How long does a professional headshot session take?

Individual headshot sessions run 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the session you choose. That includes time for outfit changes, posing guidance, and a variety of looks for LinkedIn, your company website, and speaking profiles. Personal branding sessions are longer, from 90 minutes to 3 hours. Corporate headshot days for teams are scheduled in efficient 10 to 15 minute slots per person so your workday stays on track. Headshots are delivered the same day, and personal branding collections arrive within one to two weeks.

I hate being photographed. Will I look awkward?

You're in good company. Many of my clients lead boardrooms with ease and still freeze the moment a camera comes out. You don't have to know what to do. I guide your posture, angles and expression the whole way through, so you're never left wondering what to do with your hands, and most people relax within the first few minutes. As one client put it: "I am one of those many people who don't usually enjoy having her photograph taken. But Pooja made it so easy."

Will my photos look over-retouched or fake?

No. Retouching stays light and natural. I soften small distractions like stray hairs, blemishes and harsh shadows, but your features, your skin texture and the experience in your face stay yours. The goal is never to make you look younger or softer. It's to make the presence you've built impossible to overlook, so when someone meets you after seeing your photo, they recognize you instantly.

What's the difference between a headshot and a personal branding session?

A headshot is a single polished portrait, typically used for LinkedIn, company directories, and press features. A personal branding session goes deeper. It's a curated collection of images that tells your professional story: you in your workspace, you presenting, you in conversation, you at your best across multiple settings and outfits. If you're a coach, consultant, author, or entrepreneur who shows up consistently online, a personal branding session gives you months of content in one session.

Do you offer on-site corporate headshots at our office?

Yes. On-location corporate headshot days are one of our most popular services. A complete studio setup comes directly to your San Ramon, San Francisco, or East Bay office so your team doesn't have to travel. Most employees are photographed in 10 to 15 minutes each, making it easy to fit into a busy workday. The result is a polished, consistent set of professional headshots for your entire team.

Where is your studio, and which Bay Area cities do you serve?

My studio is in San Ramon, in the East Bay, an easy drive from Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton and Walnut Creek. Headshot, personal branding and family portrait sessions take place in the studio, and family and senior sessions can also be photographed at select outdoor East Bay locations. On-location headshots and corporate headshot days are available across San Francisco, Oakland, Palo Alto, San Jose and the wider Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

Services, Experience & FAQs

Every session is
designed for you

From your first conversation to the moment you hold your finished portraits, here's everything you need to know about working with Pooja Photography.

Explore Sessions Read the FAQs

13+Years of Experience

CPPCertified Photographer

5.0Rated on Google

The Experience

How does it work?

Every session starts with a quick, relaxed conversation about what you need and how you'd like to feel when you see your portraits. From there, I'll guide you through every step, so you always know what happens next and what your options are.

Plan Together

We'll talk through your goals, wardrobe and location. I'll help you prepare, so you arrive knowing exactly what to expect.

Enjoy Your Session

Every pose and every expression is guided. You don't need to know what to do in front of the camera. That's my job.

Choose Your Favorites

We'll look through your images together on a big screen, and I'll help you choose the ones you love most.

Receive Your Portraits

Retouched digital images, fine art wall portraits or handcrafted albums, finished to the highest standard.

For headshots, you'll see your images right after your session and receive your retouched favorites the same day. For branding sessions, you'll see your images right after your session, and your fully retouched collection arrives within one to two weeks. For portrait sessions, we'll choose your favorites together at a relaxed reveal appointment, and you'll know your investment options before we sit down.

Start with a conversation

Two Distinct Experiences

Which session is
right for you?

Headshots & Branding

Professional Headshots & Personal Branding

For executives, entrepreneurs, and teams who need polished professional imagery for LinkedIn, company websites, and speaking profiles. Every session is guided, efficient, and designed to reflect exactly how you show up in your professional life.

