Oh, hi.
Ready For The Boardroom.
Worthy of The Billboard.
Ready For The Boardroom.
Worthy of The Billboard.
Portrait photographer who knows when to lead and when to listen. High-stakes sessions for executives, founders, and creatives who need someone who can read the room.
DeSimone is an Oakland portrait photographer. Creating iconic images for San Francisco's most ambitious brands and founders.
Portrait photographer who knows when to lead and when to listen. High-stakes sessions for executives, founders, and creatives who need someone who can read the room.
Portrait photographer who knows when to lead and when to listen. High-stakes sessions for executives, founders, and creatives who need someone who can read the room.
01
Executive Portraits
High-Stakes. Zero Stress. For founders, leadership teams, and companies who need to look elevated and authoritative while letting their personalities shine through. Forget the typical stiff, cold headshot experience. Get warmth, magazine-quality results, and a streamlined workflow that respects your time.
Founders & C-Suite
Teams & Scale
Studio & Location
02
Brand Campaigns
Editorial-grade photography for growing brands. From personality-driven beauty campaigns to company lifestyle imagery, I provide creative direction and image libraries that feel human and effortless. I work with large national brands and emerging companies. My photo shoots have a reputation for being fun, and the work often ends up on the billboard.
Creative Direction
Lookbooks & Ads
Commercial Licensing
03
The Studio Experience
20 years in luxury hospitality taught me how to make a space feel inviting, intentional, and safe. My studio is a warm, plant-filled space in Adams Point designed to lower your heart rate the second you walk in. This isn't just about lighting; it's about EQ. I manage the energy and create an environment where you actually enjoy being photographed.
Oakland California
Warm & Rustic
Easy as Pie
04
Neighborhood Project
A purposeful counterpoint to my studio work. This is about engaging my community and strengthening neighborhood bonds through short, honest photobooth sessions over tea. I set up in my drive way, at parks and events around Oakland. Gallery coming soon.
Honest Portriats
Building Friendships
Community
I shoot founders and brand campaigns. Editorial features and executive portraits.
My images work everywhere. Billboards, boardrooms, magazine covers (and yes, even LinkedIn).
Twenty years in luxury hospitality taught me to handle difficult personalities under immense pressure.
Your CEO doesn't scare me. They're probably just nervous. I gotchu!
Based in Oakland. Serving San Francisco, and available worldwide.
I shoot founders and brand campaigns. Editorial features and executive portraits.
My images work everywhere. Billboards, boardrooms, magazine covers (and yes, even LinkedIn).
Twenty years in luxury hospitality taught me to handle difficult personalities under immense pressure.
Your CEO doesn't scare me. They're probably just nervous. I gotchu!
Based in Oakland. Serving San Francisco, and available worldwide.
Annie Jean-Baptiste
Annie Jean-Baptiste
Annie Jean-Baptiste
Annie Jean-Baptiste
The photo shoot was a blast, and I felt immediately at ease. It's a true testament of Brian's creative genius that he can bring out the best in a diversity of subjects as he does.
The photo shoot was a blast, and I felt immediately at ease. It's a true testament of Brian's creative genius that he can bring out the best in a diversity of subjects as he does.
Global Product Inclusion Evangelist & Senior Strategist
Global Product Inclusion Evangelist & Senior Strategist
Global Product Inclusion Evangelist & Senior Strategist
Brian Has Nothing But Five-Star Reviews for a Reason
"You pay for what you get, and with Brian you get excellent photos that will set you apart from everyone else. Brian Has Nothing But Five-Star Reviews for a Reason"
Jeremy Castro Law, CEO
Brian Exceeded My Expectations in Every Aspect
“From the moment we initiated the project, Brian demonstrated an unparalleled level of patience and professionalism. Brian Exceeded My Expectations in Every Aspect.”
Hantz Févre, Stoovo, CEO
He's a master of his craft, a kind and hilarious and wonderful person...
”Brian is absolutely amazing. He's a master of his craft, a kind and hilarious and wonderful person, and a total artist soul.”
