Budgeting in the wrong place can be expensive.

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." – Benjamin Franklin

Budgeting is wise. But cutting costs in the wrong place can cost you money.

Allow me to let Sam Vimes explain it. Sam is a character in a comic fantasy book series called Discworld. Here’s a quote that’s one of my favorites:

The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money.

Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles.

But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.

I know that’s happened to me more times than I care to admit. I’ve bought something, focusing only on price, and spending as little as possible. What happened? It didn’t last, or I just wasn’t happy with the quality. I’d end up spending again, to buy the same type of item, but this time, focusing more on quality than price.

You get what you pay for.

That’s true, whether you’re talking about goods, like boots, or services. I’d like to talk about the difference between low-end and high-end headshots.

See, these days, anyone can buy a really great camera and call themselves a headshot photographer. They’ll put you in front of their camera, set their camera on “auto,” snap a shot, and you’re done.

And you end up with a headshot that looks like your passport photo or the one on your driver’s license.

So, what’s the difference between a low-end headshot photographer and a high-end headshot photographer?

Well, price, for sure. A low-end headshot photo will cost you about $100 - $150. A high-end headshot photo will run you between $250 all the way up to $800, or even $1,000.

Who would pay that much?

Well, let’s talk about the difference between that $150 headshot and a high-end one.

Here’s what happens when you book a high-end professional headshot photographer:

Before the shoot, they send you information about how to prepare for your session.

   - They guide you on your clothing, your makeup and jewelry or your tie, shirt and jacket. 

   - They make sure that you understand what to expect ahead of time. 

   - At the session, they know how to make you feel at ease. They have skill in creating a relaxing, fun environment, because only when you are relaxed can you be yourself.

   - They go over wardrobe again at the session, make suggestions, and help you chose which looks to shoot.

   - They know how to evoke real and authentic expressions that show off your best self. They make you laugh!

   - They also coach you in expressions, explaining what makes a great headshot, and involve you in the process. The gently guide you and support you every step along the way.

   - They coach you about the nuances of posing – how important it is to stand a certain way, how to hold your head, what to do with your arms.

   - They show you tricks to create a strong jawline and a look of confidence.

   - They know the secret of how a photographer can create an image that either gives you power, or takes it away. The one little thing that can make you look impressive, dynamic, and compelling.

   - They constantly give you feedback throughout the shoot. They make you feel like you’re in good hands. They never have you feeling adrift.

   - They shoot tethered, so you can review images as you go along, noting what you like and what you don’t, and making adjustments in the moment, before it’s too late.

   - They shoot with intention. They know what they’re looking for.

   - They control every technical aspect of the shoot. They are in perfect control of the lighting, and of course the exposure and focus.

   - They know how to solve any problems, like glare in the glasses, or wardrobe imperfections.

   - They are experienced and are prepared for anything.

   - They separate the session fee from the image fee. This means that you have more control over how much you spend. It all depends on what you need, what you want, and how much you like the images.

   - They are experts in re-touching images, and will make you look your best without making you look fake or plastic. Low-end headshot photographers tend to over-retouch, producing images that look phony and cheap.

   - Finally, they deliver images that show a powerful, confident, and approachable look and a strong connection with the viewer.

Their images get results. They get you noticed. They stand out. They make YOU stand out.

What do you get with a low-end headshot photographer? Usually, it’s something along the lines of “Stand there. Smile! Snap, snap. Great! We’re done!”

You get what you pay for. If you don’t value yourself enough to show yourself to the world with a high-end headshot, why should your customers/clients value you?