Stopped Down Studio
Bay Area Headshot Photographer
Love how you look in your profile photo
You deliver original, thoughtful, craft-infused creative. Your decks sing, your copy’s clever, your presentations would make Don Draper flush. But remembering all that in front of the camera is hard. I coach you back to yourself, so you can start every conversation online with confidence.
The Process
Book
Schedule a time that works for you.
Shoot
Laugh for an hour in my studio in North Oakland. Pick your final images before you leave.
Slay
Feel great about yourself. Project confidence everywhere you go.
Crafted, not generated
Great things happen when you love how you look. You know everyone’s seeing you the way you want to be seen. Confident, competent, and approachable.
Why we avoid updating headshots
In most cases, you’ll be done—finals ready for retouching—in an hour. If you have 10 minutes, we’ll level you up in 10 minutes.
The camera doesn’t know what you look like, but I do. I correct color first thing, with you in front of me, when I’m finding your angles and tuning the lights for you.
I start every session by finding the angles that flatter you.
We review the pictures as we go, so we’re always on the same page.
That’s because you’re a human! Cameras are weird. Even models had to learn how to turn it on.
I’m very good at drawing people out. The pictures are really just a record of us connecting, person to person—that’s what makes them a powerful networking tool. When someone looks at your profile picture, they’ll feel the same thing I felt: This person is awesome, and I can’t wait to get to know them.
It’s my job to mentor you. I have over a decade of training, study, and experience. If you can play Simon Says, you’re already at varsity level.
It helps to think of the shoot as a work activity. A great picture is a powerful tool to help you connect with others to advance your career.
I get it. School photos and DMV mugshots are about as personal as an assembly line. (You should see my old MA driver’s license.) The good news is it wasn’t you. It was your photographer!
I’ve put a lot of thought into making it easy, efficient, and fun.
Aging happens. Besides basic skincare and session prep, I’ll deemphasize wrinkles and help your personality outshine your age.
Besides, I think those lines show character. If you want to be de-aged, I’m not your photographer.
A great headshot sets the stage for you everywhere, from LinkedIn and social profiles to email and camera-off meetings.
I post my pricing clearly so you can make an informed decision. And I never charge extra for tweaks—it’s even in our contract.
Sure. But just like a $20 logo, you don’t get:
- techniques to use in every picture you’re ever in
- high quality original files
- changes
- accurate color (because they can’t reference how you look IRL)
- a legal contract with usage rights for the final image
If you get paid to create, you’re ramping up, or you do it for the love, you’re my people.
Trusted by creatives everywhere
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent photographer with a knack for making you feel and look your best.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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. The photos turned out amazing, highly recommend this studio!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 wonderful experience working with him!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 but needless to say that there are few who have made me comfortable to be myself. Adam is one of those photographers who have made it easy to connect with and smile with which naturally translates through my expression that he is so quick to capture. Super fun and easy session. Definitely going back whenever I need portraits. Highly recommend to anyone looking to get any kind of portrait.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 most professional and most creative pictures I have of myself to this day. I would highly recommend Adam!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 recommend to anyone look for professional pictures for all platforms of social mediaPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 should wear and asked lots of questions to get to know me as a client. As a result, the images he captured are authentic and capture my personality unlike headshots I’ve had taken in the past. Thank you, Adam!!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 captures that authenticity in a flash. My favorite photos to go back to, I can recognize myself instantly. Stopped Down Studios 🙌🏾⚡️Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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. Don't hesitate to reach out and book a session, you will not be disappointed!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 marketing uses. They've always been the most complemented of all my photos by everyone who enjoys them! Also, Adam is full blown artist and through our work has become a friend! Definitely check him out and don't miss out!