Therapist, Psychologist, PHD, Medical, Doctor, MD Headshots

Headshot For PHD’s, Doctors, LMFT, Therapists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Physicians, Professors, MD San Francisco Bay Area

UC BERKELEY – STANFORD – UCSF – USF – DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY – ST. MARY’S – CIIS – WRIGHT INSTITUTE & MORE

When it comes to headshots for your practice, there are many things to factor. It can feel overwhelming to assess outfits, backgrounds, hair, makeup, jewelry, locations, backgrounds, cropping, orientation, colors and poses, but a great photographer can help guide you along. In professions like this, there is a need for a balance between authority, approachability and personality.

While studio shots can simplify the process and remove some unknowns with headshots, they can often appear generic, cliche and repetitive. If seeing people in person (which many people still prefer), obtaining photos in your office can provide a good selling point for others, as not all spaces are as inviting.

The purpose of a headshot is to be unique, standout and help connect with an audience. Too many therapists take a glamour approach with photos that make them feel detached from their client base. A sense of narcissism or inability to connect one on one is the last thing you need.

 

Professional Headshot Photography For Coaches, Therapists, LMFT, MFT, Psychologists & More; Doctors Headshots SF Bay Area

Below are a variety of options, styles and formats to consider when deciding to refresh your headshot or get one for the first time. Contact me below for a consultation to figure out what is best for you based on industry, function and what you want to convey, attract.

Womans-Professional-Business-Headshot-San-Francisco | Professional Headshot, Professional Photo San Francisco Headshot Photographer

Background Ideas For Headshots, Headshot Location Ideas, Headshot Background

When it comes to backgrounds, colors, textures, and details, set the tone for what you want to convey.

Warm, soft colors provide a sense of approachability and connectivity to clients in a client-patient relationship. Your ability to create a safe space for vulnerability, transparency, and understanding is paramount.

 Related readHow To Take A Professional Headshot

Therapist Headshots – Branding, First Impressions, MFT Headshots

Too many therapists try to play it safe and follow website branding direction from their designers and branding coaches. Being able to connect with an audience is the most important thing you can do to build your business.

Differentiating yourself from others by being a bit unique, avoiding cookie-cutter cliches and being authentic goes a long way with people who are seeking not only advice but an ability to understand unique situations and backgrounds.

Related readHow To Pose For A Headshot

Therapist Professional Portrait, Psycotherapist, Woman's Professional Headshot, San Francisco - Mental Health, MFT
Womans Professional Business Lifestyle Seated Portrait - Oakland, San Francisco Bay Area

Seated vs Standing Headshots – Headshot Posing Ideas, Headshot Looks

A popular, modern approach to headshots is taken them seated on steps. While technically not a true headshot, these photos are typically used for branding purposes on one’s own website and social media outlets.

This provides for additional options with hand and arm placements beyond leaving them on the side or folded in for a power pose.

Related readWomen’s Headshot Outfits, Wardrobe Tips 

Wardrobe Ideas, Outfits Ideas, Clothing Options For Headshots, Professional Medical Headshots

It can be easy to get lost among the crowds with photos, especially if your hair, complexion or other attributes are pretty common or similar to others around you. Focus on your wardrobe and colors and help add some pop to photos.

If you want to create even more of a separation, a neutral background can highlight your clothing. Knowing what colors are flattering for your skin tone and hair, complement the backgrounds of photos, and are still professional or suit your industry and function are key to getting the most out of these headshots.

Related read: Women’s Headshot Examples, Ideas 

Dr. Lucia Aronica, PhD, Women's Professional Lecturer & Professor Headshot, Stanford, Example, Pose, Academic Headshot Palo Alto

Professional & Casual, Natural Headshots

Approachable, professional images for business & creative individuals; I shoot outdoors, public spaces & clients sites (office/home). Assist w/ outfits, backgrounds, locations & creative direction.

Woman's Professional Business Portrait, Outdoor Headshot, San Francisco, Executive Example

Faculty Lecturer, Professor Headshots, Teacher Headshots

For those in the education field, photos with a sense of professionalism and approachability can be attained utilizing a blend of smiles, professional attire, familiar backgrounds and open body language.

Outdoor shots in covered spaces, iconic monuments and landmarks on campus or generic blurred out backgrounds are most common with these types of photos

Educational Headshots, University Staff Headshots, Academic Headshots

If you are looking to represent your program, headshots that contain recognizable backdrops can bolster alumni sentiment and a strong community. I will work with you to capture spots on campus to complement looks, wardrobe, hair and more.

Experience shooting at St. Mary’s, USF, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Dominican University, College of Marin, UCSF and more.

 

Courtney Carmignani - Woman's Professional Business Portrait, San Francisco Bay Area
Outdoor, Professional Headshot, Female, San Francisco, Example, Pose | Dr. Cynthia Florin, MD Psychiatrist, Doctor

Psychiatrist Headshots, MD Headshots – Outdoor, Nature Headshots, Professional Headshots For Therapists, LMFT Headshots

Another popular option for psychiatrists and therapists is utilizing soothing nature backgrounds for photos. These can instill a sense of calming and gentleness needed to address certain kinds of patients.

A sense of happiness, trustworthiness and friendly demeanor are what most clients are seeking when deciding among therapists. If you are focused on building your business, don’t sabotage your efforts with uninviting headshots that can raise doubt about your ability to connect with others in a safe and welcoming space.

 

Dermatologist Headshot, MD Headshot, Doctor Headshots, Professional Physician Headshots

A big part of a doctor’s business is about blending approachability and professionalism. This can be achieved through attire, posing, backgrounds, aesthetics, colors and more. 

I will work with you to assess things like hairstyle, skin tone, and most importantly what you want to convey and what you want to attract in terms of business, clients, press and visibility. Contact me today for a consultation.

Courtney Carmignani - Woman's Professional Business Portrait, San Francisco Bay Area

Therapist Headshots San Francisco, Psychologist Headshots San Francisco Bay Area, Therapist Portraits Bay Area

How To Take A Headshot – How to prepare for a professional headshot, headshot tips for men & women, should you smile in a headshot etc.

Creative, Artistic Outdoor Headshot, DUMBO Brick Multi Color Wall Background, NYC - San Francisco Bay Area Photographer

Creative Portraits

Ramona Demure Vintage Fashion, Lifestyle Photoshoot, Modeling Portrait - San Francisco, Woman

Fashion & Modeling Portraits

Woman's Professional Business Portrait - San Francisco Bay Area, Professional Photo

Business Professional Photos

CEO Headshot, Business Professional Headshot, Female Executive Portrait Example, Pose, Hanna Wu Amplify Life Insurance

CEO / Executive Potraits

Men's Outdoor Professional Business Headshot, Casual Business Portrait, San Francisco

Personal Branding Portraits

Outdoor Urban Business Professional Headshot, Female Portrait Pose, Idea, Creative, Palo Alto, Stanford, Silicon Valley, MBA

Corporate Headshots

Koren Keiner, Yoga Instructor, Wellpreneur - San Francisco, Woman's Wellness Portrait, Yoga Photo Example

Yoga / Wellness / Fitness Photos

Kayla Fowler, Indoor Kitchen Chef Portrait Headshot Example, Pose, Woman, Female - San Francisco Bay Area Photographer

Lifestyle Photography

About Eddie Hernandez

Eddie is a professional photographer in SF w/ clients internationally. He balances approachability & professionalism, focusing on wardrobes, appearance, location scouting.