You’re very good at some things, and making great headshots isn’t one of them. So I take that off your plate. In 20 minutes you’ll have the best headshot of your life, and even better ones as we go.
Imagine everyone who sees you sees that.
Bay Area Headshot Photographer
Headshots from my Temescal studio in Oakland, a block from MacArthur BART.
Get Pricing
Headshots made easy
Get Pricing- Book some time. Don't worry about posing or what to wear; I'll help with that.
- I light, position, and direct you to look great. We review as we go. You pay for your favorites.
- You get killer photos with high-end retouching.
Adam put me at ease in a way that felt very unique. Before I knew it he had captured a set of images that were completely different from anything I've ever had done before. They feel like me—unique, on brand, and full of character.
Andrea
San Francisco
Hi, I'm Adam
I started making portraits in 2014. Toured the US once as a slam poet. Gave up my kid in an open adoption and moved to Oakland so we can hang, now that he's a teenager. Every month or so I find a new reason to thank all my exes for breaking my heart.
One of these things is not true.
The headshot was never the point
Get Pricing
We were chatting on my steps. “New headshot” had been on their to-do list for a year. Their wife was picking them up to go dancing to celebrate.
It was our second session, 40 minutes in. I’d asked her to confront her crush, knowing they’d melt for her. We were reviewing, and it was banger after banger. She dabbed her eyes and said it meant so much to see herself this way.
He popped up in my LinkedIn feed and I knew the picture instantly—we’d made it in his living room eight years ago. When I texted he laughed and asked when I’m coming through Santa Barbara again.
595-star reviews
Kaitlyn Gernatt
I needed new headshots and boy did Adam deliver! He made me feel super comfortable and confident behind the camera. In our planning session he made suggestions on what I…
Hanna Freedlund
What a great experience working with Adam. He clearly knows his stuff but keeps the vibe easy and casual so it's not intimidating. I'm not particularly comfortable in front…
Jean-Claude Cubias
Easily one of the most genuine, funny, and patient photographer I have ever allowed to take my portraits. I'm a photographer myself and have worked with many photographers…
Cat Camille
Great session with a professional head shot that I was able to use for various events and publications! Adam gave some great guidance on how to pose most effectively- and…
Sam Snell
Taking pictures with Adam was amazing, he helped me feel very safe and comfortable, and had a lot of great feedback and attention to detail to offer for my posing that helped…
Cynthia Avila-Baca
I had a photo session with Adam for professional headshots, and it was by far one of the best experiences I've had. He was really personable and made me feel comfortable;…
Spydre V
Highly recommend Adam's work. He's great at getting natural looking headshots. Love the results!
Had an amazing experience! The headshots turned out amazing! Adam made the whole thing so fun and easy. Would definitely recommend going to him for headshots and portraits!…
Working with Adam Rubenstein is an absolute thrill and an honor. I met Adam at an incredible photographer workshop under the direction of Peter Hurley. When you work with…
As a creative professional, Adam led the session from the moment I booked to the shoot, with care, equity, compassion, and a dedicated eye to help me connect to the…
Adam (Stopped Down Studio) is FANTASTIC to work with! Very warm and personable and creates amazing, professional and authentic photographs. He truly wants the best for his…
Experience was solid from booking to the actual session. Had constant communication the entire time so I knew exactly what I needed to bring and do for the shoot. Photos came…
Adam provided an excellent experience. He really tries to bring the best out of his clients and is very collaborative.
I had such an amazing time working with Adam! Before I even arrived to his studio, Adam was extremely informative. He let me know how I should prepare for photos and his…
Laura Rappa
If you are an actor, and need headshots- this is the guy! Adam Rubinstein has a rare gift. He understands actors and somehow knows exactly how to bring out your unique…
Chloe De Lancie
Adam was a pleasure to work with. He was friendly, professional, and made my headshot session a great experience. He gave me some posing tips and made sure we got what I…
Rommel Huerta
First of all, Adam was very polite and professional. His transparency from the very beginning was on point and I do not think there is another photographer like him! He ran…
JeJe Gentry
Not only is Adam extremely talented and took fantastic photos, he put me at ease and made me feel comfortable. I now have some great headshots, had fun while the time flew by!
Emily Happe
I had a great session with Adam for my acting headshots. I am very new to the industry and inexperienced, but he made the experience very easy and enjoyable. Highly recommend!
