality version for free to others. We believe in maintaining consistent value for all of our clients.
Maintaining Professional Standards:
Every image we deliver represents our brand and the high standards we hold ourselves to. Providing unedited images, which aren’t up to our professional standards, could reflect poorly on both your business and ours. We want to make sure that every photo you use, whether it’s for a business card, website, or LinkedIn profile, is one we can be proud of.
The Value of Retouching:
Retouching isn’t just about fixing imperfections—it’s about enhancing the lighting, balancing the colors, and bringing out the best in every photo. When clients receive the final edited version, they get the complete package: a professional image ready for any use. Skipping this step would mean leaving out the very things that make your headshot stand out.
At C King Media, serving Fairfax, VA, and Washington, D.C., we take pride in delivering high-quality, polished professional headshots. Charging for additional headshots and retouching services ensures that we can maintain the high standards we set for ourselves—and it ensures that you’re getting the best possible product for your professional needs.
If you have any questions or are ready to book a headshot session, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help make sure you get the perfect image that represents you and your business.