Geena Chen, Artist + Designer
”His studio Is really nice and welcoming - great energy. He knows his art and work“
“His studio Is really nice and welcoming - great energy. He knows his art and work”
Nadé Bozhinova
He Brings Out the Best in a Diversity of Subjects
“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 Jean -Baptiste, Google
Brian Has Nothing But Five-Star Reviews for a Reason
"You pay for what you get, and with Brian you get excellent photos that will set you apart from everyone else. Brian Has Nothing But Five-Star Reviews for a Reason"
Jeremy Castro Law, CEO
Brian Exceeded My Expectations in Every Aspect
“From the moment we initiated the project, Brian demonstrated an unparalleled level of patience and professionalism. Brian Exceeded My Expectations in Every Aspect.”
Hantz Févre, Stoovo, CEO
He's a master of his craft, a kind and hilarious and wonderful person...
”Brian is absolutely amazing. He's a master of his craft, a kind and hilarious and wonderful person, and a total artist soul.”
Geena Chen, Artist + Designer
”His studio Is really nice and welcoming - great energy. He knows his art and work“
“His studio Is really nice and welcoming - great energy. He knows his art and work”
Nadé Bozhinova
He Brings Out the Best in a Diversity of Subjects
“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 Jean -Baptiste, Google
Brian Has Nothing But Five-Star Reviews for a Reason
"You pay for what you get, and with Brian you get excellent photos that will set you apart from everyone else. Brian Has Nothing But Five-Star Reviews for a Reason"
Jeremy Castro Law, CEO
Brian Exceeded My Expectations in Every Aspect
“From the moment we initiated the project, Brian demonstrated an unparalleled level of patience and professionalism. Brian Exceeded My Expectations in Every Aspect.”
Hantz Févre, Stoovo, CEO
He's a master of his craft, a kind and hilarious and wonderful person...
”Brian is absolutely amazing. He's a master of his craft, a kind and hilarious and wonderful person, and a total artist soul.”
Geena Chen, Artist + Designer
”His studio Is really nice and welcoming - great energy. He knows his art and work“
“His studio Is really nice and welcoming - great energy. He knows his art and work”
Nadé Bozhinova
He Brings Out the Best in a Diversity of Subjects
“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 Jean -Baptiste, Google
Brian Has Nothing But Five-Star Reviews for a Reason
"You pay for what you get, and with Brian you get excellent photos that will set you apart from everyone else. Brian Has Nothing But Five-Star Reviews for a Reason"
Jeremy Castro Law, CEO
Brian Exceeded My Expectations in Every Aspect
“From the moment we initiated the project, Brian demonstrated an unparalleled level of patience and professionalism. Brian Exceeded My Expectations in Every Aspect.”
Hantz Févre, Stoovo, CEO
He's a master of his craft, a kind and hilarious and wonderful person...
”Brian is absolutely amazing. He's a master of his craft, a kind and hilarious and wonderful person, and a total artist soul.”
Geena Chen, Artist + Designer
”His studio Is really nice and welcoming - great energy. He knows his art and work“
“His studio Is really nice and welcoming - great energy. He knows his art and work”
Nadé Bozhinova
He Brings Out the Best in a Diversity of Subjects
“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 Jean -Baptiste, Google
What kind of companies and clients do you work with?
I work with the entire Bay Area business ecosystem; from Series B Tech Startups in Silicon Valley to established Law Firms in Oakland and creative agencies in the Mission. Whether you need to look like a reliable fiduciary or a disruptive visionary, I know the visual language of your industry.
What if I’m awkward in front of the camera?
Then you are a normal human being. Seriously, 99% of my clients walk in saying, "I take terrible photos." My job is to fix that. I won't just stand there and click; I direct you. I will fix your posture, tell you exactly what to do with your hands, and make you laugh and have fun until your authentic side starts to come out.
Do you only do headshots, or can you handle our brand campaign?
My studio sits at the intersection of Executive Portraits and Commercial Brand Campaigns. Most clients start with headshots, realize how painless the process is, and then bring me back to shoot their Team Photos, Office Lifestyle, and full Brand Library. I’m happy to scale up from a single portrait to a multi-day production.
Do you retouch the images? (And will I look fake?)
I do high-end commercial/editorial portrait retouching and I ususally do it by hand. If you want the same treatment the celebrities and rich people get... you hire me. And NO you will not look fake (unless that is your preference). :) In all seriousness, I remove temporary distractions (blemishes, stray hairs, tired eyes) while keeping the skin texture and character that makes you look particularly human. I will highlight your features and make you look like yourself on your best day.
