From Boardroom to Bond: A Newmark Team Headshot Behind the Scenes
When Presence Meets Precision
Some people step in front of the camera and instantly own the moment.
Sanjay Kettels, a standout professional at Newmark, brought that energy. Cool, composed, and unmistakably confident—he gave us the kind of headshot moment you'd expect from James Bond in a boardroom. Smooth, trustworthy, and entirely himself.
This isn’t just about looking sharp in a suit—it’s about owning your space. Sanjay’s headshot captures both professionalism and warmth: a confident smile that says, “I’ve got this.”
Why Team Headshots Matter More Than Ever
In today’s digital-first world, your team’s online presence often speaks before they do. A well-crafted headshot can communicate:
Professionalism
Approachability
Trust
Cohesion
And when your entire team has a consistent, high-quality look—it elevates your brand across platforms: LinkedIn, pitch decks, websites, email signatures, and beyond.
That’s why companies like Newmark invest in updated, aligned team headshots. And that’s where I come in.
My Approach: Simple. Relaxed. Powerful.
I believe the headshot process should be easy and empowering—for individuals and organizations. Here’s how it works:
🗓️ Step 1: Book
Schedule a session that works for your team’s flow—onsite or in-studio.
📸 Step 2: Pose
I’ll guide your team through a relaxed shoot that brings out their best. No awkwardness. No forced smiles. Just real presence.
✅ Step 3: Deliver
You’ll receive polished, natural-looking images that reflect each person’s unique vibe—while staying consistent with your brand.
Your People Already Shine. Let’s Show the World.
Whether it’s one new hire or your entire leadership team, team headshots are a strategic investment in your brand.
Because when your team looks like they belong on the cover of a business magazine or the opening scene of a Bond film—you’re not just putting your best foot forward.
You’re leading with confidence.
📍Serving teams across the Bay Area—San Francisco, Oakland, Walnut Creek, and beyond.
Let’s make your team shine.
Why a Great Headshot Builds Instant Trust
Your headshot is your first impression—and it’s happening online before you say a word. Learn how the right photo can build trust and open doors.
Intro (The Problem)
Most people know they need a headshot—but don’t realize how much is riding on it. In today’s digital world, you’re being judged in under 1 second. If your photo doesn’t tell the right story, opportunities can pass you by.
The Villain (Confusion or Inaction)
It’s not that you’re not qualified—it’s that your online image doesn’t reflect the real, confident you. That old headshot (or no headshot at all) may be quietly holding you back.
The Guide (You!)
That’s where I come in. I specialize in helping people like you feel confident in front of the camera—and walk away with headshots that make people stop scrolling.
The Plan
My process is simple:
Book. Shoot. Choose your image.
No pressure. Just a relaxed, expert-led session designed to bring out your best.
The Call to Action
If you’re ready to elevate your professional presence, let’s get your headshot working for you.
Link to Booking
Why a Professional Headshot is Better Than an AI-Generated One
Why a Professional Headshot is Better Than an AI-Generated One
In today’s digital world, your headshot is often the first impression you make—whether on LinkedIn, your company’s website, or social media. With the rise of AI-generated headshots, many people wonder if they should opt for a quick, AI-created image instead of a professionally taken photograph. While AI might seem like a fast and cheap option, a professionally taken headshot offers significant advantages that AI simply cannot replicate.
1. Authenticity Matters
AI-generated headshots often look artificial. They may smooth out skin too much, create unnatural lighting, or even alter facial proportions in subtle but noticeable ways. A professional headshot captures the real you—your expressions, personality, and presence—all in a way that feels natural and engaging.
2. A Headshot Tailored to You
A professional photographer works with you to create a headshot that fits your personal brand. Whether you want a warm and approachable look for networking or a confident and polished image for corporate settings, a photographer understands how to bring out the best in you. AI, on the other hand, applies generic templates that don’t consider your unique features, profession, or personality.
3. Professional Lighting and Composition
Great headshots require expert lighting and composition, ensuring that your face is well-lit, your background complements your image, and your overall look is polished. AI-generated headshots rely on algorithms that don’t truly understand light and shadows, often leading to unrealistic or awkward-looking results.
4. Human Interaction Makes a Difference
When working with a professional photographer, you receive real-time feedback. A skilled photographer will guide you on poses, angles, and expressions to ensure you look your absolute best. AI-generated images lack this personalized coaching, often resulting in stiff, unnatural portraits.