Headshots start at $350 · Branding starts at $1,290

Inquire About Headshots

Fine Art Portraits

Fine Art Family & Personal Portrait Sessions

For families, maternity, couture, dance, seniors, and pets. Every portrait session is planned around your story and finished the way you'd like to enjoy it: digital images, fine art wall portraits, or handcrafted albums made to be passed down.

Family Portrait Experiences Begin at $1,290

Inquire About Portraits

Session Types

Every session,
explained

Pooja Photography offers a range of luxury portrait and headshot photography sessions in San Ramon, California. Each session is fully guided from start to finish. Below is an overview of what each experience includes.

Fine Art Portrait Sessions

Family Portrait Photography

Family Portraits

A session to capture your family's smiles and stories
Two outfit changes
Option for in-studio or on-location at a public setting
Option to add both studio and outdoor location
Pets welcome as an extended family add-on
Session time: 60 to 90 minutes

View Family Gallery

Pet Portrait Photography

Pet Portraits

A session capturing your pet's personality and spirit
In-studio sessions only
Session time: approximately 60 minutes

View Pet Gallery

Dance and ballet portrait photography San Ramon Bay Area

Dance and Ballet Photography

Dance Portraits

A session celebrating movement, artistry, and passion
Multiple costume and outfit changes
Studio backdrops and fabrics available
In-studio sessions only
Session time: 60 to 90 minutes

View Dance Gallery

Maternity portrait photography San Ramon Bay Area

Maternity Photography

Maternity Portraits

A session celebrating you and your growing family
Multiple outfit changes and looks
Designer gowns, angel wings, outfits and fabrics available from our client closet
In-studio session only
Session time: 60 to 90 minutes
Come makeup ready
Ideal at 27 to 34 weeks of pregnancy

View Maternity Gallery

Senior Portrait Photography

Senior Portraits

A session marking this milestone before the next chapter begins
Multiple outfit changes
Studio outfits and fabrics available
Option for in-studio or on-location session
Session time: 60 to 90 minutes

View Senior Gallery

Couture and boudoir portrait photography San Ramon Bay Area

Couture and Boudoir Photography

Portraits Couture & Boudoir

A session to celebrate you, your milestone, and who you are
Multiple outfit changes
Studio outfits and fabrics available
In-studio only
Session time: 60 to 120 minutes

View Couture Gallery

Headshots & Branding Sessions

Corporate Headshots · Personal Branding · Business Branding · Event Headshot Booths

Headshots & Branding Photography

From individual LinkedIn portraits to full-day business brand shoots and conference headshot booths, every headshot and branding session is fully guided, professionally retouched, and optimized for LinkedIn, your website, and beyond.

Corporate headshots and business portraits
Personal branding photography
Business branding sessions, half day and full day
Conference and event headshot booths
On-location or in-studio options available
Same-day delivery for individual headshot sessions
Same-day delivery for event headshot booths
Personal and business branding collections delivered within one to two weeks

Professional headshots and personal branding photography Bay Area

"Pooja did an outstanding job with our headshots and team photos. Her eye for detail and ability to capture natural, professional images really stood out. The photos exceeded our expectations."Sunil, Founder, Soul Of The Machine

Headshots start at $350 · Branding starts at $1,290

Inquire About Headshots

Start With A Conversation

"I have now done three sessions with Pooja Photography, and each one has been an incredible experience. Our 20th anniversary session felt like getting married all over again. The entire process, from location scouting to outfit guidance, was so thorough that the shoot itself flowed naturally and resulted in some of the most beautiful photos we have ever taken. She made my son feel completely at ease during his senior session and has a true talent for bringing out someone's authentic personality. Even our golden doodle adores her. She has also taken my professional headshots, and I have received so many compliments from colleagues. Pooja is incredibly professional, warm, and meticulous. She has set the bar exceptionally high and is truly my first and only choice for photography."