Sara Rehart
Had a great experience shooting with Adam. The equipment he has are top notch, he has an eye for lighting to be super flattering, and he makes you feel at ease while shooting…
Kevin Esparza
This was my first time doing my headshots professionally, and Adam was very easy going. He made me feel extremely comfortable, he as very friendly and he told me exactly what…
Evan Mirabella
I had a great experience getting my headshots taken with Adam. He was incredibly encouraging and professional throughout the entire session. He told me ahead of time to bring…
Adams approach was totally new to me and focused on what casting directors look for... not just a smile but many more aspects of what creates range. He's got a great setup…
isabella doherty
I had such a great experience working with Adam. The process was very comfortable and professional he took his time to get the best angles. Truly appreciated the honest and…
Joshua Burkholder
Adam was an absolute delight and marvel to work with! The vibes, the speed, the attention to detail, and warmly disarming; Adam had me feel right at home at his studio. But…
Adam makes the entire process a walk in the park; from setting up appointment details and reviewing expectations ahead of time to making sure the end results are absolutely…
Garrett Alvarado
A great experience! And amazing headshots. Highly recommend
Duncan Bruce
adam was super professional and helpful for a first timer like me and his photos turn out fantastic
Francheska Loy
Best experience I've had with a photographer! Adam gave all the info I needed to know beforehand, so I felt prepared. The session itself was amazing. I felt really…
John Orozco
Had a great session with Adam for my headshots. Thanks!
Remy Fernandez-O'Brien
Taking portraits with Adam was a wonderful experience. During the session, I felt relaxed, well-guided, and supported in my queer identity. The end products were both the…
Ignacio Martinez
Great experience!! Would definitely recommend for any photoshoot needs!
Letter 3
We hired Adam to shoot one of our artists, and the experience was top-tier. He is an exceptional coach who made the talent feel confident while directing the session to get…
Ana Henderson-Arjona
Booking with Adam at Stopped Down Studio was effortless. I’m usually camera shy, but his coaching made me feel comfortable and look natural. The final images are beautiful,…
Meka
Excellent photographer with a knack for making you feel and look your best.
Rodrigo García
Had an individual photo session here and it was a great experience! The photographer was professional, friendly, and made me feel really comfortable in front of the camera.…
Reed Bobroff
Adam is an incredible photography with a great sense of tone, direction, and light. He knows exactly how to capture the spirit and energy you’re looking for. I had a…
Remy Fernandez-O'Brien (they/them)
Taking portraits with Adam was a wonderful experience. During the session, I felt relaxed, well-guided, and supported in my queer identity. The end products were both the…
Patrick Mitchell
Adam did a fantastic job and I had a great experience overall. I enjoyed the initial interview to find out what I wanted and was a fun process during the session. Would…
J Rache
More than a photo shoot! Adam is a dynamic photographer, artist, writer, and humanitarian. He brings such heart and sincerity to his work, he makes you feel at home, then…
B M
Representation matters, and when Adam asked me to be part of a local photography project, I was really honored. He was professional, caring, and he has an incredible eye.…
Elmer Martinez
I had the pleasure of working with Adam on a few occasions! All of these sessions resulted in photos I'd use for my modeling, work headshots, family gifts and so many more…
Shane Smith
Almost a decade ago, a friend introduced me to Adam, and I couldn’t be more grateful. From the outset, he made me feel completely at ease, encouraging me to share my story…
Duran Fernandez-O'Brien
I needed a few portraits and was lucky enough to have met Adam through my sibling. Adam was so easy to work with. He was flexible with his time and even came to me to take…
Rafael Martinez
Working with this photographer was an exceptional experience from start to finish. What truly sets them apart is their genuine kindness, thoughtfulness, and deep commitment…
Matthew Brown
Working with Adam Rubenstein was such a joy. From the very start of our shoot together he created a space that felt safe, open, and fun, which took the pressure off and let…
Christian Drake
Adam shows you the 'you' you never see in the mirror. This isn't the portrait that you've always practiced for photos, adjusting your eyes and hoping your smile is "right"…
Mitchell Wilcox
I really love the photos that Adam took of me and I often don't like photos taken of me that aren't candid shots or portraiture in general that isn't candid. That kind of…
I've known Adam for twenty years (or more at this point). He has an impecable eye for capturing the essence of a person's character for professional headshots, book covers…
The Golden GAUDS Collective
This was the best session I have had in front of a camera in a long time!! Adam works as intently and intentionally at getting you into the right headspace as he does…
Eric B
I consistently use the same photo Adam took of me for professional theater and film. Although, the session wasn't originally planned for headshots with his innovative…
Andrea Wedell
I came to Adam for a headshot without really knowing what to expect. I'd seen his portfolio and loved the work—his photos felt honest and intriguing, like he had captured the…
Erin Jackson
Working with Adam felt less like getting my picture taken and more like being invited into a story. He has a way of holding up a mirror so you can see your best angles…
Jessica Helen Lopez
When I say cathedrals is first, Adam is an absolutely talented and professional photographer. He’s got such a great eye! I still use the photo he took of me a few years back…
Dan Gottwald
Working with Adam is a real treat. He's thoughtful, imaginative, playful and dedicated to capturing as much "you" as possible.
