The last time I checked, a corporate headshot in Singapore costs from $280 to $350. The average hourly charge is $220 for a portrait photographer.
Whereas for hand-painted portraits, people may not know that it could take up to days or even months to complete the painting process. Despite my hours of effort, the basic costing has to include the materials such as oil paint, canvas, mediums, thinner, brushes, etc which are relatively on the high side. This got me thinking, how much a hand-painted portrait shall be priced?
Painting artists and photographers face completely different challenges when it comes to creating a profound and satisfying portrait for the clients, and both have to work on reflecting the personality of the subject.
For photographers, the most critical part is the set-up of the venue and the equipment. Additional services can include make-up and attire for the convenience of the client. Also, the post-editing part is inevitable to polish and create the best portrait outcome. For a portrait artist, the scope of work can go beyond painting skills. A truly captivating painted portrait cannot be created from a normal photograph. As a general rule, a painting artist has to understand photo-taking in terms of color, contrast, depth etc because a great headshot is significant to the creation of a distinctive painted portrait. Besides, capturing the expression and personality through painting requires immense focus and hard work. Both photographs and paintings are greatly appreciated as time goes by. As someone has said: "Everyone loves a good portrait. We love to draw them, look at them and wonder about the person in it."