Sunitha Anand

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you're
wondering about

Answers to common questions about portrait and headshot sessions at Pooja Photography, including pricing, preparation, products, and what to expect. Studio based in San Ramon, California, serving the Bay Area including Walnut Creek, Danville, Pleasanton, Oakland, and San Francisco.

What types of photography services do you offer?

Pooja Photography specializes in luxury portrait photography including maternity, family, pet, dance, couture, boudoir, and senior portraits. Professional headshots and personal branding photography are also offered, fully guided and optimized for LinkedIn, your website, and beyond.

How much do professional headshots cost?

Headshot sessions start at $350. Your investment depends on the session you choose, and I'll walk you through every option on a quick call before you book. You'll see all of your images right after your session, and your retouched favorites are delivered the same day. Personal branding sessions start at $1,290 and are delivered within one to two weeks. Corporate team headshot days are quoted separately.

How much do family and portrait sessions cost?

Family portrait experiences begin at $1,290, and $1,000 of your investment is applied to the portraits you choose. You can use it however suits your family best: digital images, framed wall art, a handcrafted album, or a mix. If digital images are all you want, your full $1,000 can go toward them. You'll see the full investment guide before you book, so you'll know your options long before we sit down together.

How do I get started?

It starts with a quick, relaxed call so I understand what you need. Reach out through the contact page or call (925) 967-4245, and I'll walk you through the options that fit your session.

What should I wear for my portrait session?

Solid colors photograph beautifully. Navy, charcoal, burgundy, and jewel tones work well across most skin tones. Avoid busy patterns, logos, and bright white. You'll receive a detailed wardrobe guide before your session, and for family and portrait sessions I'll help you plan outfits for everyone.

Do you help with posing and expression?

Yes, it's a core part of every session. Every angle, expression, and moment is guided throughout the shoot. Clients consistently tell me the experience feels far more natural and relaxed than they expected.

Where is your studio located and what areas do you serve?

The studio is based in San Ramon, California. Pooja Photography serves the entire Bay Area including San Francisco, Oakland, Walnut Creek, Danville, Pleasanton, Dublin, Palo Alto, and San Jose. On-location corporate headshot days are available across the Bay Area.

How soon will I see my images?

Headshots and headshot booths: you'll see your images right after your session, and your retouched favorites are delivered the same day. Personal and business branding: you'll see your images on a large screen right after your session, and your fully retouched collection is delivered within one to two weeks. Family and portrait sessions: we'll meet shortly after your session for a relaxed reveal appointment, where we look through your portraits together and choose your favorites.

Do you offer albums and wall art products?

Yes. Fine art wall portraits and Italian handcrafted albums are a signature part of the experience. Options include ornate gold frames, classic wooden frames, modern frames, canvas gallery wraps, metal and acrylic prints, and handcrafted albums. If you'd like wall art, we'll design it together at your reveal appointment.

Can I get digital images only?

Yes. For family and portrait sessions, your $1,000 portrait investment can go entirely toward digital images if that's what you'd prefer. Every wall art and album order also includes matching digital images to share with family and friends.

Do you provide RAW or unedited files?

RAW and unedited files aren't provided. Every image you receive is fully retouched and finished to the highest standard, so what you share always represents you at your best.

How long do you keep my images?

Images are kept for a limited time after your reveal appointment, so it's easiest to choose your favorites while we're together.

What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Because every session is custom planned, session fees are non-refundable. Sessions may be rescheduled once with sufficient advance notice, so please reach out as early as possible if your plans change.

Do you photograph weddings, events, or parties?

Pooja Photography focuses exclusively on portrait photography, plus corporate headshot booths for conferences and company events. Weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, cake smashes, and housewarming parties aren't offered. This focus means every portrait client receives the highest level of expertise and attention.

Ready to create portraits
you'll treasure?

Whether it's a professional headshot that elevates your brand or portraits of the people you love most, every session begins with a quick, no-pressure conversation.

Start With A Conversation Call (925) 967-4245

Now booking portrait and headshot sessions in San Ramon, CA

Every session isdesigned for you