Hello!

I have a $400 headshot budget. Can anyone recommend a photographer?

Is the $400 strictly for the photoshoot or is this also including touch-ups, photo reproduction, etc?

Most good photographers on average charge $250-500(at least in L.A.). Anything above that is for some name photographer that might not be the right one for you or some scam. And with regards to retouching and reproductions you looking at around $200 on top of the photographer's fee.

Asking for recommendations isn't always the best in choosing. What might be great for one person might not be great for you. You need to look at as many photographers' work/websites as possible. See how they photograph someone of your type, skin color, ethnicity, etc. Whether they use natural lighting, look real and not like photos, etc. Choose your top 5 and meet with them. You might like the photographer's work, but his or her personality might be terrible. Ask them about wardrobe, what colors might work best with you, natural or studio lighting?, etc.

Are you willing to travel to Philly? I just got my shots done last week by Paul Sirochman. His package is $275, which includes two retouched finished photos. His make-up artist is great - she's another $100 on top. I was very happy and several of my friends have used him with great results too.

I will go to www.reproductions.com and do some research.

They have a list of so many headshot photographers in LA and NYC. Take a look at their portfolio and take that same advice as ELDORADO and put it to some great use!

I made that mistake a while back with going to a photographer who's lightning drowned out my skin tones (I'm orange/tan...haha) and made me look like a pale lunch bag.

Also talk to some actors whom are in your area and you like their headshots too, they can most definitely give you some information on their photographer!

Cheers!