602: Noel Marcantel – The Headshot Pricing & Business Strategy That Earns $3,000+ Per Session
PhotoBizX The Ultimate Wedding and Portrait Photography Business Podcast
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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’s on Offer for Premium Members
If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.
Plus, special member-only interviews.
What's your excuse? So what do you love? And then make your career your excuse to do that thing. – Noel Marcantel
You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.
Seriously, that's not all.
I was leaving so much money on the table. – Noel Marcantel
In addition to everything above, you'll get access to instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable, and build friendships with other pro photographers with motives similar to yours – to build a more successful photography 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, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business based on what you heard in today's episode.
The best time, best time to raise your rates is whenever you're overbooked. – Noel Marcantel
If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Noel or want to say thank you for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.
iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs
I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.
Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!
Secondly, iTunes and Google are the most significant podcast search engines, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.
They don't know what you have to offer until you show it to them. – Noel Marcantel
If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google. You can leave some honest feedback and a rating, which will help both me and the show. I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.
Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast. Email me your keywords or phrases and where you'd like me to link them.
I'm huge on Google Reviews. I'm the second, second most reviewed photographer in Louisiana, commercial photographer in Louisiana, I've got a post it note with a goal on my desk to ask for more reviews so that I can become the most reviewed commercial photographer in Louisiana. – Noel Marcantel
Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.
Here is the latest review…
★★★★★ Incredible and beautiful new clients
Via email by business and litigation lawyer, podcaster and legal expert for small business owners, Tracey Mylecharane, in Australia on February 3rd, 2025.
Hi Andrew,
I hope you are really well and have enjoyed a terrific start to the year.
I’m just reaching out to say hi, and to let you know that since appearing on your podcast I have met some incredible and beautiful new clients who are listeners/followers of yours. You have attracted some fabulous business owners, Andrew, who speak so highly of you and who truly value all that you do.
I really am very grateful to have been part of your podcast, and to have met so many great people from your community.
Wishing you a stellar year ahead!
Kindest
Tracey
NOTE: To hear Tracey's interview on PhotoBizX, click here: 539: Tracey Mylecharane – Legal advice for photography business owners
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Noel Marcantel Photography 3D Space
Noel Marcantel Photography on LinkedIn
Episode 292: Michael Schacht – Advanced Facebook Ads for Headshot Photographers
Episode 145: Peter Hurley – How To Survive and Thrive as a Headshot Photographer
Episode 158: Chris Gillett – From Successful Lawyer to Full Time Headshot Photographer
Thank you!
Thanks for tuning in! A huge shoutout to Noel for sharing his insights on building a thriving headshot and branding photography business. From mastering expression coaching to refining his pricing strategy and creating a high-end client experience, Noel proves that success comes from both skill and smart business decisions.
It's not about the light, it's about directing somebody to get their personality out. – Noel Marcantel
That’s it for me this week; I hope everything is going well for you in life and business!
Thanks, and speak soon
Andrew
The post 602: 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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