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Photography

Notes

Professional is easy. Personality is rare. Thoughts on portraits, presence, and what makes a face actually get remembered.

Photography

Your Brand & Team Photoshoot Guide: Show Up Prepared, Look Your Best

You're part of an upcoming brand photoshoot (woo!). This post covers everything you need to know to show up prepared and look your best.

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Approachable executive portrait of an asian man in a grey tee shirt blending authenticity with professional warmth. Defiant authority headshot style for non-traditional leaders.

AI

Why Your Professional Headshot Looks Like AI Now (And What to Do About It)

AI can generate technically perfect headshots (that's the problem). When perfection is free, connection is the differentiator. Here's what actually works in 2026.

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Joyful Black american female child wearinng a red shirt big teeth showing

Personal

The Image That Started Everything

Eight years ago, I photographed a girl a kids' music camp. That image ended up winning first place, landed on the back of 50 buses across Oakland and Alameda county, and became one of the foundations of my visual style today.

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Photography

2025 Headshot Trends: What High-Level Clients Look For (and What’s Outdated)

In a world where everyone is Googling and ChatGPT'ing everyone, your headshot is your first impression, and it’s happening before you even say a word.

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Brand & Web

Mark Dombecks Full Brand and Business Overhaul

Brand him like a thought leader, not a therapist-for-hire. Mark was the ideal client: reflective, collaborative, empowering, trusting and deeply aware of the emotional weight design can carry.

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Photography

How To Prepare for Your Executive Portrait Session

Preparing for your executive portrait session? This guide covers everything you need to know - from what to wear and bring, to how to prepare mentally for a high-stakes headshot session. Based on over 20 years photographing Bay Area founders, executives, and teams.

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Photography

6 Ways a Professional Headshot Will Elevate Your Career

The first impression is a lasting one.

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© 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.

❤️

© 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.

❤️

© 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.

❤️