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San Diego Headshots, Branding & Family Photographer

Meet Cary Pennington

Creating Stunning Headshots, Branding Images & Family Portraits in San Diego

Thanks for stopping by! I’m Cary, and I’ve been a professional photographer since 2005, when I shot my first paid gig and realized I’d found my thing. Since then, I’ve focused on headshots and branding photography—helping corporate clients, creative professionals, and actors around San Diego put their best selves forward with photos that feel authentic, confident, and effortless.

 

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with talented individuals and teams, guiding them through the process so they feel comfortable in front of the camera and leave with images that truly represent who they are. My goal is simple: create photos that make people feel proud to share, whether it’s on LinkedIn, a personal website, or across their brand.

 

I’m a San Diego native, and I love exploring the local scene as much as I love traveling—my favorite spot in the world is Zion National Park. When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me watching sports, hanging out with family and friends, or planning my next adventure.

 

Curious about headshots or just want to ask a few questions? Shoot me an email at info@carypenningtonphotography.com or fill out the contact form, and let’s start planning a session.

 

I’d love to help you look—and feel—like your best self.

Cary Pennington wearing black shirt

WHAT I BELIEVE

People look and feel their best when they’re comfortable and supported. My job is to guide the process, take the pressure off, and create photos that feel natural, confident, and genuinely you.

 

I focus on clear direction, a relaxed atmosphere, and attention to the details that matter—so you can show up as yourself, and your images reflect that. Trust, comfort, and connection are at the core of every session, and that’s where the best photos happen.

Authenticity — Your photos should look and feel like the real you.
Comfort & Confidence — A relaxed, guided experience that takes the pressure off.
Quality & Professionalism — Polished, timeless images crafted with care.
Connection — Real rapport leads to real moments that truly show who you are.

San Diego Photographer Sharing My Story

My Journey Into Photography

My Path to Creating Authentic Headshots & Branding Images

I grew up surrounded by two things—guitars and cameras. My dad always had them around, and while music was my first love, photography eventually found its way into my life in the most meaningful way.

 

In my twenties, I discovered how powerful a single photo could be. Looking back at candid images my father had taken of our family, I saw how they held memories and emotions like nothing else could. That discovery sparked something in me, and I picked up a camera to start capturing the world around me.

 

What began with street scenes and snapshots of my girlfriend (now my wife of nearly 30 years) quickly turned into a passion I couldn’t ignore. I practiced, learned everything I could about lighting and storytelling, and eventually found myself photographing weddings, families, and milestones. Capturing families and their connections became especially meaningful—it’s where I saw photography’s true power to preserve love and emotion. By 2005, I left my day job to pursue photography full-time.

 

Over the years, I’ve photographed countless families and weddings, helping people capture meaningful moments that last a lifetime. In 2018, I began focusing on professional headshots and personal branding photography, and today I specialize in headshots, branding, and family portraits, while still offering weddings and other special occasions.

 

With more than 20 years of experience, I’ve worked with people from every background—executives, entrepreneurs, actors, families, and business owners—helping them feel confident and natural in front of the camera. Whether you need updated professional headshots, a branding photography session that elevates your business, or timeless family portraits, my process is always relaxed and guided so you never have to worry about “what to do.” Each session is designed to capture authentic moments while highlighting your personality, professionalism, and connection with others.

San Diego Headshots, Branding & Family Photography Reviews

Loved by San Diego professionals and families alike

Google

40+ Google Reviews That Speak for Themselves

Yelp logo featuring black text and the star-shaped logo ABOUT online reviews.

30+ Yelp Reviews That Speak for Themselves

The People I Have the Privilege to Work With

SentiLink logo on a dark background with a geometric symbol and text.
Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C. logo on black background.
Logo of Capital Partners. a full service commercial mortgage firm.
Club Inject text logo within a circle ABOUT professional photography services.
PierianDx logo in gray text, indicating brand and company name.
Logo for Solventum featuring stylized text on a black background.
SeacompWebLogo.jpg
Daré Bioscience logo with a stylized D ABOUT a research and development firm
Raymond James logo on black background, financial advising services.
Pine Park Health logo features two trees with a heart, HEALTH text below.
American Cancer Society logo, supporting awareness and research about cancer.
CSBAlogo_edited_edited_edited.png
Arcana Empothecary medical symbol within a circle, with visible text herbal & nutritional pharmacy.

Client Experiences With Our Photography Services

Trusted for Headshots, Branding & Family Portraits

"Cary did a fantastic job with professional headshots for an attorney I work with. Despite a busy, out-of-town schedule, he made the session easy and stress-free. He followed my instructions perfectly, stayed in great communication, and was flexible with timing. I would highly recommend Cary!"

Roger B.

"Cary was great to work with, very personable and fun with the kids. The photos are beautiful, and we're so glad to have those memories of our family reunion. He responded promptly to my texts and emails and got to our photo location, Dog Beach, before we did. I would highly recommend him!"

Liisa O.

"Had a personal branding photo session with Cary Pennington today and he was amazing. He's very creative and made me feel completely comfortable. Can't wait to see the final photos as I know they will be beautiful. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a great photographer".

Francesca S.

Let’s create photos that tell your story and leave a lasting impression. See why people choose me

I proudly serve clients in Carlsbad and throughout North County San Diego—La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos—and the greater San Diego area.

A Glimpse Into My Creative Side

FINE ART METAL PRINTS
by CARY PENNINGTON

A collection of landscapes that reflect the places that inspire me most.

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