Headshots aren’t the same as your run-of-the-mill ID photograph or passport picture. These images can be used for a variety of professional purposes—and should therefore be taken by a professional, too.
Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up the best folks for the job right here. Keep reading to discover the best photographers for headshots in Calgary!
Table of Contents
How Much Do Headshots Cost in Calgary?
Headshots in Calgary fall within a relatively wide price range. Depending on the photographer you select, headshots can go for as low as $100, all the way up to $400 per person.
More affordable packages typically include 1 or 2 edited photographs in web resolution. These sessions stretch for about 15 to 30 minutes, and are conducted in the photographer’s studio.
Meanwhile, more expensive packages come with more advanced services. These include retouching of flaws, more time with the photographer in more outfits, and high-definition or print quality.
In most cases, pricier packages allow headshots to be taken on-location. This can make the process more convenient for you, as it doesn’t require you to travel all the way to the photographer’s studio.
The Best Headshots in Calgary
You’ve got a bird’s eye view of the prices, so now let’s dive into the specifics. Which of these photography studios is the best match for you?
1. Calgary Photo Studio
| PRODUCTS | Headshots, Passport Photos, Commercial, Product Photography, Real Estate, Video Production, etc |
| WEBSITE | https://www.calgaryphotostudio.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 1001 1 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5G3, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 587-842-0113 |
| PRICING | Professional Headshots ($135) |
Calgary Photo Studio offers a range of Photography and Video Services. They’ve been setting the bar high when it comes to the quality of their services.
They’re passionate about what they do and we think that passion is evident in the results they produce because they’re nothing but fantastic.
No matter what photography or videography service you need, their team has got you covered! Their services include Headshots, Passport Photos, Commercial, Product Photography, Real Estate, Video Production, and more.
We like that they understand how crucial a headshot is in the professional sphere so they deliver high-quality, visually stunning images that can give people an idea of who you are through the photograph they take.
We think getting your headshots done by them can help you make a great first impression!
Their studio is in a convenient downtown location so it won’t be a hassle to schedule a professional headshot session with them. It’s easily accessible by public transportation and there are also numerous parking areas nearby.
They also have after hours booking available upon request.
All in all, we highly recommend!
Pros
- Variety of photography and videography services
- High-quality images
- Convenient location
Cons
- Limited reviews online
2. Art of Headshots
| PRODUCTS | Individual headshots, actor headshots, corporate headshots, rush delivery, background clipping, custom backdrop, advanced retouching, hair & makeup |
| WEBSITE | https://artofheadshots.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 812A 16 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0S9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 1-587-317-6663 [email protected] Contact form |
| PRICING | • $195 for in-studio headshots (45 minutes, 1 outfit, 1 edited image) • $250 for on-location headshots (Up to 60 minutes, 2 outfits, 2 edited images) • $360 for casting headshots (Up to 75 minutes, multiple outfits, 3 images with advanced retouching) |
Art of Headshots is one of the most popular headshot studios in Calgary and across the country. They are located across eight Canadian cities and one city in the United States, with each location having a dedicated pro photographer.
Their Calgary studio is run by editorial photographer, Eluvier Acosta. His expertise lies in beauty and fashion, and with various beauty campaigns and magazine shoots under his belt, you can be certain that Eluvier knows how to make his subjects look good.
Another big plus: his studio’s location. It’s just a few minutes away from the heart of the city!
Unlike the other listings below, Art of Headshots focuses exclusively on, well, headshots. Their whole business is dedicated to these simple yet significant photos—and if their expansion is any indication, they’re great at what they do.
What truly has customers singing praises about Art of Headshots is how they are able to be quick and professional, yet genuine at the same time. They waste no time running customers through their process, but are able to bring an authentic smile to their faces by taking the time to chat and get to know them.
While their services aren’t the most affordable on this list, they provide great value. Their most popular package costs $250, but gives the subject up to 60 minutes to get comfortable and shoot, two retouched images in four optimizations and the option to choose in studio or on location.
They also offer tiered packages, with the most affordable session starting at $195. Their corporate headshot deals are particularly great for larger groups, with the price per employee going down to $65 per person for teams of 21 or more.