5. Better Quality for Business and Branding
Whether you're a job seeker, business owner, or corporate executive, a high-quality headshot is essential for your professional image. A professional headshot demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. It shows potential employers, clients, or colleagues that you invest in yourself and your personal brand. AI-generated headshots can sometimes appear generic or overly processed, which may give off the wrong impression.
6. Avoid Common AI Errors
AI technology still has flaws, often creating strange artifacts, unnatural skin tones, or even inconsistencies in facial features. In contrast, a professional headshot is carefully edited with attention to detail, ensuring that your image looks polished yet natural.
7. First Impressions Count
Studies show that people form first impressions in milliseconds. A high-quality professional headshot makes you look credible, trustworthy, and approachable. In contrast, an AI-generated headshot can sometimes look too perfect, making it feel less authentic and trustworthy.
8. Invest in Your Future
A professional headshot is an investment in your career, business, and personal brand. Unlike AI-generated images that might look outdated or overly artificial, a professionally taken headshot lasts for years and gives you a strong visual presence across platforms.
Conclusion
While AI technology is improving, it still can’t replace the expertise and personal touch of a professional photographer. If you want a headshot that makes a lasting impact, builds trust, and truly represents who you are, investing in a professional session is the way to go.
Looking for a professional headshot in the San Francisco Bay Area? Contact Steven B Studios today to book your session and create a headshot that elevates your personal brand!
Why a Professional Headshot is Better Than an AI-Generated One
In today’s digital world, your headshot is often the first impression you make—whether on LinkedIn, your company’s website, or social media. With the rise of AI-generated headshots, many wonder if they should opt for a quick, AI-created image instead of a professionally taken photograph. While AI might seem fast and cheap, a professionally taken headshot offers significant advantages that AI simply cannot replicate.
1. Authenticity Matters
AI-generated headshots often look artificial. They may smooth out skin too much, create unnatural lighting, or even alter facial proportions in subtle but noticeable ways. A professional headshot captures the real you—your expressions, personality, and presence—all in a way that feels natural and engaging.
2. A Headshot Tailored to You
A professional photographer works with you to create a headshot that fits your brand. Whether you want a warm and approachable look for networking or a confident and polished image for corporate settings, a photographer understands how to bring out the best in you. AI, on the other hand, applies generic templates that don’t consider your unique features, profession, or personality.
3. Professional Lighting and Composition
Great headshots require expert lighting and composition, ensuring that your face is well-lit, your background complements your image, and your overall look is polished. AI-generated headshots rely on algorithms that don’t truly understand light and shadows, often leading to unrealistic or awkward-looking results.
4. Human Interaction Makes a Difference
When working with a professional photographer, you receive real-time feedback. A skilled photographer will guide you on poses, angles, and expressions to ensure you look your absolute best. AI-generated images lack this personalized coaching, often resulting in stiff, unnatural portraits.
5. Better Quality for Business and Branding
Whether you're a job seeker, business owner, or corporate executive, a high-quality headshot is essential for your professional image. A professional headshot demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. It shows potential employers, clients, or colleagues that you invest in yourself and your personal brand. AI-generated headshots can sometimes appear generic or overly processed, which may give off the wrong impression.
6. Avoid Common AI Errors
AI technology still has flaws, often creating strange artifacts, unnatural skin tones, or even inconsistencies in facial features. In contrast, a professional headshot is carefully edited with attention to detail, ensuring that your image looks polished yet natural.
7. First Impressions Count
Studies show that people form first impressions in milliseconds. A high-quality professional headshot makes you look credible, trustworthy, and approachable. In contrast, an AI-generated headshot can sometimes look too perfect, making it feel less authentic and trustworthy.
8. Invest in Your Future
A professional headshot is an investment in your career, business, and personal brand. Unlike AI-generated images that might look outdated or overly artificial, a professionally taken headshot lasts for years and gives you a strong visual presence across platforms.
Conclusion
While AI technology is improving, it still can’t replace the expertise and personal touch of a professional photographer. If you want a headshot that makes a lasting impact, builds trust, and truly represents who you are, investing in a professional session is the way to go.
Looking for a professional headshot in the San Francisco Bay Area? Contact Steven B Studios today to book your session and create a headshot that elevates your personal brand!
Your eyes tell the real story in a headshot
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and when it comes to photography—especially headshots—this couldn’t be truer. While expressions play a key role in how we perceive an image, it’s the eyes that truly draw us in. They tell stories we might not have even considered, revealing emotions and depths that transcend words.
