About · Press & Publications
About Pooja: Bay Area Portrait & Headshot Photographer
I'm Pooja, a Certified Professional Photographer and the founder of Pooja Photography, a luxury portrait studio in San Ramon, California, serving the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, and the East Bay.
I fell in love with photography as a middle schooler, standing on a mountain cliff in the Himalayas and wishing I could share that view with the world.
I took the long way back to the camera. I built a career in engineering and technology first, then bought my first SLR with my own salary. That camera brought everything back, along with a way of working I still carry with me today: thoughtful preparation, attention to detail, and the belief that nothing important should feel accidental.
Today, I photograph two kinds of people. Executives and founders who need a portrait that carries the weight of their title, and families who want fine art portraits of themselves and their pets, finished as wall art and albums meant to stay in the family for generations.
They look different on paper. They’re asking for the same thing: to be seen as they truly are.
My sessions are intentionally unhurried. We think through what you’ll wear, how you want to be seen, what the portraits need to say, and where they may ultimately live. Once you’re in front of my camera, you won’t be left wondering what to do. I guide you through it.
The goal isn’t simply to make a beautiful photograph. It’s to create something that feels unmistakably like you, and important enough to keep.
As Featured In
- Forbes
- Vanity Fair
- Business Insider
- Mortgage Banker Magazine
- VoyageLA
- Bold Journey
My Story
From Engineering to Photography
My path to photography started in an unexpected place: engineering. With a background in technology and process-driven problem solving, I spent years in the corporate world before following my heart to the camera. That technical precision didn't disappear. It transformed. It's why my sessions are meticulously planned, why my lighting is always intentional, and why my clients feel effortlessly guided rather than awkwardly posed.
I believe portraits are more than pictures. They're legacy pieces, heirlooms to be displayed on your walls, shared with your family, and remembered for generations. That belief drives every single session.
Training & Credentials
Certified, trained, and always learning
I'm a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), a credential awarded by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) that fewer than 3% of photographers worldwide hold. In addition, I've studied with industry leaders in portraiture, headshot photography, and fine art printing.
Industry Leaders I've Learned From
- Peter Hurley
- Sue Bryce
- Lindsey Adler
- Joel Grimes
- Felix Kunze
- Pratik Naik
- Gregory Daniels
- Kelly Brown
- Steve Saporito
- Megan DiPiero
This education isn't a list of badges. It's the reason my clients consistently say their session felt completely different from any photo experience they'd had before.
Awards & Professional Recognition
Recognized for artistry and craft
From international photography awards to magazine features, these recognitions celebrate not just my craft, but also the incredible clients who trust me to capture their legacy.
Wedding & Portrait Photographers International
WPPI Silver Award
One of the most prestigious names in portrait photography, WPPI honored my work for its artistry, technical excellence, and emotional impact.
Professional Photographers of America
PPA Award-Winning Image
This image is very close to my heart. The concept, the making and the strong story being told in one single image is powerful beyond words. It won a prestigious award at PPA (Professional Photographers of America).
All in a day's work.
Press & Publications
Every portrait is a story
I'm honored that my storytelling has caught the attention of industry leaders, publications, and organizations worldwide.
Featured In
Business Insider
A client headshot, created in my San Ramon studio, published in celebration of her Business Insider feature.
Featured In
Forbes
No greater pleasure than having your client get her headshot done by you to celebrate her first Forbes publication.
Featured In
Vanity Fair
No greater pleasure than having your client get her headshot done by you to celebrate her first Vanity Fair publication.
Cover & Branding Feature
Mortgage Banker Magazine
I had the privilege of photographing CMG Financial's leadership team for a branding campaign that was later published in Mortgage Banker Magazine. Seeing those portraits grace the cover and feature spreads was a true career highlight.
More Features
Interviews & profiles
VoyageLA: Daily Inspiration
An interview on how a moment on a Himalayan mountain cliff, a first career in engineering, and a love of visual storytelling became a luxury portrait studio in San Ramon.
