In 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:
Authenticity — Your photo should actually look like you, not an over-retouched version.
Brand Alignment — The image should match the tone and style of your company or personal brand.
Versatility — A great headshot works everywhere — LinkedIn, company websites, press releases, speaking engagements, and industry features.
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.
Have you ever wondered what goes into creating a standout headshot? It’s more than just pointing and shooting! As a professional photographer, my goal is to capture not just a person’s likeness, but their personality and professional presence. I love giving people a glimpse into my process—and this behind-the-scenes video does just that.
In the video, you’ll see how the session unfolds from start to finish. It begins with setting up the lighting—one of the most essential parts of any successful portrait session. Last year, I invested in a set of professional strobes, and since then, I’ve been honing my craft to get the most out of this equipment. From soft, flattering light to crisp shadows that define facial features, using strobes gives me full creative control in the studio.
Once the lights are dialed in and the backdrop is set, the session kicks into gear. I guide my client through a range of poses and expressions that bring out their best. There’s always a collaborative energy—checking the photos together on the back of the camera helps us adjust, tweak, and refine until we get the perfect shot.
The video wraps up with one of the final edited images—a clean, confident, and polished headshot that’s ready for LinkedIn, a business website, or a company directory. It’s always rewarding to see that transformation from setup to final result.
If you’re looking for a fresh, modern headshot that reflects your professional story, I’d love to work with you. I serve all of Los Angeles—including Santa Monica, Venice, and Culver City—and specialize in corporate headshots, personal branding, and LinkedIn portraits.
Call or text me at 323-493-2552 to schedule your session and let’s create something powerful together.
Tired of Stock Photos? Here’s Why It’s Time to Show Off Your Real Team
We’ve all seen them — those all-too-familiar stock photos of generic office life: strangers in suits high-fiving in a conference room, a forced laugh over a laptop, or an awkward team handshake. At first glance, they might seem like a safe choice for filling space on a company website. But in reality, they often do more harm than good.
Stock photos can make your brand feel impersonal, outdated, or even disconnected from the people you actually work with every day. And in today’s business world — where authenticity, connection, and culture matter more than ever — you can’t afford to look like everyone else.
What’s the Alternative? Real People. Real Moments.
Here’s a better idea: while I’m already at your office taking headshots for your team, let’s go beyond the studio setup. Let’s document the energy, collaboration, and culture that make your company unique.
I’ll capture candid, behind-the-scenes moments of your actual team members doing what they do best — collaborating on projects, leading meetings, brainstorming ideas at the whiteboard, or simply sharing a laugh between tasks. These aren’t stiff, posed portraits. These are honest, authentic moments that reflect your company’s story, told through the faces your clients and partners already know.
Why It Works: Authenticity Builds Trust
People connect with people — not perfectly staged stock models. When potential clients, partners, or hires land on your website or LinkedIn page, they want to see who they’re working with. They want to feel a sense of trust and familiarity. Professional headshots give them that first connection — and candid office photography completes the picture.
These images help you:
Build credibility and trust with your audience
Strengthen your employer brand for hiring and recruiting
Create content for your website, social media, and marketing that feels fresh and real
Reinforce your values and company culture visually
Two Birds, One Stone
One of the best parts? You don’t need a second photo session. You’re already investing in high-quality headshots — why not get double the value while I’m onsite?
With one booking, you get:
Updated, professional headshots that make your team look sharp and approachable
Genuine lifestyle office photos you can use across your digital platforms
This combo package is ideal for growing companies, startups, or any business ready to modernize its image and move away from cookie-cutter content.
What to Expect During Your Session
If the idea of candid photos sounds intimidating, don’t worry — it’s my job to make the process feel natural and relaxed. I’ll blend into the background as your team works, capturing spontaneous moments without disrupting your day.
Before the shoot, I’ll talk with you about your company’s tone, brand, and visual goals. Want to emphasize collaboration? Leadership? Creativity? I’ll tailor the session to highlight those themes.
Whether you’re in a sleek coworking space in Santa Monica, a creative office in Culver City, or a startup hub in Venice, I’ll help you create a library of authentic, usable images that reflect who you are — not just what you do.
Ready to Retire the Stock Photos?
Let’s capture what makes your business great — the people, the passion, and the day-to-day moments that can’t be replicated by stock.
Call or text me at 323-493-2552 Let’s schedule a session that brings your brand to life.
