Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do and your industry?
I’m James Kastner, a San Francisco real estate agent with over 22 years of experience and a serious passion for marketing. I have a breadth of experience across the industry, but my favorite role has always been the creative force leading the charge. I built the first property website before that was even a thing, and I was the first in my market to turn a basic flyer into a folded, designed brochure, back when that blew people’s minds. Now, brochures might be 12-page booklets or folded like origami, but the goal is the same: make every home unforgettable. Whether $300,000 or $300 million… every client receives concierge-level, luxury treatment. At Sotheby’s International Realty, I bring deep market knowledge and a design-driven approach to every client experience.
What motivated you to get a new headshot? How old was your previous headshot?
After two decades in the business, I’ve evolved, and my branding needed to reflect that. I wanted headshots that feel intentional, elevated, and aligned with the way I approach real estate: thoughtful, polished, and personal. It wasn’t just about updating a photo. It was about telling the next chapter of “me” in a visual way.
How did you feel about your old headshot prior to coming to me, and what were you looking for in your new one?
My old headshots were purely functional. They checked a box but didn’t say anything about me. They felt mechanical, like placeholders rather than portraits. What I wanted this time was something with intention: images that reflect my personality, my creativity, and the way I approach my work. Not just a photo, but a feeling.
In what ways do you think your new headshot has impacted your business, visibility or job search?
The new headshots immediately shifted the energy of my brand. On my website, brochures, and social media, they’ve created a mood: something cohesive, elevated, and unmistakably me. It’s less about a single photo and more about the overall vibe they help establish, and that’s been incredibly compelling.
Have you received any feedback or comments on your new headshot?
Absolutely. The feedback has been immediate and consistent: “This feels like you.” People have commented on how polished, thoughtfully styled, and serious in tone, yet approachable, the photos are. They’ve said it really captures my vibe. And my mom loved them. So, let’s be honest, that’s the ultimate stamp of approval.
How important do you think a professional headshot is for someone in your field?
In real estate, visuals are everything. We know great photography can sell a property before someone even steps through the door. The same goes for a headshot. It’s the first impression a potential client has of me, before they read a single word of my bio. My image should reflect the level of care, creativity, and professionalism I bring to my work. A strong headshot doesn’t just represent me. It signals how I show up.
What advice would you give to someone considering getting a professional headshot?
In real estate, we don’t advise sellers to go the For Sale By Owner route, because we know the value of expertise. The same principle applies to headshots. You’re building trust before you even speak, and a professional image helps you step into that moment with confidence and clarity. If you can show that you know how to market yourself, it signals that you know how to market their home. When you work with someone who knows how to capture your presence, the result isn’t just a photo. It’s a statement.
Were you nervous or uncomfortable with the idea of having your photos taken and if so how was the experience in the end?
I’ll admit it: I don’t love being in front of the camera, especially when it comes to smiling. It’s always felt a little awkward and unnatural to me to smile on command. But this experience was different. The direction was subtle but effective, and instead of trying to force a smile, I got to just be myself. And that came through in the photos.
How did you prepare for your headshot session, and do you have any tips for others on how to get ready for theirs?
I decided not to overthink it. I kept to my normal rhythm: weekly haircut, suits and outfits already prepped from always being ready to show property. That morning, I chose a few looks, showed four condos to buyers, and swung by the studio afterward. I made it part of my day, not the whole day. My advice? Don’t obsess. Be prepared, look sharp, and trust the process.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience or the impact of your new headshot?
What surprised me most was how much the photos feel like me. Not just in how they look, but in the energy they give off. That’s rare. It’s more than a headshot. It’s a piece of my brand that reflects the clarity and confidence I bring to my work.
How was your experience working with S72 for your headshot session?
He’s incredibly organized (intensely so, in the best way) from the moment of the first interaction with his website, through the lead-up to the session. When I walked in, he guided the entire session with precision and ease. It was quick, just about 30 minutes, but that structure meant I didn’t have time to overthink my smile, my outfit, or how I was standing. And honestly, that was a relief. Posing often feels insincere to me, but this felt natural. I could feel his eye for the image with each shot, in the way he communicated between clicks, gave direction, and adjusted the energy ever so slightly. The whole experience was efficient, focused, and surprisingly comfortable.
