The internet is flooded with services that promise “professional” headshots using nothing more than your phone. Sure, some only cost a few dozen dollars, and at first glance, that might look like a good deal. But let me tell you why those virtual headshots aren’t worth it—and why you’ll get way more bang for your buck working with a real, live headshot photographer.

A “bad” headshot, as generated by Photoshop AI. This headshot has poor lighting and the subject looks unfriendly.

What Is a Virtual Headshot Service?

A “virtual headshot service” is basically a website or app where you upload photos you take yourself (usually on a smartphone). They’ll remove the background, retouch the image, maybe even pop you onto a fake studio backdrop. The end result might look okay at a glance, but it’s missing the magic you’d get from a knowledgeable pro who actually guides you through the entire process.

A “bad” headshot, as generated by Photoshop AI. This headshot is shot on a lens that is too wide, like your phone’s selfie cam.

Why the Cost Savings Don’t Add Up

Yes, we’re all dealing with rising costs—everything from groceries to gas is going up. So, I get it: saving 50 or 100 bucks on your headshot might be tempting. But there’s one concept I want to introduce here: opportunity cost.

Opportunity Cost in Action

Your headshot is often someone’s very first impression of you. That might be an employer, a client, or an investor. With just one glance at a photo, they’ll form assumptions—whether they’re accurate or not. If your picture looks awkward, poorly lit, or obviously Photoshopped, you could be sending the wrong message. Think about all the opportunities—jobs, sales, partnerships—you could lose just because you saved a few bucks on a subpar virtual headshot.

A “bad” headshot, as generated by Photoshop AI. This headshot has poor lighting and is not cropped correctly.

It’s NOT About the Camera

A lot of folks assume a “real” photographer is someone with a fancy camera that costs thousands of dollars. In truth, I (or any qualified photographer) could snap a top-notch headshot using just a smartphone. The real difference? Experience and expertise in:

Posing: A good photographer will coach you on how to angle your head, position your shoulders, and project the exact vibe you want—whether that’s approachable, authoritative, or somewhere in between.
High-End Lighting: It’s not just about having lights; it’s knowing how to use them. Proper lighting can smooth out wrinkles, highlight your best features, and make you look vibrant rather than washed out.
A Repeatable Workflow: Great pros have a tried-and-true process to get consistent results quickly. This means less time wasted and a stress-free experience for you.

Why Local Photographers Aren’t as Expensive as You Think

Believe it or not, I only charge $125 for a single headshot. It’s not going to break the bank—and you’ll end up with a photo that can land you jobs, clients, or investors. Headshot photographers also rely on a steady flow of clients, which helps keep costs manageable. Plus, when you come into a real studio, you’ll see how smooth and fast the process can be.

The Power of Professional Lighting

Let’s talk about lighting for a second. Studio strobes, softboxes, reflectors—these aren’t just fancy gadgets. They shape light in a way that complements your face and skin tone. One wrong light angle can produce unflattering shadows, while the right setup can take years off your appearance (not that you need it, of course!).

With virtual headshots, you’re stuck with whatever lighting you have at home or in your office. No app can perfectly replicate a pro’s eye for how light wraps around your face or highlights your eyes.

A high-quality, professional headshot with even lighting, dramatic but controlled shadows, and great facial expression.

Composition, Lenses, and the Telephoto Effect

Composition is the art of deciding where you fit in the frame and what lens will work best. A telephoto lens (rather than the wide-angle lens on most phones) compresses the background and focuses attention on you. It also avoids that “fisheye” look we’ve all seen in selfies. Virtual services can only do so much with a random photo you snap on your phone. A real photographer will compose the shot just right for your features and your professional goals.

Save Time and Stress with a Pro

Working with a professional photographer might sound like more effort, but it’s actually a huge time-saver:

Quick Setup: Walk into a studio that’s already lit and arranged. No fiddling around with tripods or phone angles.
Real-Time Feedback: The photographer can instantly tell if you need to tilt your chin down, loosen up your shoulders, or soften your smile.
Efficient Retouching: After the shoot, a pro will pick the best shots and fine-tune them so you look like you—only better.

You’re not wasting hours trying to figure out if your selfie looks “professional enough,” and then fiddling with an app that may or may not produce good results.

Conclusion: Invest in Yourself

So, if you’re still wondering, “Should I get a virtual headshot?” the short answer is: No! The few bucks you save aren’t worth the potential cost in missed opportunities and weak first impressions. With a professional headshot, you’ll look polished, you’ll feel more confident handing out business cards or applying for gigs, and you’ll stand out in a sea of cookie-cutter selfies.

And at the end of the day, it’s not just a photo—it’s an investment in your future. Don’t settle for a quick phone snap. Find a photographer you trust, step into their studio, and let them show you just how incredible you can look in front of the camera. Trust me, you (and your career) deserve it.

Should I Get a Virtual Headshot? No!