AI vs. Traditional Headshots: Team Pricing Comparison
Why Team Headshots Matter
What you typically get with AI:
- 20–100+ edited images per person and multiple style options
- No scheduling, travel, or location costs
- Consistency across the whole team and rapid retakes
Traditional Photography (Premium, Human-Touched)
Typical pricing for teams
| Team Size | Average Cost (2025) | Cost per Person | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–10 people | £500–£1,500 | £75–£200 | 1–2 weeks |
| 10–25 people | £1,200–£3,000 | £80–£180 | 1–3 weeks |
| 25–100 people | £3,000–£8,000 | £80–£160 | 1–4 weeks |
| 100+ people | £8,000–£20,000+ | £80–£200+ | 2–6 weeks |
What you typically get with a professional photographer:
- Expert lighting, posing and direction for natural expressions
- Authentic on-location or lifestyle shoots
- Personal retouching and bespoke art direction
AI vs. Traditional — Quick Comparison
| Feature | AI Headshots | Traditional Photographer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Extremely affordable | Highest cost |
| Speed | Minutes to hours | Days to weeks |
| Consistency | High | Medium/High |
| Realism | 80–99% depending on tool | 100% natural |
| Retakes | Unlimited (digital) | Limited & potentially costly |
| Best for | Large teams, remote staff | Executive portraits, lifestyle imagery |
Which Is Better for Your Team?
Choose AI if you prioritise:
- Fast scaling and low cost
- Uniform backgrounds and consistent branding
- Bulk updates (onboarding, new hires)
Choose Traditional if you need:
- On-location authenticity and natural interaction
- Executive-level portraits for PR and media
- Custom creative direction and styling
Hybrid Approach (Best of Both Worlds)
Many companies use a hybrid workflow in 2025: AI for bulk staff headshots and traditional photography for leaders, PR photos, and high-value marketing assets. This balances budget and brand quality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between AI and traditional headshots depends on your team size, budget, and goals. For most growing businesses, AI offers excellent cost-to-value while traditional photographers remain the gold standard for premium, human-centred imagery.
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