Headshots · Goleta & Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Headshot Photographer
For LinkedIn, press and your website. Natural light only, on location: open shade outdoors, or window light at your workplace.
I'm Gabriel, a portrait and headshot photographer based in Goleta. A headshot session is 30 minutes for one person, with two looks. I give small, simple directions and keep things relaxed.
The headshot session: $225 per person
- Professionally edited, high-resolution images
- Private online gallery with downloads
- Personal print release
- Professional-use rights for the photos of you
- Your gallery within 21 days, usually about two weeks
A 50% retainer holds your date, and the balance is due two days before your session. Introductory 2026 rate.
Where we'll meet
I bring the camera to you. Most headshots happen in open shade outdoors, from downtown Santa Barbara to the Goleta coast, or by a window at your workplace. Tell me where you'll use the photos and I'll suggest a spot.
Using your headshots
You may use your headshots to represent yourself professionally: LinkedIn and other professional profiles, your own website, a company bio or team page, business cards, email signatures, speaker bios, event materials that introduce you, and press about you. If your employer paid for the session, they can use them the same way while you work there. I keep the copyright; paying for the session doesn't transfer it. Advertising that promotes a product, service or brand, and selling, licensing or stock use of the images, aren't included and need a separate written license from me.
Earlier in the day
Headshots work well earlier in the day, in open shade or by a window, when the light is even and soft on faces.
Booking, in three steps
- 1
Inquire
Tell me what you have in mind and a few dates that suit. I reply within 24 hours, often much sooner, with availability and ideas for a location.
- 2
Reserve
Choose your date, sign a short agreement and pay the retainer online, all in one sitting.
- 3
Your session & gallery
We meet in good light and take our time. Your private gallery follows in about two weeks.
Questions
I don't know how to pose. Is that a problem?
Not at all; most people don't. I'll guide you the whole way with small, simple directions, and give you time to relax into it. The best frames usually come once you've forgotten about the camera.
Where do sessions take place?
On location: the bluffs and beaches, oak groves, downtown Santa Barbara, your workplace or your home. Travel within 25 miles of Goleta is included; I'm happy to suggest a spot that suits your session and the time of year.
When is the best time of day?
For most outdoor sessions, the hour or so before sunset, when the light is soft and warm. Headshots work well earlier in the day, in open shade or by a window.
What should we wear?
Comfortable clothes you feel like yourself in, in soft, natural tones; avoid large logos and busy patterns.
How and when do we receive our photos?
I go through every frame myself and edit the strongest ones by hand, so you receive a curated gallery rather than a set number; how many depends on the session. Your private gallery follows in about two weeks (always within three). Holiday Mini Sessions include 10 hand-edited images, delivered within 14 days. You can download everything in high resolution and print wherever you like.
What happens if the weather is bad?
I watch the forecast, the wind and the air quality for you, and I make the call. If rain, strong wind or smoke move in, I'll let you know by the evening before when I can, or that morning if the sky is undecided, and we'll find another date that suits you. Weather moves are always free. Our usual coastal fog and soft overcast skies aren't a reason to postpone; they make some of the loveliest light.
What if we need to change our date?
Life happens. You can move your session once, free, with at least 72 hours' notice, to a date that works for both of us within six months. If someone gets sick or there's an emergency closer to the day, just let me know before your start time and I'll offer one courtesy reschedule. Holiday Mini Sessions move to another open time on the mini session dates.
How do I reserve a date?
Send an inquiry through the form on my homepage and I'll reply within 24 hours, often much sooner, with open dates. Once you've chosen one, you'll sign the agreement and pay a 50% retainer online, which holds your date and is nonrefundable. The balance is due two days before your session. Holiday Mini Sessions are $150, paid in full when you book on the Holiday Mini Sessions page.
Let's find a date, and the light
Tell me a little about what the photos are for and when suits you. I'll reply personally, within 24 hours, often much sooner.
Send an inquiry All sessions and prices
Also: See the portfolio