Read The Interview →VoyageLA: Rising Stars Spotlight
VoyageLA featured my journey as a Bay Area photographer, sharing how my engineering background and love for visual storytelling evolved into a full-service luxury portrait studio.
Read The Spotlight →Bold Journey: Life, Values & Legacy
Bold Journey highlighted my belief in creating portraits that go beyond the frame: photographs that hold meaning, legacy, and empowerment for every client.
Read The Interview →Biz Journal
A client headshot published in celebration of an editorial feature.
Professional Photographers of America Spotlights
As a proud member of PPA, my work has been highlighted for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and dedication to elevating the portrait experience.
Client Reviews
In their own words
"Pooja didn't just capture how I look, she captured how I feel at this stage of my life and career."Geetha R. · Headshot Refresh
"From the moment I walked into her studio, Pooja made me feel completely at ease. She welcomed me with genuine warmth and took the time to learn about my journey and what I envisioned for my headshot."Priya A. · Attorney, Career Milestone Headshot
"We are so fortunate to have Pooja as our preferred (and only) photographer for our company. Her work is fantastic and the way she works with each client is seamless."BASS Medical Group
"She has set the bar exceptionally high and is truly my first and only choice for photography."Sunitha Anand · Family & Senior Portraits
Notable Clients & Collaborations
Teams I've had the privilege of photographing
Over the years I've photographed individuals and teams from some remarkable organizations.
- AdobeCorporate photography
- LiveRampCorporate team headshots, San Francisco
- CMG FinancialExecutive branding and magazine cover photography
- 17 Mile DriveBusiness branding photography
- BSTProfessional team headshots
Studio Location & Service Areas
Based in San Ramon, serving the Bay Area
Pooja Photography is based in San Ramon, CA and serves clients across the region. On-location and in-office sessions are available throughout the Bay Area.
- East BaySan Ramon, Danville, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Concord, Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore
- San Francisco & PeninsulaSan Francisco, Oakland, Palo Alto, Menlo Park
- Silicon ValleySan Jose, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino
Explore more of my work in Headshots, Branding, Family, Maternity, and Pet Photography.
Community & Giving Back
Beyond the studio, dog rescue
One of my greatest joys is giving back to the community through dog rescue work. Over the years, I've partnered with organizations like Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue (GGLRR) to foster, photograph, and advocate for dogs in need of loving homes. Many of my volunteer portraits have helped dogs get adopted faster by showing their true personalities to potential families.
Whether it's capturing a senior Lab's gentle spirit, photographing puppies to raise adoption awareness, or hosting "Pet Photos with Santa" fundraisers, this work fills my heart and reminds me how powerful images can be in changing lives.
A Note From Pooja
Why does being photographed feel so scary?
It's funny, isn't it? Most people don't give it a second thought, until the camera's actually pointed at them. And suddenly there's this wave of nerves that comes out of nowhere.
I think it's because a photograph feels permanent. It holds the moment still. It makes things real in a way that mirrors and selfies somehow don't. And sometimes that's the hard part: accepting who we are, right now, on this beautiful, messy journey of life.
The mind has a sneaky way of whispering, "But look how much you've changed." And then denial tiptoes in, because yes, time did change us.
But here's how I see it: that's not something to mourn. That's transformation. A caterpillar has to shed its shell before it can fly. Embracing the new you is hard, I won't pretend it isn't, but when you finally do? It's pure freedom.
You start to love the person looking back at you through the lens. And honestly, that's the magic I live for as a portrait photographer: capturing you, exactly as you are, in a way that makes you feel seen.
I'm here to walk this with you, whenever you're ready. Because being photographed? It's a beautiful thing. One of the most beautiful things, actually.
In this world of AI and fake, the real you shines.
Why This Matters To You
Your story deserves to be told beautifully
Every award, every feature, and every recognition comes back to one truth. These honors reflect the care, creativity, and passion I bring into every session, whether it's a corporate headshot, a fine art family portrait, or your beloved pet's studio session. When you step into my San Ramon studio, you're working with someone recognized and trusted by international associations, industry leaders, and respected publications.
Or call (925) 967-4245