In addition to their headshot services, they also offer convenient add-ons such as background removal, custom backdrops, and advanced retouching for those who want to fix imperfections.
Their most convenient add-on, however, is easily their rush delivery, which is extremely useful for those chasing last-minute auditions or casting calls.
Pros
- Studio is walking distance from the heart of downtown Calgary
- Details strict COVID-19 protocols online for customers’ reference
- Offers corporate consultations free of charge
- Offers a variety of convenient add-on services
Cons
- Certain add-ons (i.e. background clipping and custom backgrounds) easily hike the price up
Customer Reviews
Here’s what folks who have had their photos taken at Art of Headshots’ Calgary location have to say about their experience:
“I had a wonderful experience with Art of Headshots. Their process for getting your photo is unlike anything I had experienced before. They invite you in, walk you through their photography process and allow you the time to get yourself ready for photos. As they take your photos they have a conversation with you until they find that topic that really brings a true smile to your face. I’m a photographer myself, and I feel these photos really represent me well. Thanks so much, Art of Headshots team!” —Samantha Knoop
“An excellent studio with very professional staff. Eluvier was extremely kind and guided me through the whole process with ease. 5/5, would recommend to anyone who wants to take a modelling career seriously. The finished headshots were amazing!” —Bill Brasky
3. Light Delight Photography
| PRODUCTS | Headshot photography, portrait photography, wedding photography |
| WEBSITE | lightdelightphotography.ca/business-headshots |
| ADDRESS | 104 Hampstead Mews NW, Calgary, AB T3A 2Z5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403 703 5881 Contact form |
| PRICING | Flash sale on headshots. $99 for 1 photo including standard edit. $120 for 4 photos including standard edit. **Each photo can be upgraded to premium retouching at $40 per photo |
While Light Delight is best known for wedding photography, the studio headed by Arjuna Kodisinghe has also been capturing portraits for more than 12 years. This experience with portraits translates flawlessly into their ability to capture personalized headshots.
Unlike the other listings in this article, Light Delight doesn’t highlight working with famous clients. Instead, they focus on the fact that they have been shooting regular people for many years—and that goes a long way in making people feel like they don’t have to have star power to be able to take a great photograph.
Besides Light Delight’s down-to-earth approach to their business, another reason they made it to our list of the best places to get headshots in Calgary is their pricing.
For a limited time only, the studio is offering headshot sessions for just $120. The package includes 4 web-resolution photos, and an option to upgrade to premium edits for $40 each.
This is the cheapest price point on this list and is a great price with equally great value.
Teams who need their headshots taken can also benefit from this deal. For corporate clients who need 10 or more staff members to be photographed, further discounts are available.
Pros
- The most affordable price point
- Great client communication
- 12 years of experience in portrait photography
Cons
- By appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Customer Reviews
Interested in getting your headshots snapped by Light Delight Photography? Here’s what some of their previous customers have to say:
“My photos turned out great! Arjuna was very accommodating and even met my last minute request for headshots for work. He gave great cues and was very comfortable to work with. Highly recommend him because of his professionalism and eye for photography!” —Jess Balen
“Fantastic quality for the price. He made me feel comfortable and really worked on my headshots with care. We did lots of takes and he allowed me to choose my favorite poses. Great work with the lighting as well. Lots of tips to look better. I highly recommend this studio for a professional headshot.” —Eleonora Buonocore
4. Bliss Photographic Inc.
| PRODUCTS | Head shots, weddings and elopements, engagement photography, family portraits, model photography, commercial photography, event photography, newborn portraits |
| WEBSITE | https://www.photobliss.com |
| ADDRESS | 820 Lake Emerald Place SE Calgary, AB T2J 2K1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403 283 1446 Contact form |
| PRICING | • $195 for in-studio headshots (includes a 30-45 minute session and two full resolution images with advanced retouching applied) • $300 for on-location headshots |
Bliss Photographic Inc. is fronted by photographer René Michaud. As a photographer, René prioritizes simplicity, and this is something that trickles down to every kind of photo he captures.
