Noel Marcantel of www.noelmarcantel.com first appeared in the recent Studio Special episode of the podcast, where we explored the benefits and pitfalls for photographers looking to work from a studio space.
He is a prominent headshot, branding, and editorial photographer based in New Orleans.
His work has been featured in huge publications, including Forbes, Fortune, Entrepreneur, and The Wall Street Journal.
He says that his point of difference in the world of headshot and branding photography is that he uses expression coaching with his clients to get the images they need.
And I love how he describes a headshot...
Noel Marcantel of www.noelmarcantel.com first appeared in the recent Studio Special episode of the podcast, where we explored the benefits and pitfalls for photographers looking to work from a studio space.
He is a prominent headshot, branding, and editorial photographer based in New Orleans.
His work has been featured in huge publications, including Forbes, Fortune, Entrepreneur, and The Wall Street Journal.
He says that his point of difference in the world of headshot and branding photography is that he uses expression coaching with his clients to get the images they need.
And I love how he describes a headshot as a digital handshake with a potential client.
His studio space is a street-front studio that looks like an incredible workplace — complete with a full-sized and newly rebuilt cyc wall.
In this in-depth interview, Noel shares his headshot pricing and business strategy that earns $3,000+ per session!
Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:
Niche & stand out – Specialising in headshots + expression coaching = more bookings. A headshot is a “digital handshake” — make it count.
Your value = coaching, not just camera skills – Clients pay for direction, confidence, and personality, not just lighting.
Charge what you’re worth – Premium pricing works when value matches. Be the best, not the cheapest.
Maximise your studio – A street-front space = personal shoots + rentals = extra income.
Pivot when needed – Water damage? Portable backdrops + location shoots kept the business rolling.
Session fee + per-image pricing = more profit – Clients pay only for what they love — and spend more.
$3,000+ branding sessions? It’s possible – Session fees ($300–$400) + $100 per image adds up fast.
No bulk discounts for individual images – Lower prices don’t mean more sales. Charge full value.
Workplace headshots = volume pricing – Group rates for corporate clients without sacrificing quality.
Know your numbers – 50% profit margins are possible with smart pricing + low overheads.
High-end client experience pays off – Small touches (welcome sign, drinks, 1:1 attention) = premium bookings.
Fast image selection = no guesswork – Clients pick on the spot using Capture One—no post-session doubts.
No express sessions – convert instead – “Just one headshot?” Show them the full experience — many upgrades.
People first, photography second – Passion for people drives success, not just the craft.
Video sells – use it – Behind-the-scenes clips build trust and book clients before they inquire.
Google reviews = authority – Aim to be the most-reviewed photographer in your area. More trust, more sales.
No price matching – Compete on experience, not discounts. Stand out.
Fast replies = more clients – Quick responses + video messages = instant trust + higher conversions.
LinkedIn = corporate goldmine – Get seen by decision-makers booking branding and team headshots.
No market saturation worries – Your style makes you different. Don’t stress about competition.
Scaling to $1M – work smarter – Focus on big-ticket national jobs + digital presence instead of hiring.
Large-scale jobs need to be worth it – Only take projects that justify time away from your core business.
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Noel shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, let me know by leaving your thoughts in the member's FB Group. What are your takeaways? What do you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode?
I was leaving so much money on the table. – Noel Marcantel
If you have any questions I missed or a specific question you’d like to ask Noel or if you want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to comment inside the Members FB Group, too.
The post PBX602: Noel Marcantel – The Headshot Pricing & Business Strategy That Earns $3,000+ Per Session appeared first on Photography Business Xposed - Photography Podcast - how to build and market your portrait and wedding photography business.
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