Professional Headshots in Carlsbad & San Diego
Headshots for Individuals, Professionals & Corporate Teams
Professional headshots that look like you on your best day: confident, approachable, and natural.
With more than 20 years of photography experience and a guided approach to posing and expression, I'll help you feel comfortable in front of the camera and create images you're proud to share.
Guided sessions Same-day proofs Carlsbad studio
Need team headshots for your company? Request a Quote
Trusted by Professionals and Organizations Across San Diego
From established organizations to local businesses, I've worked with professionals and teams across San Diego to create polished, professional headshots.
A few organizations I've had the pleasure of working with:
Headshots for Every Kind of Professional
Based in Carlsbad in North County San Diego, I create professional headshots for individuals, creatives, and businesses throughout San Diego County.
For Professionals Who Want to Stand Out
Executive Headshots
Professional, approachable headshots for leadership profiles, company websites, LinkedIn, and speaking engagements.
Real Estate Headshots
Realtor headshots for agent profiles, brokerage websites, marketing materials, and real estate branding.
Attorney & Consultant Headshots
Confident, credible headshots for law firm websites, professional directories, and consulting businesses.
Doctor & Healthcare Headshots
Professional headshots for physicians, healthcare providers, medical practices, and hospital directories.
ERAS Residency Headshots
Medical residency application photos prepared to meet ERAS photo requirements.
Military & Civil Service Headshots
Professional portraits for military personnel, government employees, promotion profiles, and career transitions.
Actor Headshots
Expressive, natural-looking headshots that showcase your personality for auditions, casting profiles, and portfolios.
Personal Branding & Entrepreneur Headshots
Personality-driven portraits for entrepreneurs and business owners building a recognizable personal brand.
Individual Headshots for San Diego Professionals
Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, starting a new position, or refreshing your company bio, your headshot should reflect the person people will meet in real life.
'll guide you through posing, posture, and expression, with wardrobe guidance to help you prepare. You don't need to know how to pose or worry about what to do in front of the camera. My goal is to create a polished, professional headshot that still looks like you.
You'll receive your proof gallery the same day, so you can review your images and choose your favorites for professional retouching.
Individual headshot sessions take place at my Carlsbad studio, with options to fit different needs and budgets.
Corporate Team Headshots in San Diego
Give your company's website, LinkedIn profiles, and employee directory a consistent, professional look with corporate team headshots created for your team.
I bring professional lighting and background equipment directly to your workplace, providing on-site corporate team headshots throughout San Diego County. Employees can get photographed efficiently without the need to travel to a studio.
From small businesses and professional offices to larger teams and multi-location companies, I'll plan the session around your team's size, schedule, and needs. Each person receives guidance with posing and expressions to create a cohesive set of headshots while still looking like themselves.
Tell me about your team, and I'll help you plan a corporate headshot session that works for your business.
Planning headshots for a company?
Personal Branding Photography for San Diego Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
Your professional image is about more than one profile photo. Personal branding photography creates a collection of images that shows your personality, communicates what you do, and gives people a better sense of the person behind your business.
Branding sessions can include a variety of looks, settings, and activities tailored to your work and how you connect with clients. The resulting images can be used across your website, social media, marketing materials, and other business platforms.
Not Comfortable in Front of the Camera?
You're Not Alone
Most people aren't used to being photographed. You might worry your smile will look stiff, your expression unnatural, or that you won't look like yourself.
That's where I come in. I'll guide you throughout your session, offering direction and feedback along the way so you can relax, feel confident, and enjoy the experience. You don't need to know how to pose or worry about what to do. That's my job.
Your Headshot Experience, Step by Step
1. Book Your Session
Choose the headshot session that fits your needs. I'll also provide wardrobe guidance so you know what to wear and what to expect.
2. Guided Posing & Expressions
I'll guide your posture, angles, and expressions throughout the session, helping you look natural, confident, and approachable.
3. Review Your Images
View your proof gallery the same day and choose the images you'd like professionally retouched.
4. Expert Retouching
I'll carefully retouch your selected images to create polished, professional photos while keeping you looking like yourself.
Real People. Headshots They're Happy With
Getting your headshots taken can feel a little intimidating, especially if you're not used to being in front of the camera. My goal is to make the experience relaxed, guide you through the process, and create images that feel like you on your very best day. But don't just take my word for it. Here's what clients have to say about their experience.
"I usually hate having my photo taken, but Cary made it easy—and I ended up with headshots I actually love!"
Alysia Perez - Aesthetic RN
Cary was awesome from start to finish. Not only did he take great shots, but he also helped me with my wardrobe selection. Finally, he was very detail oriented and took notice of everything that needed adjusting with my clothes and positioning. It was a great experience and I highly recommend Cary for your next photo shoot…
Nazar - VP of Operations Job Options Inc.
Cary is an exceptional photographer. I had my corporate headshots taken by him. He is very patient and dedicates a lot of time to capturing the best shots with the perfect lighting. I highly recommend his photography services.
Anitha- Director, Customer Engineering
Samsung Semiconductor
Helping Real People Feel Confident on Camera
Cary Pennington, owner and professional photographer
I'm Cary, a San Diego native and the photographer behind Cary Pennington Photography. I've been creating photographs professionally since 2005, and over the years, I've learned that the best images come from more than getting the lighting and composition right. They come from understanding the person in front of the camera.
I bring that perspective to every session, whether I'm working with an individual or photographing an entire team. I want the experience to feel personal, collaborative, and true to the people I'm photographing.
Ready to Finally Love Your Headshots?
Let’s create professional, authentic images that show the real you.
Fill out the form below, and I’ll guide you every step of the way.
No pressure — I’ll reach out to confirm details and answer any questions.