While dynamic composition and surreal editing have their own merits, René’s style is all about capturing the authenticity and uniqueness of his subject. This approach to photography is especially useful when shooting something as straightforward as headshots.
No matter who is in front of the camera, René translates their personality into the photograph. Best of all, he is able to make his subjects feel completely comfortable throughout the process.
Getting your headshots taken can be an awkward process. While actors or musicians might feel just fine in front of a camera, corporate workers or regular employees might not be used to it—which is where René comes in.
With plenty of experience in photographing and directing subjects, René always comes prepared with posing options and easy to follow directions. Plus, he always manages to maintain an easygoing air to him, which makes his studio a great choice for headshot first-timers.
Pros
- Affordable in-studio rate
- Has a large pool of repeat clients
- Great client communication
Cons
- High cost for additional retouched images
Customer Reviews
Here are more reasons why Bliss Photography earned a spot on our list of the best photo studios for headshots in Calgary!
“Rene is amazing. After searching for years we found our guy. We’ve used him personally and professionally for the past several years. Rene makes it all very easy—from scheduling, to session work, to post-production—it’s all very impressive. Great ideas and attention to detail. He gets the best out of people and we think he delivers a lot of value.” —Lori and Jason Armstrong
“After reviewing a number of different photographers to take professional headshots for our leadership team, I knew that Bliss Photographic Inc. was the one. Rene was very friendly, professional, and always responded in a timely manner. He is highly skilled as a photographer and does absolutely AMAZING work. I will continue to use Rene for all of my future photography. I highly recommend others to use him as well.” —Tracey Reece
5. Jodi O Photography
| PRODUCTS | Corporate headshots, actor headshots, boudoir photography, wedding photography, portraits |
| WEBSITE | https://jophoto.info/ |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403 993 9345 [email protected] |
| PRICING | • $245 for basic headshots (Up to 30 minutes, 1 outfit, 10 high-resolution images) • $395 for full session (Up to 60 minutes, 2 outfits, 20 high-resolution images) |
If you’re looking for a photographer on the go, give Jodi O a call. A full-time photographer, Jodi specializes in bringing the studio to people, taking her equipment and backdrops to wherever you need your photos taken.
For customers looking to have in-studio portraits taken, Jodi O also has a space in Sundance. However, the exact address is disclosed only upon booking.
Jodi has an extensive list of clients, to say the least. From folks who rank among the top 100 businesspersons in the world to members of the British royal family, she has worked with an interesting mix of high-profile personas—a testament to her professionalism and skill.
If that isn’t enough to convince you, Jodi’s clients speak highly of her services. There are a couple of reviews at the end of this listing, but majority praise Jodi’s warm personality and quick turnaround time.
Willow, one of Jodi’s two daughters, also pitches in at the studio. If you need a little help to get camera-ready, she can help you get your hair and makeup in order.
Although Jodi’s services come highly recommended (she has 91 5-star reviews!), they do come at a price. Compared to the others on this list, Jodi’s pricing is a little steep.
Her cheapest headshot package is priced at $245 for just 20 to 30 minutes of camera time in a single outfit. But, this package does include 10 high resolution images, while others in this list promise only 2.
Corporate clients would likely get the best bang for their buck if they shoot on location instead of in Jodi’s studio. Jodi is open to negotiating with companies for on-location rates, stating the cost is flexible depending on the company’s budget.
Pros
- Provides custom rates for on-location corporate clients
- Most affordable package includes 10 high resolution images
- Multiple clients in established corporations, Alberta government and British royalty
Cons
- A little expensive if you don’t need that many photos
- Exact studio location is not posted online
Customer Reviews
Read these reviews from Jodi O Photography’s previous clients!
