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Good Lighting.
Great Energy!
Brian DeSimone is considered to be in the top 10 best professional headshot photographers in San Francisco, Oakland and the Bay Area.

Lyft
Writer
From understanding and executing on all details great and small during the shoot, he was 100% committed to advising me while maintainig the delicate balance of making sure I was happy with the outcome.
Alicia Ostarello
WELLS FARGO
Vice President, Interactive & Motion Design
I highly recommend Brian. Beyond his obvious creative talent, and attention to detail, Brian took what could have been an uncomfortable situation and made it fun.
Brandon Eversole
Microsoft
Vice Chair, Blacks
If you need someone to visually tell YOUR story, contact Brian. He is beyond professional, super sweet and kind, and fun to work with.
Estefani R.
Professional Musician
Trombonist, Brass Instructor
Brian is a 1st rate Portrait Artist. Take advantage of his talent!
Andy Strain
Tandem Diabetes Care
Territory Manager
He's such a lovely and talented person. The result was a photo that felt both authentic to myself and professional. I can't even count how many compliments I have received.
Michelle R.
The New York Times
Tech Columnist
He responded quickly to my inquiry, set me up with an hour-long session, worked quickly and effectively on edits and touch-ups, and provided me the finished product just a few days after our shoot.
Kevin Roose
Sony Playstation
Sr. Director of Global User Research, PlayStation Studios
As a people leader in a creative field, I’ve learned that what might appear to be the “little things” can actually be some of the most meaningful things to team identity and culture.
Kristie Fisher
The Lurie Group
SF Real Estate Advisor
I cannot speak more highly of Brian and his craft! He put me completely at ease, made the shoot incredibly easy and fun, and in the end captured what I believe was my true essence.
Baxter Smith
Salesforce
Senior Director» Product Manager
His process, from preparation to the shoot to finishing is engaged and fun.
Mehmet Orun
Yahoo!
Senior AI Engineer
I never felt uncomfortable or pressured. In fact, it felt like I was hanging out a with a great friend.
Mike Lyndon
Corcoran Icon Properties
Real Estate Consultant
I started pretty stiff and unsure but after lots of gentle guidance, Brian captured my personality beautifully. We got so many great shots that it was hard to choose one for my Real Estate brand.
Audrey Cook
Meta
Project Manager
I thought it was impossible, but I ended up very happy with my headshots! I highly recommend a photo session with him for photos that are both unique and professional.
Naudia Queen
Google
Project Manager
I was thrilled with Brian's headshots and the overall experience was so fun and enjoyable. Brian really put me at ease. See how fabulous I look in this Google headshot (thanks to Brian!!).
Sydney Coleman
Feed Media Group
President : COO : Founder
Brian is a master! The shoot was fun and he got great shots despite my awkward posing. The final product is perfect and the process was super easy.
Lauren Pufpaf
Spencer Stuart
Partner, Financial Officer
Brian was a total pro. Excellent final result and he provided very helpful guidance during the shoot along the way.
Matthew McCloskey
UCSF
Health Services Researcher
Our entire team had headshots done and every single one came out beautiful. He really spent the time to work with each person individually to bring out the best.
Beth Mertz
Google
Global Product Inclusion Evangelist & Senior Strategist
“The photo shoot was a blast, and I felt immediately at ease. It’s a true testament to Brian’s creative genius that he can bring out the best in a diversity of subjects as he does.”
Annie J-Baptiste
RepresentEd
Founding CEO
Brian took headshots of each of our staff and made sure that what could have easily been a logistical nightmare was smooth and actually a lot of fun!
Rashida Hanif
Lumeo
Founder & CEO
Brian has a way to make you feel really comfortable during the process, and the results show! Diligent follow up and responsiveness made it really easy during the entire process.
Devarshi Shah
Spriteley
Founder
Working with Brian has been an absolute highlight for me as the CEO of a growing startup. Everything from the communications to his presence on site, to the deliverable was superb.
Koii Benvenutto
Capital Impact Partners
Equity and Impact Specialist
Brian was able to soften me in such a way that captured my essence. There is such a beautiful and artistic touch to his work that carries itself.
Crissy Vo-Khuong
Fabrica.land
CEO
His expertise ensures stunning, high-quality photos that are more authentic and engaging than the headshot you probably have on your profile right now!
