San Francisco Personal Branding Photographers That I Highly Recommend
Looking for a personal branding photographer in San Francisco? You’re in the right place. This is a hand-picked, independent directory of talented photographers who specialize in personal branding photography, lifestyle portraits, and professional headshots.
How to use this Directory:
Browse through the curated list below to explore their portfolios, learn about their style and personality, and find the right fit for your brand.
The Featured Photographers at the top have submitted full profiles and portfolio images.
The Photographers to Watch below are equally talented but haven’t submitted their full profiles just yet.
Yes, this directory is free.
No, I don’t handle bookings or inquiries. Please reach out to each photographer directly through their website or Instagram links.
When you're done browsing, use the Back to Directory button at the bottom to discover photographers in other cities around the world
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS
These photographers have submitted their full profiles, including images and details about their style, personality, and approach to personal branding photography.
Amy Thompson
City:
Marin County San Francisco Bay Area, California
Loves working with:
I love working with purpose driven entrepreneurs and business owners including interior designers, wellness practitioners, lawyers, tech professionals, creatives, and founders. They want photos that feel like them and go beyond a basic headshot. Some want something bold and expressive, some prefer calm and natural, and others are drawn to playful, soulful, or elevated lifestyle moments. No matter their style, they want imagery that reflects their personality and the many layers of who they are.
My clients are driven and excited about their business, ready to make moves, and not here to play small. They’re stepping into bigger opportunities with new branding, new offers, and new visibility, and they understand that photography is part of leveling up. They love collaborating, they’re open to ideas, and they show up with creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to have fun. Many of them feel nervous about getting their photos taken or overwhelmed by the process, but they also trust that with the right guidance, they’ll feel comfortable and confident. They’re analytical and artistic, strong and soft, strategic and playful. They value meaningful connection, work life balance, and building businesses that feel aligned. They’re done waiting for the perfect moment to go after their dreams and want photos that reflect who they are and who they’re becoming.
Photoshoot locations:
I shoot in a variety of locations, depending on what fits the brand best. Most of my clients choose an off-site space, anything from a beautifully styled rented home in the area to borrowing a swanky friend’s place that matches their vibe. I also shoot in studios (including my own cozy studio in Marin), and we often explore some of the gorgeous outdoor spots around the San Francisco Bay Area: beaches, open spaces, tucked-away corners of Marin, or even urban locations in SF. The goal isn’t to force a location to work for you, it’s to find a space that naturally reflects who you are and supports the story we’re telling.
Photography style / aesthetic:
My style is elevated, natural, and deeply intentional. I’m great at setting a scene and using the space as a character in the story. With my background in interior design and photography, I think about every frame in terms of balance, light, and how the environment supports the person in front of the camera. My scenes are minimal and uncluttered, so the eye knows exactly where to look, and every detail is chosen with purpose. My images are refined and editorial, but they still feel real, not overly posed or staged. There’s movement, ease, breath, and a sense of flow.
I’m very emotion-forward and soulful in the way I guide people, and I love capturing the multidimensionality of who they are: the bold moments, the quiet ones, the playful ones, and everything in between.
Light is a huge part of my style. I’m always seeking beautiful natural light and shaping it in a way that feels clean and soft. When I use artificial light, I match it intentionally so the entire set feels cohesive, like everything was lit by the same natural source. It’s not accidental; I’m very intentional about creating a consistent, elevated feel across all scenes. I also love delivering variety. Your photos won’t all look the same—within a single session, you’ll get editorial moments, calm portraits, bold expressions, fun and relaxed lifestyle scenes, whatever shows the full spectrum of who you are. I’m big on crafting a visual story, setting the vibe for each scene, and creating a collection of images that feel connected yet dynamic. At the core, my work is clean, creative, expressive, modern and never stiff. I love collaborating, bringing ideas to life, and making photos that feel like the best, most natural version of you—editorial, soulful, and beautifully alive.
Languages spoken:
English
Vibe check:
On shoot day, I keep things light, fun, and grounding, we start with a moment to shake off any jitters, then dive in with music, snacks, collaboration, and my slightly silly/goofy, easygoing energy that helps people feel totally comfortable and fully themselves.
Fun fact / hidden talent:
I began my photography journey in concert photography and still photograph a music festival in San Francisco every year since 2009!
Website:
https://amythompsonbrandphotography.com/
Instagram:
Hillary Wells
City:
Marin County San Francisco Bay Area, California
Loves working with:
I work with women entrepreneurs who are typically launching a new website or going through a rebrand. They are creatives, authors, speakers, coaches/consultants, relators, and service providers. They value client experience and artistry. Many times they come from a corporate background in a past life and bring that level of expertise/professionalism to their business.
Photoshoot locations:
Studios, client homes, free locations in the area (beaches, parks, mountains, coffee shops, wine country, city backdrops), paid locations in the area (renting out a beautiful on brand home through Peerspace or Home Studio List).
Photography style / aesthetic:
My style is modern, feminine, and the colors are true to life. I'm somewhere in between moody and bright! Women choose to work with me because of my ability to capture natural, authentic photos that bring out their true essence.
Languages spoken:
English
Vibe check:
I am calm, curious, and kind. Past clients and collaborators have called me "flowy"— I am able to have fun on set, while remaining easy going. I don't like to rush and want my clients to enjoy the experience.
