If you’re looking for a professional headshot in Manchester, you’ll quickly notice one thing — prices are all over the place.
You’ll see £50 sessions… £150 sessions… £400+ sessions…
So what’s normal, and more importantly — what’s actually worth paying for?
Let’s start with a clear, honest example.
What I Charge (and Why It Makes Sense)
At my Leigh studio, I keep things simple and transparent.
You don’t get forced into a package upfront — you choose your images after your shoot, once you’ve seen them.
- 1 image – £75 (ideal for a quick LinkedIn update)
- 3 images – £150 (great all-round option)
- 6 images – £250 (most popular choice)
- 12 images – £400 (perfect for branding or actors)
- 20 images – £600 (full portfolio session)
Every session is fully guided (you don’t need any experience), includes professional retouching, and gives you time for outfit changes and different looks.
That’s the key difference — it’s not rushed, and you’re not guessing what you’ll get.
What Most Photographers Charge in Manchester
Across Manchester and the North West, pricing tends to fall into a few clear brackets.
- Quick / basic headshots
£75–£150
Short sessions with 1–2 images included - Standard professional sessions
£150–£250
Around 1–2 hours with a small selection of retouched images - Personal branding sessions
£200–£400+
More time, outfit changes, and a stronger variety of images - Actor / portfolio shoots
£150–£500+
Longer sessions focused on expression and range - Corporate / team headshots
£50–£120 per person
Usually shot on location for consistency
One thing worth knowing — a lot of lower-priced sessions only include one image. Extra photos are often charged separately, and that’s where the final cost can creep up quickly.
Why Prices Vary So Much
Headshots aren’t just about pressing a button.
You’re paying for:
- Experience and direction (this makes or breaks a shoot)
- Time — both shooting and editing
- Lighting and studio setup
- Retouching quality
- How comfortable and confident you feel during the session
A cheap shoot might save money upfront, but if it feels rushed or awkward, it shows in the final images.
So… What Should You Pay?
For most people, a realistic budget in Manchester is
>> £100–£250 for a strong, professional headshot
>> £250+ if you want multiple looks or a full branding session
That’s exactly where my pricing sits — right in that sweet spot.
Not the cheapest, but designed to give you more time, more choice, and better results without going into agency-level pricing.
Final Thought
Your headshot is often your first impression.
LinkedIn, your website, casting profiles — it’s the image people judge before they even speak to you.
A rushed photo can hold you back.
A confident, well-shot image can genuinely move things forward.
If you’re going to invest anywhere — this is one place it’s worth doing properly.