Startup headshots: Who needs Them & what to look for

What Are Startup Headshots?

Startup headshots are designed to capture the innovative and dynamic spirit of entrepreneurs and startup team members. These photos are often featured on company websites, investor presentations, and social media, playing a crucial role in establishing the personal and professional identity of those driving the startup.

An effective startup headshot combines professional attire with a creative, approachable demeanor, reflecting the unique culture and forward-thinking ethos of the startup environment. This blend not only showcases your professionalism but also highlights your innovative spirit—essential for attracting partners, investors, and customers in the tech industry. By accurately capturing the energy and personality of startup professionals, a well-executed headshot can significantly enhance your visibility and contribute to your venture’s overall branding.

On this page are a some startup headshot examples, you can see my portfolio for more.

Who Needs Startup Headshots?

Anyone involved in a startup—whether team members, founders, or those launching a new venture—needs a custom startup headshot. In a fast-paced ecosystem where first impressions matter, a fresh, modern headshot is crucial.

These photos enhance your professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn and company websites, positioning you as a cutting-edge leader in the startup culture. A custom startup headshot should capture your creativity and vision, portraying you as both approachable and professional—qualities essential for attracting investors, recruiting talent, and engaging with potential customers. These images help communicate that you’re at the forefront of modern business, ready to lead and innovate.

What Should I Look For In An Realtor Startup Photographer?

When selecting a photographer for startup headshots, it's crucial to choose a professional who understands the dynamic and innovative spirit of startup culture. Startups, their employees, and founders should look for a photographer who can convey a fresh, modern, and cutting-edge image, reflecting the forward-thinking nature of their business. The photographer should have a portfolio that demonstrates their proficiency in creating vibrant and contemporary portraits that break from traditional corporate norms to showcase creativity and originality. Key attributes to consider include their ability to use modern techniques and styles, suggestions for attire that is both professional and trendsetting, and a knack for capturing the entrepreneurial spirit and energy of their subjects. This approach ensures that the headshots not only enhance the personal brand of the individuals but also align with the innovative and youthful ethos of their startup

Make sure you are getting uniquely custom headshots and the photographer understands your company brand, your personality and what it is you want to convey with your startup headshots.

Primarily, assess the photographer's portfolio. Opt for a photographer whose work is distinct and superior and clearly better than other photographers. Choosing a budget photographer is not advisable when your company image and career are at risk.

HOW SHOULD MY Startup HEADSHOTS LOOK?

As a photographer who has worked with many startups on their company headshots, I understand the importance of a headshot that not only looks professional but also conveys your employee’s unique personality and style. It's essential that the headshots reflect who they are, making it a powerful tool in communicating your company’s brand along with the unique personalities of all your employees. A more modern creative headshot is important for startups and startup employees.

Your startup headshot should embody the innovative and dynamic spirit of the entrepreneurial world, finely crafted to reflect your creativity and forward-thinking mindset. It's essential that this image not only showcases your professionalism but also highlights your approachability and the unique vision that drives your startup. Lighting should be modern and flattering, with an emphasis on bringing out your personality while also maintaining a professional look. Creative lighting techniques can be employed to enhance the contemporary feel of the image, setting you apart in a competitive landscape. Your personal style should show through. Overall, your startup headshot should be a compelling and vibrant representation, designed to attract like-minded collaborators, investors, and customers, showcasing your role as a key innovator in your field.

I take the time to get to know your company’s brand, and what you want to communicate through your startup’s image. Together, we will determine the best look that suits your company’s personality and style, creating custom startup headshots tailored to meet your specific needs

Having said that, if you have an existing look that needs to be matched, I can do that as well..

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY HEADSHOTS?

For those immersed in the dynamic startup culture, your headshot should encapsulate both your professional acumen and the innovative ethos typical of the startup environment. While a crisp blazer or a tailored shirt is a safe choice, embracing more casual attire can communicate the creative and relaxed nature of startup life effectively. Don’t hesitate to wear a high-quality, well-fitted t-shirt, especially if it reflects your brand or personality, such as one featuring a subtle, yet stylish logo or a smart graphic design.

Given the often informal and progressive atmosphere of startups, it’s entirely appropriate—and sometimes advantageous—to opt for a more laid-back look. This can include smart-casual combinations like a neat t-shirt paired with a contemporary jacket, or even a smart sweater that balances professionalism with comfort. This approach not only conveys your adaptability and approachability but also emphasizes your individuality, making your headshot stand out and resonate with the vibrant, unconventional spirit of the startup community.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE S72?

Custom: My startup headshots are completely customized to your startup’s brand and identity. There are no pre-set lighting/studio setups like most photographers use with their clients. The look and style is completely up to you or we can work together to find a look that works best for you.

Experience: I’ve captured the images of thousands of individuals across various fields and styles, and I can achieve the same fantastic results for you.

Quality: You will not find a better startup headshot photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area (or anywhere in my opinion). The quality of my work speaks for itself. I pay close attention to details and quality throughout the process from lighting all the way to retouching the final images. I have more 5 star reviews than any other headshot photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area. More than 500 (at the time of this writing) across Yelp, Google, and Facebook.

Ease: Having their picture taken is the last thing many people want to do. I make the entire process easy and pain free from beginning to end.

No Risk: Booking is risk free with my 100% money back guarantee on individual sessions.

You know What You’re Getting: When you hire S72 you're hiring one person, me. Some other headshot studios have many photographers, so you don’t know who will be taking your photos. A photo you like on their website may have been taken by a different photographer than has been assigned to your shoot. Every image on my website was taken be me and only I will be taking your photo.

HOW MUCH SHOULD HEADSHOTS COST?

As with anything you tend to get what you pay for and startup headshots are no different.

Your startup headshots are often the first impression people will get about your company so you need to make it a good one. The difference in price between high end custom startup headshots and cheap ones is pennies a day over the life of the headshot. Your brand and image are worth more than that.

Startup Headshots aren’t something you make or earn money back on so it may be hard to put a dollar value on them. For some, this makes it easy to think they should just get the cheapest “decent” startup headshot they can find. Most people underestimate what a quality headshot costs so they don’t budget appropriately when looking for a photographer. A lower priced startup headshot photographer is typically lower priced for a reason.

In the San Francisco Bay area you will find a wide range of prices for headshots and an even wider range of quality. Find the photographer whose work stands out the most, provides you with a custom headshot that fits your style and brand and make the investment in your company.

I’m know my work stands out among San Francisco headshot photographers. If you compare my photos with others, you’ll notice the superior quality. Now is the perfect opportunity to refresh your image. Use the form below to contact me and explore how I can create a unique headshot for you, or click the “book now” button at the top right of this page to schedule your session.