Do we come to your studio, or do you come to us?
Both. I have a small studio here in Oakland for individual Executive Sessions or small teams. For busy Founders, Teams and Company sessions, I bring my mobile studio to your office anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. I just need a conference room and ~45 minutes to get set up.
How does pricing work for individuals vs. teams?
The Executive Headshots Experience starts between $800 - $1200 depending on your needs. Team & Company rates are custom based on a few factors including your headcount but can sometimes go as low as $400 per person. Good photography isn't cheap, but bad photography is expensive. (Think about the ROI of a photo that investors actually trust).
What makes your approach different from other photographers?
How you feel in the moment is what makes the photo. 20+ years working in hospitality, fine dining, bars, restaraunts and hotels taught me how to make people feel taken care of. EQ Its my super power.
I’m ready. How do we get this on the calendar?
Get in tiouch and tell me if you need a solo session or a team quote. I usually respond within 24 hours.
What kind of companies and clients do you work with?
I work with the entire Bay Area business ecosystem; from Series B Tech Startups in Silicon Valley to established Law Firms in Oakland and creative agencies in the Mission. Whether you need to look like a reliable fiduciary or a disruptive visionary, I know the visual language of your industry.
What if I’m awkward in front of the camera?
Then you are a normal human being. Seriously, 99% of my clients walk in saying, "I take terrible photos." My job is to fix that. I won't just stand there and click; I direct you. I will fix your posture, tell you exactly what to do with your hands, and make you laugh and have fun until your authentic side starts to come out.
Do you only do headshots, or can you handle our brand campaign?
My studio sits at the intersection of Executive Portraits and Commercial Brand Campaigns. Most clients start with headshots, realize how painless the process is, and then bring me back to shoot their Team Photos, Office Lifestyle, and full Brand Library. I’m happy to scale up from a single portrait to a multi-day production.
Do you retouch the images? (And will I look fake?)
I do high-end commercial/editorial portrait retouching and I ususally do it by hand. If you want the same treatment the celebrities and rich people get... you hire me. And NO you will not look fake (unless that is your preference). :) In all seriousness, I remove temporary distractions (blemishes, stray hairs, tired eyes) while keeping the skin texture and character that makes you look particularly human. I will highlight your features and make you look like yourself on your best day.
Do we come to your studio, or do you come to us?
Both. I have a small studio here in Oakland for individual Executive Sessions or small teams. For busy Founders, Teams and Company sessions, I bring my mobile studio to your office anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. I just need a conference room and ~45 minutes to get set up.
How does pricing work for individuals vs. teams?
The Executive Headshots Experience starts between $800 - $1200 depending on your needs. Team & Company rates are custom based on a few factors including your headcount but can sometimes go as low as $400 per person. Good photography isn't cheap, but bad photography is expensive. (Think about the ROI of a photo that investors actually trust).
What makes your approach different from other photographers?
How you feel in the moment is what makes the photo. 20+ years working in hospitality, fine dining, bars, restaraunts and hotels taught me how to make people feel taken care of. EQ Its my super power.
I’m ready. How do we get this on the calendar?
Get in tiouch and tell me if you need a solo session or a team quote. I usually respond within 24 hours.
What kind of companies and clients do you work with?
I work with the entire Bay Area business ecosystem; from Series B Tech Startups in Silicon Valley to established Law Firms in Oakland and creative agencies in the Mission. Whether you need to look like a reliable fiduciary or a disruptive visionary, I know the visual language of your industry.
What if I’m awkward in front of the camera?
Then you are a normal human being. Seriously, 99% of my clients walk in saying, "I take terrible photos." My job is to fix that. I won't just stand there and click; I direct you. I will fix your posture, tell you exactly what to do with your hands, and make you laugh and have fun until your authentic side starts to come out.
Do you only do headshots, or can you handle our brand campaign?
My studio sits at the intersection of Executive Portraits and Commercial Brand Campaigns. Most clients start with headshots, realize how painless the process is, and then bring me back to shoot their Team Photos, Office Lifestyle, and full Brand Library. I’m happy to scale up from a single portrait to a multi-day production.
Do you retouch the images? (And will I look fake?)
