CARLSBAD
TOP HEADSHOT & BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHER THAT UNDERSTANDS YOU

Hey there! I’m Cary Pennington, a passionate photographer based in Carlsbad, CA, specializing in headshots and branding photography. I believe that every person has a story, and my job is to bring yours to life through powerful, authentic images.

I know what it’s like to need a great photo but feel overwhelmed by the process. Maybe you’re worried about looking stiff, unsure how to pose, or just don’t feel “photogenic.” Trust me—I hear it all the time. That’s why my approach is built on one simple thing: understanding you.

As a professional photographer, I take the time to truly listen to what you need. Whether it’s a polished headshot that exudes confidence, a branding session that tells your story, or images that capture the heart of your business, I focus on making you feel at ease in front of the camera.

I guide you every step of the way—helping with poses, lighting, and the little details that make a big difference. My goal? To create images that feel like you at your best. Natural, approachable, and professional.

Because a great photo isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you feel. And when you feel comfortable and confident, it shows.

Whether you’re a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or creative professional, I know how important it is to have images that make a lasting impact. Your headshot isn’t just a picture—it’s your first impression, your personal brand, and a reflection of your confidence and professionalism. But beyond just looking good, it needs to feel authentic.

I believe a great photo isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you feel. When you feel comfortable and confident, it shows. That’s why I take the time to guide you through the entire process, ensuring you walk away with images that truly represent you.

Let’s create images that make an impact....

A LITTLE BIT
ABOUT MY
STORY

Ever since I was a young boy, I remembered being surrounded by two things—guitas and cameras. My father always had them around the house, and while I first gravitated toward music, photography found its way into my life in an unexpected and deeply meaningful way.

As a teenager and young adult, I poured my passion into playing guitar, starting and performing in local San Francisco bands. But back then, making it big wasn’t easy—YouTube didn’t exist, and breaking into the music industry was a different game. Then, in my mid-twenties, something shifted. I started looking back at all the candid photos my father had taken of my brother, our family, and me. I realized how powerful a single photo could be—it had the ability to transport you back in time, to relive emotions, moments, and memories that might otherwise fade. That realization hit deep, sparking something in my soul.

So, I picked up a camera and started capturing everything—street scenes, landscapes, everyday life. My girlfriend at the time (who is now my wife of nearly 30 years) loved having her photos taken at different locations around San Diego, and those early days of shooting helped me fall even more in love with photography.

At the time, I had a stable, well-paying job, but my passion for photography kept growing. I took every opportunity to hone my skills, learning all I could about lighting, composition, and storytelling. Eventually, my "day job" started using my photography expertise to shoot motorcycle products for their catalogs, websites, and advertisements. This was my introduction to studio photography—working with professional lighting, backdrops, and commercial setups.

Around that same time, I started a photography-based greeting card line, featuring scenic landscapes from San Diego, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and San Francisco. Local stores carried my cards, which gave me the confidence to explore photography beyond just a creative passion.

In 2004, I started photographing weddings part-time while still holding my full-time job. But in 2005, I took the leap—I left my job to pursue photography full-time. Over the next 15 years, I photographed 30-40 weddings a year, capturing love stories while also offering maternity and family portraits.

Then, in 2018, I started incorporating professional headshots into my work, photographing business professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners. By 2023, I expanded into personal branding photography, helping clients visually tell their brand stories with authentic, impactful imagery. Photography has been a lifelong journey—one that started with a simple realization about the power of an image.

Today, my mission is to create timeless, high-quality photos that capture personality, emotion, and connection. Whether it’s a headshot, branding session, or family portrait, I want my clients to feel seen, confident, and proud of the story their images tell.

Ready to create something amazing together? Let’s chat!

SCHEDULE A CALL

MISSION

"My mission is simple: to create stunning, professional headshots and branding images that help individuals and businesses make a lasting impression. I strive to make every session relaxed, fun, and empowering so you leave feeling confident in front of the camera."

Core Values

(What Guides My Business)

Authenticity – Every image should reflect your true personality.
Comfort & Confidence – I create a stress-free, fun experience to bring out your best.
Quality & Professionalism – High-quality, polished images that elevate your brand.
Connection – Building real relationships with clients to create meaningful photos.