Federico Pomi
Stoovo
CEO
Brian exceeded my expectations in every aspect. From the moment we initiated the project, Brian demonstrated an unparalleled level of patience and professionalism.
Hantz Févre
Real Women Within Reach
Author, Founder
It was a fun experience and very easy to follow instructions to get images that were authentic and not stiff. My picture actually looks like me!
Stephanie Joong
Geenachen.com
Artist & Designer
Brian is absolutely amazing. He's a master of his craft, a kind and hilarious and wonderful person, and a total artist soul.
Geena Chan
Double Happiness Health
Acupunturist
I generally dislike having official photos taken, but the time I spent in Brian's studio flew and flowed by. He quickly helped me feel at ease and find the best angles for my face.
Beth Bouffard
JLL Technologies
Director of Digital Marketing
I am beyond happy with my picture. Brian is amazing, he was able to get me to relax and look natural and spontaneous in a way I had never seen before.
Alexandre de Boni
Brian is so talented, funny and wonderful. It was an experience, not an appointment. And he let me pick vegetables from his garden afterwards. I would highly recommend!!!
Anna B.
Brian was extremely professional, responsive, and flexible in setting up the session and details. The session itself was incredible. He really gets to know his subjects and digs into things that are working.
David Wonpu
I am in treatment for life. Right now that means IV chemo. It's not the balding type for now, but that is coming. I wanted pictures of me with a full head of hair and a big smile.
Julie Morgan
About Me
How You Feel in the Moment is What Makes the Photo
San Francisco Headshot Photographer | Branding & Creative Direction with Soul (and Teeth)
Before I picked up a camera, I spent 20 years behind the bar (not bars). (Bartending. Restaurants. Cafés. Fine dining. Italian delis. Coffee labs. You name it.) From San Francisco to Manhattan, I made a living making people feel seen, welcome, slightly over-caffeinated—and sometimes a little drunk—in the Hospitality Industry. And it turns out, my orientation toward service and great execution is exactly the energy you want when you're trying to make someone look good during a headshot session.
📸 The Experience (Hospitality-Forward, Vibe-Driven, Results Guaranteed)
My sessions are structured enough to feel professional, loose enough to keep things fun and easy. We’ll crack a few jokes, find your angles, and get images that actually make you look like the brilliant and capable person you are.
And yes—if you hate getting your picture taken, you’re not alone. But you also haven’t worked with me yet.
🧠 My Superpower? Reading the Room
Some folks need banter and distraction. Others want to quietly get in, focus (sometimes too hard), and get out. Either way, my years in service taught me how to read people fast and match their energy. It’s not about performing for the camera—it’s about making you feel and look like yourself, but cooler.
🔥 No AI Headshots - (but not opposed if you desire)
Yes, ai headshots is a thing, and honestly, I'm not mad at it. That said, being visibly real is now a competitive edge. The trust factor? Off the charts. A great headshot shows you’re confident, credible, and not trying to catfish your next opportunity.
Your headshot isn’t just about how you look. It’s about what you signal.
❄️ Welcome to The Ski Lodge (No Lift Ticket Required)
My Oakland studio—affectionately called “The Ski Lodge”—is cozy, wood-paneled, and plays better music than your local café. All of my best work over the years has been done in this magical space.
Book a headshot session that feels like a vibe (and delivers like a strategy).
San Francisco Headshot Photographer | Branding & Creative Direction with Soul (and Teeth)
Before I picked up a camera, I spent 20 years behind the bar (not bars). (Bartending. Restaurants. Cafés. Fine dining. Italian delis. Coffee labs. You name it.) From San Francisco to Manhattan, I made a living making people feel seen, welcome, slightly over-caffeinated—and sometimes a little drunk—in the Hospitality Industry. And it turns out, my orientation toward service and great execution is exactly the energy you want when you're trying to make someone look good during a headshot session.
📸 The Experience (Hospitality-Forward, Vibe-Driven, Results Guaranteed)
My sessions are structured enough to feel professional, loose enough to keep things fun and easy. We’ll crack a few jokes, find your angles, and get images that actually make you look like the brilliant and capable person you are.
And yes—if you hate getting your picture taken, you’re not alone. But you also haven’t worked with me yet.