Why Eyes Matter in Headshots
Think about the last headshot that caught your attention. Was it the perfect smile or the raised eyebrow? More likely, it was the way the eyes connected with you through the image. Eyes have the power to communicate sadness, joy, mystery, confidence, and so much more. Even the slightest shift in gaze can transform an image from inviting to distant, from warm to enigmatic.
Photographers understand that capturing emotion in a headshot isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about making a genuine connection with the subject. When someone is comfortable, their eyes reflect authenticity, and that authenticity is what resonates with an audience. Forced smiles and awkward poses can’t hide uncertainty or hesitation in the eyes. But when there is trust, comfort, and confidence, the eyes will naturally reveal a compelling and engaging story.
The Importance of Eye Contact in Professional Photography
In professional headshots, whether for business, acting, or personal branding, the eyes serve as the focal point. A strong gaze exudes confidence and approachability, while a softer look might create a sense of warmth and relatability. The key is to ensure that the eyes match the intended message of the photo.
When selecting a headshot for LinkedIn, a personal website, or a portfolio, look for images where the eyes are clear, sharp, and expressive. Eye contact in a photo helps build trust and engagement, making it more likely that viewers will connect with you.
How to Capture Engaging Eyes in Headshots
If you're a photographer or preparing for a headshot session, here are a few tips to ensure the eyes stand out:
Encourage Relaxation: A relaxed subject will have more natural and expressive eyes.
Use Natural Light: Soft, natural light enhances the eyes and avoids harsh shadows.
Guide the Gaze: Looking slightly off-camera can add intrigue, while direct eye contact conveys confidence.
Highlight Catchlights: The small reflections of light in the eyes add depth and make them more engaging.
The Lasting Impression of Expressive Eyes
The magic of photography is that it freezes a moment in time. But within that frozen frame, the eyes continue to speak—they reveal what’s beneath the surface. So, next time you look at a headshot, take a moment to truly see beyond the expression. What story are the eyes telling? You might be surprised by how much they reveal.
Optimizing your headshots with expressive eyes can make all the difference in personal branding, social media, and professional networking. Make sure your next headshot captures the essence of who you are—starting with your eyes.
The Jawline:The Secert To A Powerful Headshot
Want to look more confident in your headshot? The secret is all in your jawline. Learn this simple pose that transforms your photos instantly!
Why Your Jawline Matters in Headshots
A great headshot is more than just a nice photo—it’s about making a strong first impression. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, business website, or acting portfolio, one of the most powerful tools in your headshot is your jawline.
That’s right. A defined jawline instantly conveys confidence, strength, and approachability. It adds structure to your face and helps your features stand out, making you look polished and professional.
How to Get the Perfect Jawline for Your Headshot
So how do you achieve that Hollywood jawline in front of the camera? The trick is simpler than you think.
✅ Chin Out (Like a Turtle)
Imagine sticking your forehead in place while pushing your chin forward—almost like a turtle extending its neck. This small movement eliminates double chins, enhances definition, and brings out your natural bone structure.
✅ Slightly Down
Once your chin is extended, tilt it slightly downward. This fine-tuning makes your jawline appear even sharper and adds a strong, confident presence to your headshot.
✅ Embrace the Awkward Feeling
At first, it might feel a little strange. You might even think it looks weird. But trust me—every client who tries this technique and sees the before and after is blown away by the results.
Why This Trick Works (Backed by Headshot Photography Experts)
📸 Lighting & Shadows – A well-extended jawline removes unwanted shadows under the chin, making your face appear cleaner and more structured.
📸 Confidence & Presence – A strong jawline adds authority and impact, making you look more approachable and trustworthy in professional settings.
📸 Slimming Effect – This simple movement naturally contours your face, helping to reduce the look of any extra weight around the jawline.
Real Client Reactions: The “Wow” Moment
Every client I guide through this small adjustment has the same reaction: “Whoa, that actually works!”
Once they see the difference in the before and after, they understand why the best photographers use this technique in corporate headshots, acting headshots, and even high-fashion photography.
Final Thoughts: Make Every Headshot Count
A great headshot isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making an impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, actor, or creative professional, your jawline can make or break the strength of your image.
So next time you’re in front of the camera, remember:
Chin out. Slightly down. Confidence up.
👉 Ready to book your professional headshot? Let’s create an image that makes you stand out. Book your session here.