Def-i
Adam is one of the most talented photographers I met on my journey through music and art. I definitely would highly recommend this studio to anyone for all occasions! Adam…
Michael Wakim
I’m usually shy in front of a camera but Adam made me feel very comfortable and I ended up getting one of the best headshots I had ever gotten. He was very kind and very…
Damien Flores
Working with Adam was a dream! His professionalism and knowhow made our photo session an amazing experience. I've used his photographs in many of my press kits, especially as…
Justin Woo
I’ve been using Adam’s portrait of me for years. In fact it’s my Google profile pic associated with this review! He’s wonderful to work with in the studio on a personal level…
Kaitlyn Gernatt
I needed new headshots and boy did Adam deliver! He made me feel super comfortable and confident behind the camera. In our planning session he made suggestions on what I…
Hanna Freedlund
What a great experience working with Adam. He clearly knows his stuff but keeps the vibe easy and casual so it's not intimidating. I'm not particularly comfortable in front…
Jean-Claude Cubias
Easily one of the most genuine, funny, and patient photographer I have ever allowed to take my portraits. I'm a photographer myself and have worked with many photographers…
Cat Camille
Great session with a professional head shot that I was able to use for various events and publications! Adam gave some great guidance on how to pose most effectively- and…
Sam Snell
Taking pictures with Adam was amazing, he helped me feel very safe and comfortable, and had a lot of great feedback and attention to detail to offer for my posing that helped…
Cynthia Avila-Baca
I had a photo session with Adam for professional headshots, and it was by far one of the best experiences I've had. He was really personable and made me feel comfortable;…
Spydre V
Highly recommend Adam's work. He's great at getting natural looking headshots. Love the results!
Had an amazing experience! The headshots turned out amazing! Adam made the whole thing so fun and easy. Would definitely recommend going to him for headshots and portraits!…
Working with Adam Rubenstein is an absolute thrill and an honor. I met Adam at an incredible photographer workshop under the direction of Peter Hurley. When you work with…
As a creative professional, Adam led the session from the moment I booked to the shoot, with care, equity, compassion, and a dedicated eye to help me connect to the…
Adam (Stopped Down Studio) is FANTASTIC to work with! Very warm and personable and creates amazing, professional and authentic photographs. He truly wants the best for his…
Experience was solid from booking to the actual session. Had constant communication the entire time so I knew exactly what I needed to bring and do for the shoot. Photos came…
Adam provided an excellent experience. He really tries to bring the best out of his clients and is very collaborative.
I had such an amazing time working with Adam! Before I even arrived to his studio, Adam was extremely informative. He let me know how I should prepare for photos and his…
Laura Rappa
If you are an actor, and need headshots- this is the guy! Adam Rubinstein has a rare gift. He understands actors and somehow knows exactly how to bring out your unique…
Chloe De Lancie
Adam was a pleasure to work with. He was friendly, professional, and made my headshot session a great experience. He gave me some posing tips and made sure we got what I…
Rommel Huerta
First of all, Adam was very polite and professional. His transparency from the very beginning was on point and I do not think there is another photographer like him! He ran…
JeJe Gentry
Not only is Adam extremely talented and took fantastic photos, he put me at ease and made me feel comfortable. I now have some great headshots, had fun while the time flew by!
Emily Happe
I had a great session with Adam for my acting headshots. I am very new to the industry and inexperienced, but he made the experience very easy and enjoyable. Highly recommend!
Sara Rehart
Had a great experience shooting with Adam. The equipment he has are top notch, he has an eye for lighting to be super flattering, and he makes you feel at ease while shooting…
Kevin Esparza
This was my first time doing my headshots professionally, and Adam was very easy going. He made me feel extremely comfortable, he as very friendly and he told me exactly what…
Evan Mirabella
I had a great experience getting my headshots taken with Adam. He was incredibly encouraging and professional throughout the entire session. He told me ahead of time to bring…
Adams approach was totally new to me and focused on what casting directors look for... not just a smile but many more aspects of what creates range. He's got a great setup…
isabella doherty
I had such a great experience working with Adam. The process was very comfortable and professional he took his time to get the best angles. Truly appreciated the honest and…
Joshua Burkholder
Adam was an absolute delight and marvel to work with! The vibes, the speed, the attention to detail, and warmly disarming; Adam had me feel right at home at his studio. But…
Adam makes the entire process a walk in the park; from setting up appointment details and reviewing expectations ahead of time to making sure the end results are absolutely…
Garrett Alvarado
A great experience! And amazing headshots. Highly recommend
Duncan Bruce
adam was super professional and helpful for a first timer like me and his photos turn out fantastic
Francheska Loy
Best experience I've had with a photographer! Adam gave all the info I needed to know beforehand, so I felt prepared. The session itself was amazing. I felt really…
John Orozco
Had a great session with Adam for my headshots. Thanks!
