As a Seattle headshot photographer, one of the most common questions I hear from clients is, “How many headshots do I need?”
There’s no “one size fits all” answer to how many headshots you need. For some people, a single great headshot is the perfect answer. For others, several images make more sense. There is no right or wrong answer. My goal is never to pressure anyone into purchasing more images than they need. Instead, I help clients identify the images that will best support their personal and professional goals and that is what determines how many headshots they need.
Start With Your Audience
A good place to begin is by asking yourself, “Who am I trying to connect with?” A headshot you use to connect with potential clients may be different from one you use when applying for a new opportunity, leadership position, speaking at a conference, or representing your yourself or your company online.
Different audiences often respond to different visual messages. An approachable and friendly headshot may be perfect for social media or networking, while a more polished and authoritative headshot may be better suited for executive leadership or board positions.
Consider Your Professional Role
Your position within a company or as a business owner can also influence the types of images you need. For example, executives and business owners often wear many hats. They may need images for:
- Company websites
- Leadership profiles
- Speaking engagements
- Media interviews
- Marketing materials
- Social media
- Press releases
A single headshot can certainly be used across multiple platforms, but having a variety of images allows you to match the tone and purpose of each situation.
Branding Portraits and Images
In many cases, a branding portrait may be even more effective than a traditional headshot. Branding images can provide context, tell a story, and showcase more of your personality and professional identity.
(BTW, this is why I include branding-style portraits as part of my headshot sessions. They give you additional options and greater flexibility when promoting yourself and your business.)
Think About Where You Will Use Your Images
When planning your session, consider all the places your images may appear to determine how many headshots you’ll need. You might benefit from:
- A serious, confident image for leadership roles
- A friendly and approachable image for networking
- Different wardrobe options ranging from formal to business casual
- Multiple background styles
- Traditional headshots and environmental portraits
- Branding images that tell more of your story
The more uses you have for your images, the more valuable it can be to create a variety of looks during your session.
How Many Headshots Do My Clients Choose?
The truth is that when it comes to how many headshots you need, everyone is different. Some select a single image because that’s all they need right now. Others choose several images to support different aspects of their professional lives. And some select a larger variety of images because they regularly speak, market their services, update websites, create content, or represent their organizations in multiple ways. There is no formula for how many headshots you need that applies to everyone.
Have a Plan Before Your Session
One of the best things you can do before arriving for your session is spend a little time thinking about your goals. Asking yourself these questions can provide you with more clarity.
- Where will I use these images?
- Who am I trying to reach?
- What message do I want to communicate?
- Do I need different levels of formality?
- Would branding portraits be useful in addition to traditional headshots?
Once you’ve thought through these questions, discuss them with your photographer before the session begins. Having a clear plan helps ensure that the images we create align with your needs and gives you the greatest value from your investment.
Conclusion
The question isn’t really, “How many headshots do I need?” The better question is, “What images do I need to support my professional goals?” For some people, that’s one image. For others, it’s several.
The key is understanding how you’ll use your photographs and creating a plan that supports those objectives. When you do that, you’ll leave having selected the right number of images to support your goals and career.
Want To Learn More About How Many Headshots Are Right For You?
You can access my 2026 headshot guide by clicking here.
Charlie Cotugno is the owner of Charles Cotugno Photography and is a Seattle headshot photographer and specialist. His clients range from individuals to Fortune 100 companies seeking consistent corporate headshots. Charlie is also a sought-after speaker on the topic of leveraging photography for career advancement and marketing success, as well as implementing the creative process for innovation in the workplace. To learn about Charlie and the services he offers, visit www.ccHeadshots.com, email charlie@ccHeadshots.com, or call/text 425.501.9725.