I do high-end commercial/editorial portrait retouching and I ususally do it by hand. If you want the same treatment the celebrities and rich people get... you hire me. And NO you will not look fake (unless that is your preference). :) In all seriousness, I remove temporary distractions (blemishes, stray hairs, tired eyes) while keeping the skin texture and character that makes you look particularly human. I will highlight your features and make you look like yourself on your best day.
Do we come to your studio, or do you come to us?
Both. I have a small studio here in Oakland for individual Executive Sessions or small teams. For busy Founders, Teams and Company sessions, I bring my mobile studio to your office anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. I just need a conference room and ~45 minutes to get set up.
How does pricing work for individuals vs. teams?
The Executive Headshots Experience starts between $800 - $1200 depending on your needs. Team & Company rates are custom based on a few factors including your headcount but can sometimes go as low as $400 per person. Good photography isn't cheap, but bad photography is expensive. (Think about the ROI of a photo that investors actually trust).
What makes your approach different from other photographers?
How you feel in the moment is what makes the photo. 20+ years working in hospitality, fine dining, bars, restaraunts and hotels taught me how to make people feel taken care of. EQ Its my super power.
I’m ready. How do we get this on the calendar?
Get in tiouch and tell me if you need a solo session or a team quote. I usually respond within 24 hours.
What kind of companies and clients do you work with?
I work with the entire Bay Area business ecosystem; from Series B Tech Startups in Silicon Valley to established Law Firms in Oakland and creative agencies in the Mission. Whether you need to look like a reliable fiduciary or a disruptive visionary, I know the visual language of your industry.
What if I’m awkward in front of the camera?
Then you are a normal human being. Seriously, 99% of my clients walk in saying, "I take terrible photos." My job is to fix that. I won't just stand there and click; I direct you. I will fix your posture, tell you exactly what to do with your hands, and make you laugh and have fun until your authentic side starts to come out.
Do you only do headshots, or can you handle our brand campaign?
My studio sits at the intersection of Executive Portraits and Commercial Brand Campaigns. Most clients start with headshots, realize how painless the process is, and then bring me back to shoot their Team Photos, Office Lifestyle, and full Brand Library. I’m happy to scale up from a single portrait to a multi-day production.
Do you retouch the images? (And will I look fake?)
I do high-end commercial/editorial portrait retouching and I ususally do it by hand. If you want the same treatment the celebrities and rich people get... you hire me. And NO you will not look fake (unless that is your preference). :) In all seriousness, I remove temporary distractions (blemishes, stray hairs, tired eyes) while keeping the skin texture and character that makes you look particularly human. I will highlight your features and make you look like yourself on your best day.
Do we come to your studio, or do you come to us?
Both. I have a small studio here in Oakland for individual Executive Sessions or small teams. For busy Founders, Teams and Company sessions, I bring my mobile studio to your office anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. I just need a conference room and ~45 minutes to get set up.
How does pricing work for individuals vs. teams?
The Executive Headshots Experience starts between $800 - $1200 depending on your needs. Team & Company rates are custom based on a few factors including your headcount but can sometimes go as low as $400 per person. Good photography isn't cheap, but bad photography is expensive. (Think about the ROI of a photo that investors actually trust).
What makes your approach different from other photographers?
How you feel in the moment is what makes the photo. 20+ years working in hospitality, fine dining, bars, restaraunts and hotels taught me how to make people feel taken care of. EQ Its my super power.
I’m ready. How do we get this on the calendar?
Get in tiouch and tell me if you need a solo session or a team quote. I usually respond within 24 hours.
© Damn, your hair looks good today!
About
Brian DeSimone is an Oakland-based portrait photographer serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
Specializing in executive headshots, corporate team photography, and commercial brand campaigns for founders, startups, and creative businesses.
❤️
Studio
© Damn, your hair looks good today!
About
Brian DeSimone is an Oakland-based portrait photographer serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
Specializing in executive headshots, corporate team photography, and commercial brand campaigns for founders, startups, and creative businesses.
❤️
Studio
© 2025 Brian DeSimone Photography.
(P.S. damn, your hair looks good today!)
About
Brian DeSimone is an Oakland-based portrait photographer serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
Specializing in executive headshots, corporate team photography, and commercial brand campaigns for founders, startups, and creative businesses.
❤️