🧠 My Superpower? Reading the Room
Some folks need banter and distraction. Others want to quietly get in, focus (sometimes too hard), and get out. Either way, my years in service taught me how to read people fast and match their energy. It’s not about performing for the camera—it’s about making you feel and look like yourself, but cooler.
🔥 No AI Headshots - (but not opposed if you desire)
Yes, ai headshots is a thing, and honestly, I'm not mad at it. That said, being visibly real is now a competitive edge. The trust factor? Off the charts. A great headshot shows you’re confident, credible, and not trying to catfish your next opportunity.
Your headshot isn’t just about how you look. It’s about what you signal.
❄️ Welcome to The Ski Lodge (No Lift Ticket Required)
My Oakland studio—affectionately called “The Ski Lodge”—is cozy, wood-paneled, and plays better music than your local café. All of my best work over the years has been done in this magical space.
Book a headshot session that feels like a vibe (and delivers like a strategy).
San Francisco Headshot Photographer | Branding & Creative Direction with Soul (and Teeth)
Before I picked up a camera, I spent 20 years behind the bar (not bars). (Bartending. Restaurants. Cafés. Fine dining. Italian delis. Coffee labs. You name it.) From San Francisco to Manhattan, I made a living making people feel seen, welcome, slightly over-caffeinated—and sometimes a little drunk—in the Hospitality Industry. And it turns out, my orientation toward service and great execution is exactly the energy you want when you're trying to make someone look good during a headshot session.
📸 The Experience (Hospitality-Forward, Vibe-Driven, Results Guaranteed)
My sessions are structured enough to feel professional, loose enough to keep things fun and easy. We’ll crack a few jokes, find your angles, and get images that actually make you look like the brilliant and capable person you are.
And yes—if you hate getting your picture taken, you’re not alone. But you also haven’t worked with me yet.
🧠 My Superpower? Reading the Room
Some folks need banter and distraction. Others want to quietly get in, focus (sometimes too hard), and get out. Either way, my years in service taught me how to read people fast and match their energy. It’s not about performing for the camera—it’s about making you feel and look like yourself, but cooler.
🔥 No AI Headshots - (but not opposed if you desire)
Yes, ai headshots is a thing, and honestly, I'm not mad at it. That said, being visibly real is now a competitive edge. The trust factor? Off the charts. A great headshot shows you’re confident, credible, and not trying to catfish your next opportunity.
Your headshot isn’t just about how you look. It’s about what you signal.
❄️ Welcome to The Ski Lodge (No Lift Ticket Required)
My Oakland studio—affectionately called “The Ski Lodge”—is cozy, wood-paneled, and plays better music than your local café. All of my best work over the years has been done in this magical space.
Book a headshot session that feels like a vibe (and delivers like a strategy).
Recent Clients From
Adobe
2025
Sony Playstation
2025
Face Reality Skincare
2024
Inference.ai
2024
Applovin
2024
2024
The Key PR
2024
Future Family
2024
Uncks
2024
Double Happiness Health
2024
Kizen
2022
Microsoft
2020
So Many More…
2024
About Me
How You Feel in the Moment is What Makes the Photo
I bring 20+ years of hospitality (bartending, cafes, fine-dining) into every session. This experience allows me to ebb + flow artfully with a range of personalities, curveballs and emotional breakdowns (JK!). But ultimately this just means that the process is easy, warm, and surprisingly fun for you.
Here’s What Makes Me Different:
✔ No awkward posing. You don’t have to “know what to do” in front of the camera—I’ll guide you so it feels natural.
✔ A process that adapts to you. Some people need jokes and banter. Others need quiet focus. I read the room fast and make sure you’re at ease in seconds.
✔ Structured, but loose enough to feel real. I keep things professional, but I won’t make you hold an uncomfortable grin for five minutes straight.
✔ No generic studio vibes. You won’t get cookie-cutter results. Every shot is crafted to fit your personality and your goals.
I work with executives, founders, creatives, and professionals who need more than just a headshot—they need a strategic first impression that works. Let’s make sure yours counts.
Recent Clients From
Adobe
2025
Sony Playstation
2025
Face Reality Skincare
2024
Inference.ai
2024
Applovin
2024
2024
The Key PR
2024
Future Family
2024
Uncks
2024
Double Happiness Health
2024
Kizen
2022
Microsoft
2020
So Many More…
2024
I TAKE VIBES SERIOUSLY.
I TAKE VIBES SERIOUSLY.


