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You know the gap

Between being you and being seen.

You know who you are, but you need other people to see it.

You might be a towering gutter punk, red spikes grazing the ceiling—but when you need to feel the part, you're still that 16-year-old in the mirror. It's frustrating, and it's normal. Cameras are weird. You are not.

A great portrait makes you undeniable. (And hella hot.) It's proof you're the badass you think you are.

Your real competition—for a job, a part, a partner—is already showing their true selves. They didn't do it alone. And now you're here. That makes you brave. Just the sort of person I want to photograph.

Adam works as intently and intentionally at getting you into the right headspace as he does getting you into position for the best shot. This is a great experience for someone looking to truly see themselves!

Sydnei

Oakland

Sydnei portrait - Oakland portrait photography client
Adam Rubinstein - Oakland portrait photographer

Hi, I'm Adam

I love the moments when someone realizes, despite the lights, the camera, the whole reason we're here… they're not on stage. And I don't want them to perform.

More about me →

EXCELLENT

Based on 35 reviews

Portrait of Sydnei Taylor
The Golden GAUDS Collective
Google
Verified

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...

Photo of Mitch 01
Mitchell Wilcox
Google
Verified

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...

Portrait for Letter 3
Letter 3
Google
Verified

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...

Portrait of Remy
Remy Fernandez-O'Brien
Google
Verified

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...

Portrait of Christian
Christian Drake
Google
Verified

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"...

Photo of Erin
Erin Jackson
Google
Verified

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...

Portrait of Jessica
Jessica Helen Lopez
Google
Verified

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...

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