Seen as a Leader
Felt as a Human
Seen as a Leader
Felt as a Human
The Executive Portrait Earns Respect.
The Editorial Portrait Earns Trust.
You Need Both.
Most people freeze because they think they need to 'perform' for the camera. My job is to create a space safe enough for you to stop performing. That split-second where you drop the armor? That’s where we get the shot.
Most people freeze because they think they need to 'perform' for the camera. My job is to create a space safe enough for you to stop performing. That split-second where you drop the armor? That’s where we get the shot.
BRIAN DESIMONE
Serving San Francisco’s ambitious leaders since 2015.
BRIAN DESIMONE
Serving San Francisco’s ambitious leaders since 2015.
BRIAN DESIMONE
Serving San Francisco’s ambitious leaders since 2015.
Oakland Based Studio
Oakland Based Studio
Oakland Based Studio
The ability to get a nervous Celebrity or CEO to relax in 90 seconds is priceless.
The ability to get a nervous Celebrity or CEO to relax in 90 seconds is priceless.
They’re not afraid of the lights. They’re afraid of the vulnerability.
When someone walks into my studio, I’m not thinking about my camera. I'm watching how they carry tension, what makes them laugh, what they need to feel safe enough to drop the armor.
Yes, I manage the lighting.
But mostly, I manage the energy.
They’re not afraid of the lights. They’re afraid of the vulnerability.
When someone walks into my studio, I’m not thinking about my camera. I'm watching how they carry tension, what makes them laugh, what they need to feel safe enough to drop the armor.
Yes, I manage the lighting. But mostly, I manage the energy.
On Set
Philosophy
Prioritize Genuine Connection, Always
I connect with people easily and often before the gear comes out. Whether it's an executive portrait or a full day on set, everyone should feel valued from the moment we meet. Eye contact, remembering names, reading the energy. These aren't small details. They are the foundation. That authentic connection is part of why the portraits look so natural.
01
Prioritize Genuine Connection, Always
I connect with people easily and often before the gear comes out. Whether it's an executive portrait or a full day on set, everyone should feel valued from the moment we meet. Eye contact, remembering names, reading the energy. These aren't small details. They are the foundation. That authentic connection is part of why the portraits look so natural.
01
Prioritize Genuine Connection, Always
I connect with people easily and often before the gear comes out. Whether it's an executive portrait or a full day on set, everyone should feel valued from the moment we meet. Eye contact, remembering names, reading the energy. These aren't small details. They are the foundation. That authentic connection is part of why the portraits look so natural.
01
Lead With Unreasonable Hospitality
The right photographer knows how to read energy and adjust. I'm comfortable taking the driver's seat, but some people need to feel that they are in control. A gentle nudge one moment, a moment of levity the next. This creates the ease essential for nervous teams and high-stakes campaigns. Comfort, not pressure. (And never underestimate the power of a well-timed dad-joke to get a candid moment).
02
Lead With Unreasonable Hospitality
The right photographer knows how to read energy and adjust. I'm comfortable taking the driver's seat, but some people need to feel that they are in control. A gentle nudge one moment, a moment of levity the next. This creates the ease essential for nervous teams and high-stakes campaigns. Comfort, not pressure. (And never underestimate the power of a well-timed dad-joke to get a candid moment).
02
Lead With Unreasonable Hospitality
The right photographer knows how to read energy and adjust. I'm comfortable taking the driver's seat, but some people need to feel that they are in control. A gentle nudge one moment, a moment of levity the next. This creates the ease essential for nervous teams and high-stakes campaigns. Comfort, not pressure. (And never underestimate the power of a well-timed dad-joke to get a candid moment).
02
Permission to Play
Yes, we'll execute your shot list. But I leave room for what emerges in the moment. That unguarded laugh, the unplanned angle, the idea we didn't discuss. Exploration, play, and spontaneous discovery are where the best art happens.
03
Permission to Play
Yes, we'll execute your shot list. But I leave room for what emerges in the moment. That unguarded laugh, the unplanned angle, the idea we didn't discuss. Exploration, play, and spontaneous discovery are where the best art happens.
03
Permission to Play
Yes, we'll execute your shot list. But I leave room for what emerges in the moment. That unguarded laugh, the unplanned angle, the idea we didn't discuss. Exploration, play, and spontaneous discovery are where the best art happens.
03
Honest Direction
My job isn't just to say "yes." It's to lead you to a better result than you had originally imagined. You're paying for taste, judgment, and 20 years of knowing what works. If a choice doesn't serve the final image, I'll speak up. The ultimate decisions are yours, but I'll make sure you aren't guessing.
04
Honest Direction
My job isn't just to say "yes." It's to lead you to a better result than you had originally imagined. You're paying for taste, judgment, and 20 years of knowing what works. If a choice doesn't serve the final image, I'll speak up. The ultimate decisions are yours, but I'll make sure you aren't guessing.
04
Honest Direction
My job isn't just to say "yes." It's to lead you to a better result than you had originally imagined. You're paying for taste, judgment, and 20 years of knowing what works. If a choice doesn't serve the final image, I'll speak up. The ultimate decisions are yours, but I'll make sure you aren't guessing.
04
Let’s
Let’s
Let’s
Connect!
© Damn your hair looks good today!
About
Brian DeSimone is an Oakland-based portrait photographer serving San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and the Bay Area.
Specializing in executive headshots, founder portraits, corporate team photography, and editorial brand campaigns for startups, leaders, and creative businesses.
❤️
Studio
© Damn your hair looks good today!
About
Brian DeSimone is an Oakland-based portrait photographer serving San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and the Bay Area.
Specializing in executive headshots, founder portraits, corporate team photography, and editorial brand campaigns for startups, leaders, and creative businesses.
❤️
Studio
© Damn your hair looks good today!
About
Brian DeSimone is an Oakland-based portrait photographer serving San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and the Bay Area.
Specializing in executive headshots, founder portraits, corporate team photography, and editorial brand campaigns for startups, leaders, and creative businesses.
❤️