Executive Headshots for Bold Career Moves
August 12, 2025In today’s business world, first impressions often happen online. Your LinkedIn profile photo, company bio, or press release headshot is often the first introduction to potential clients, investors, or colleagues, sometimes before you’ve even met in person. Whether you’re based in Los Angeles or live across the country, having a professional headshot that looks like you and conveys your confidence is essential for career growth.
As a Los Angeles headshot photographer specializing in corporate and executive portraits, I recently had the privilege of photographing Leanna Haakons, Founder of Black Hawk Financial, as she stepped into her new role as National Director of Business Development at MACCO Group. MACCO Group, led by industry leader Drew McManigle, is a nationally recognized mergers and acquisitions advisory firm.
Creating a Headshot That Works Across Platforms
Leanna’s career spans leadership, authorship, and global finance expertise. She’s a bestselling author, a contributor to top business publications, and a sought-after speaker, so her headshot needed to project confidence while still feeling approachable.
MACCO Group requested a gray backdrop to ensure consistency with the other headshots on their website. Additionally, they asked for the photo to be taken a little further back than a traditional chest-up headshot. This gives them more flexibility when it comes to cropping the image for different uses, such as press releases, leadership bios, or marketing materials where they might want to place the subject in a different background, like an office setting.
We took her headshots at my Venice Beach photography studio inside BLANKSPACES coworking. I arrived early to set up lighting and the backdrop, and run test shots so the session was efficient and comfortable for her.
Why Professional Headshots Matter for Executives and Entrepreneurs
Every professional photo session I do — whether in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Culver City, or across Los Angeles— focuses on three key elements:
For executives like Leanna, a well-crafted headshot communicates leadership, trust, and expertise before a single word is spoken.
The Lasting Impact of a Great Headshot
- First impressions happen instantly — A professional image increases credibility and connection.
- Career milestones deserve fresh portraits — Promotions, board appointments, and new ventures are the perfect times for an update.
- Your headshot works 24/7 — It’s your silent representative across all professional platforms.
If you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional in Los Angeles I’d love to help you create a headshot that opens doors and moves your career forward.
I have offices in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Culver City, but will travel throughout LA and Orange County for clients.
Are you ready to book a headshot session for you and your team? Give me a call at 323-493-2552 and we will set up a time.
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