Remy Fernandez-O'Brien
Taking portraits with Adam was a wonderful experience. During the session, I felt relaxed, well-guided, and supported in my queer identity. The end products were both the…
Ignacio Martinez
Great experience!! Would definitely recommend for any photoshoot needs!
Letter 3
We hired Adam to shoot one of our artists, and the experience was top-tier. He is an exceptional coach who made the talent feel confident while directing the session to get…
Ana Henderson-Arjona
Booking with Adam at Stopped Down Studio was effortless. I’m usually camera shy, but his coaching made me feel comfortable and look natural. The final images are beautiful,…
Meka
Excellent photographer with a knack for making you feel and look your best.
Rodrigo García
Had an individual photo session here and it was a great experience! The photographer was professional, friendly, and made me feel really comfortable in front of the camera.…
Reed Bobroff
Adam is an incredible photography with a great sense of tone, direction, and light. He knows exactly how to capture the spirit and energy you’re looking for. I had a…
Remy Fernandez-O'Brien (they/them)
Taking portraits with Adam was a wonderful experience. During the session, I felt relaxed, well-guided, and supported in my queer identity. The end products were both the…
Patrick Mitchell
Adam did a fantastic job and I had a great experience overall. I enjoyed the initial interview to find out what I wanted and was a fun process during the session. Would…
J Rache
More than a photo shoot! Adam is a dynamic photographer, artist, writer, and humanitarian. He brings such heart and sincerity to his work, he makes you feel at home, then…
B M
Representation matters, and when Adam asked me to be part of a local photography project, I was really honored. He was professional, caring, and he has an incredible eye.…
Elmer Martinez
I had the pleasure of working with Adam on a few occasions! All of these sessions resulted in photos I'd use for my modeling, work headshots, family gifts and so many more…
Shane Smith
Almost a decade ago, a friend introduced me to Adam, and I couldn’t be more grateful. From the outset, he made me feel completely at ease, encouraging me to share my story…
Duran Fernandez-O'Brien
I needed a few portraits and was lucky enough to have met Adam through my sibling. Adam was so easy to work with. He was flexible with his time and even came to me to take…
Rafael Martinez
Working with this photographer was an exceptional experience from start to finish. What truly sets them apart is their genuine kindness, thoughtfulness, and deep commitment…
Matthew Brown
Working with Adam Rubenstein was such a joy. From the very start of our shoot together he created a space that felt safe, open, and fun, which took the pressure off and let…
Christian Drake
Adam shows you the 'you' you never see in the mirror. This isn't the portrait that you've always practiced for photos, adjusting your eyes and hoping your smile is "right"…
Mitchell Wilcox
I really love the photos that Adam took of me and I often don't like photos taken of me that aren't candid shots or portraiture in general that isn't candid. That kind of…
I've known Adam for twenty years (or more at this point). He has an impecable eye for capturing the essence of a person's character for professional headshots, book covers…
The Golden GAUDS Collective
This was the best session I have had in front of a camera in a long time!! Adam works as intently and intentionally at getting you into the right headspace as he does…
Eric B
I consistently use the same photo Adam took of me for professional theater and film. Although, the session wasn't originally planned for headshots with his innovative…
Andrea Wedell
I came to Adam for a headshot without really knowing what to expect. I'd seen his portfolio and loved the work—his photos felt honest and intriguing, like he had captured the…
Erin Jackson
Working with Adam felt less like getting my picture taken and more like being invited into a story. He has a way of holding up a mirror so you can see your best angles…
Jessica Helen Lopez
When I say cathedrals is first, Adam is an absolutely talented and professional photographer. He’s got such a great eye! I still use the photo he took of me a few years back…
Dan Gottwald
Working with Adam is a real treat. He's thoughtful, imaginative, playful and dedicated to capturing as much "you" as possible.
Def-i
Adam is one of the most talented photographers I met on my journey through music and art. I definitely would highly recommend this studio to anyone for all occasions! Adam…
Michael Wakim
I’m usually shy in front of a camera but Adam made me feel very comfortable and I ended up getting one of the best headshots I had ever gotten. He was very kind and very…
Damien Flores
Working with Adam was a dream! His professionalism and knowhow made our photo session an amazing experience. I've used his photographs in many of my press kits, especially as…
Justin Woo
I’ve been using Adam’s portrait of me for years. In fact it’s my Google profile pic associated with this review! He’s wonderful to work with in the studio on a personal level…
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