Fun fact / hidden talent:
My favorite photoshoot to date included a historic mansion on a Northern California beach in a room with 11 greyhound dogs. My portfolio has a photo from this day if you're curious to see it!
Website:
Instagram:
Jennifer Graham
City:
Oakland / San Francisco / Bay Area, CA
Loves working with:
My clients are visionaries. They’re solopreneurs, creatives, founders, and marketing teams—from freshly minted startups to legacy brands based all over the Bay Area. They're purpose-driven and image-conscious, but not in a superficial way. They understand the power of a well-crafted visual narrative, and they want their photography to mean something—to tell the truth about who they are, what they do, and why it matters.
They're often multitasking a million things: launching products, refining their messaging, growing a team, planning events, updating their website, or building out their personal brand. They come to me because they know good photography isn’t just a box to check—it’s a vital part of how they connect with their audience.
Their vibe? Think elevated but not stuffy. Strategic but never sterile. They’re collaborative, thoughtful, and creatively curious. They respect the craft and trust me to bring both technical skill and intuition to the shoot. They appreciate the intention behind each image—the lighting, the emotion, the story behind a subtle expression or detail.
My clients are diverse in age, background, and industry—tech founders, designers, wellness coaches, architects, stylists, attorneys, boutique agencies, and more. What they all have in common is a deep respect for beautiful, thoughtful visuals and a love for working with someone who brings clarity, artistry, and energy to the table.
Photoshoot locations:
I shoot all over the Bay Area—and truly, anywhere we can tell your story beautifully. From cozy home offices to stylish studios, I’m all about creating in spaces that feel real, inspiring, and aligned with you.
Your Home or Office – Authentic, personal, and relaxed.
Studios (mine or rented) – Clean, controlled, and elevated.
Outdoor Locations – From beaches to murals, natural light and energy.
Paid Spaces – Stylish lofts, creative venues, or boutique rentals that set the tone.
Airbnbs – Beautiful, thoughtfully designed settings for unique vibes.
Events & Pop-Ups – Fully mobile for real-time storytelling and brand moments.
I’m inspired by every space I work in—each one brings a new energy, a new light, and a new way to capture your brand. If there’s good light and a clear vision, I can create magic anywhere.
Photography style / aesthetic:
My photography is characterized by a deep, narrative-driven approach that emphasizes authenticity, connection, and the nuanced beauty of your subjects. I excel at capturing the essence of individuals and brands through:
My work spans everything from clean, modern headshots to dynamic lifestyle imagery, brand storytelling, and full portrait sessions. Whether you’re a solopreneur building your personal brand, a team needing consistent company portraits, or a creative wanting images that feel lived-in and expressive—I’ve got you.
I love tailoring each shoot to match your personality, your message, and where you are in your journey. From polished and professional to relaxed and real, we’ll create visuals that truly reflect you.
I use light with intention—whether it's soft, natural daylight or clean, controlled studio lighting. Natural light brings warmth and authenticity, while studio setups allow for precision and polish. I read the light first, then build the shoot around it, always choosing what best supports your story. No matter the setting, I make light work for you—flattering, expressive, and aligned with your brand.
My clients appreciate the collaborative nature of our shoots, where they feel involved and valued throughout the process. This partnership ensures that the final images authentically represent their vision and personality
Languages spoken:
English
Vibe check:
My energy on shoot day is upbeat, focused, and fun. I move with intention—guiding you through every step—while keeping the vibe relaxed and easygoing. You’ll feel supported, comfortable, and confident in front of the camera, without ever feeling stiff or overly posed.
Fun fact / hidden talent:
I can spot good light anywhere—even in a parking garage or a random corner of a coffee shop.
(Photographer superpower!)
Website:
www.jennifergrahamphotography.com
Instagram:
Katie Monroe
City:
Sonoma, CA
Loves working with:
Coaches, consultants, start-ups, female founders, health and wellness brands (both physical and mental health), innovative tech
Photoshoot locations:
Rented homes for photoshoots - we love collaborating with Peerspace and Home Studio List
Photography style / aesthetic:
My photography style embodies creativity, originality, and self-expression. I’m passionate about capturing unique perspectives and bringing an artistic vision to life through photography. Key traits include authenticity, nurturing customer relationships, and leveraging creativity to produce inspiring work. The brand values artistry, imagination, and constantly pushing boundaries through innovative techniques and fresh perspectives.
Overall, the core brand personality revolves around originality, passion, and imagination. It thrives on finding new ways to artistically capture special life moments and emotions. The brand mission isn't just taking photos - it's about creating art and bringing heartfelt visions to life.
Languages spoken:
English and French
Vibe check:
Organized and warm, fun and energetic, enthusiastic and collaborative :)
Fun fact / hidden talent:
Let me think on this.
Website:
https://www.kreatephotography.com/
Instagram:
PHOTOGRAPHERS TO WATCH
PHOTOGRAPHERS TO WATCH
I admire these photographers and wanted to share their work. While they haven’t submitted their full profiles just yet, their links are here so you can explore their websites and socials directly.
Emily Kim
City: San Francisco, CA
Website: https://emilykimphotography.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykim.co
Tiana Hunter
City: San Francisco, CA
Website: https://tianahunterphoto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tianahunterphoto