“I had never had headshots before booking with Jodi so I was nervous that the pictures would be unnatural. Jodi made me feel comfortable and connected at a personal level, which made posing for her a breeze. Her final images were terrific and showed pure talent. I am so happy to use them for my business.” —Jessica Evans
“Thank you so much Jodi for taking such fantastic photos of our staff. Trying to please 30 people is not an easy task! Everyone was so happy with their photos. You captured the BEST of everyone! Would definitely book again!” —Rachel Anastasia
6. Jeff B Photography Inc.
| PRODUCTS | Headshots, branding images, event photography |
| WEBSITE | https://www.itsjeffb.com/ |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 587 832 6292 Contact form |
| PRICING | • $189 for entry level headshots (1 outfit, 1 web-resolution image) • $259 for entrepreneur package (2 outfits, 2 web-resolution images) • $389 (2 outfits, 4 high-resolution images with a free headshot update in 6 months) |
Jeff Borchert is a commercial photographer with plenty of experience working with brands you might know and love. Some of his clients are Orjan Fitness, Birchwood Furniture, Enterprise Magazine, SMART Technologies, and Foothills Creamery.
Naturally, Jeff also offers headshots as one of his services. And according to the many customers he’s serviced, he’s exceptional at capturing them.
Jeff has all the bases covered as far as headshot photography is concerned: the clean and spacious studio, the knowledge of lighting and angles, the arsenal of poses he can direct subjects to follow.
The cherry on top is his professionalism and his ability to make even the most shy subjects come out of their shell. Photographers need to be able to make their clients feel less camera shy, after all.
One more thing that sets Jeff apart from the rest is his quarterly headshot sessions. Every few months, he opens his studio for headshot appointments with teams, companies and individuals.
He also offers solo sessions and packages.
Jeff’s entry level headshot package is priced at $189, but this only gives customers for one image in web resolution delivery. Web-resolution images are ideal only for online purposes as they are noticeably less sharp than print-quality or high-resolution photos.
While the Jeff’s $189 rate is on the affordable side, his pricier packages undeniably come with better deliverables. This means more photos, more time in front of the camera, and better quality.
The standard package ($259) promises two web resolution images in two different outfits. Meanwhile his most premium package, priced at $389, includes four high-resolution images in two outfits—plus a free update in six months.
Pros
- Has a large pool of repeat clients
- Great client communication
- Executive package comes with a free headshot update after six months
Cons
- Exact studio location is not posted online
Customer Reviews
Here’s what Jeff’s customers have to say about their experience.
“Having my headshots done by Jeff was a fantastic experience. He created a relaxing environment and made me feel very comfortable in front of the camera. He’s a real professional!” —Shannon Hughes
“Jeff has a great personality for creating a relaxed environment for your photo session. And the result is fantastic! I highly recommend Jeff.” —Rhonda Blair
Careers That Can Benefit from Headshots
We’ve talked about how headshots can be a great asset for a whole range of jobs, but let’s talk about them in detail. If you see your profession listed below, you may want to schedule a headshot appointment:
Corporate Executives
Usually taken against a neutral background and in business attire, corporate headshots are noticeably more conservative than musician or actor headshots.
Let’s say you’ll be speaking at a town hall or large-scale meeting—chances are they’ll need your photo. You won’t want to rush into taking a photo last minute, so be sure to have a corporate headshot in your files!
Musicians and Hosts
It isn’t rare for musicians and hosts to guest-star in certain programs, whether in-person or online. If you’ve got something of a following, the event organizers will likely include your photo in the event poster for publicity purposes.
As music is a creative career path, the photographer and subject can both take liberties with musician headshots. More creative backgrounds, props, modern hair and makeup—these are among the most fun headshots to take!
Actors and Models
Actors and models need headshots for casting purposes. Because these photos should allow casting directors to see your face clearly, these headshots are usually simple, with no fancy props or backdrops involved.
However, actors have the option to take lifestyle headshots. Unlike typical headshots, these are themed photos taken on location and in costume to allow casting directors to envision how well you’d suit a certain role.
Frequently Asked Questions about Headshots
That wraps up our all-in-one guide to taking your headshots in Calgary! We hope that this list serves you well as you prepare for your headshot appointment.
If you happen to be on the hunt for a photographer for an event, family portraits or a photoshoot, we’ve got you covered. Check out our extensive list of the best photographers in Calgary to kick off your search!
