Orange County Headshot + Personal Brand Photography
Stand out.
Attention-grabbing headshots are more important than ever before.
Executive Portraits &
Strategic Personal Branding
For Orange County’s Elite Professionals, Coaches, and Corporate Teams
A headshot tells people what you look like.
Personal brand photos tell them what it feels like to work with you.
A single generic photo cannot represent an entire career. If you're a coach, consultant, entrepreneur, financial advisor, real estate professional, or anyone whose business runs on relationships, you need more than a single headshot. You need a library of images that works as hard as you do. We’ll co-create intentional imagery designed to command authority and drive revenue.
Bring out the best in you.
An experience that makes you look good and feel even better.
First impressions are everything.
Studies have shown we have a fraction of a second to convince someone to continue learning about our offerings online. Because people buy from companies they know, like, and trust, the most influential component of your offer is your face. Whether you're a business owner, an actor, or simply looking to enhance the aesthetic of your dating profile, an eye-catching headshot is essential for starting the conversation. No cookie-cutter headshots here.
Every detail matters.
-
But what do you wear?! Obviously, it's important to choose outfits that look great on camera. One of the most important services I include is your personalized guidance on which colors, textures, and styles will work best for you based on your skin tone, body type, and overall goal. What message are you trying to convey with your images? Wardrobe styling plays a huge role in delivering that message. I’ll help you present yourself in the most flattering way possible, starting with your own closet. Click here for my top recommendations.
-
A skilled hair & makeup artist will help you look your best by creating a polished and natural look that enhances your features without looking overdone. Even if you regularly apply your own makeup, there’s a specific way to do makeup for the camera that takes a specialized skill-set. Leave that to my stylists to handle for you!
-
While most of the work in creating your amazing new headshot will be done before you even step in front of the camera, sometimes there are certain things we want to look just right in photos. Everyone has unique features they may want to highlight or downplay in their headshot, which is why I’ll work with you to achieve the exact look you’re going for. Whether you want to minimize the appearance of fine lines, soften harsh shadows, or brighten your eyes, after your headshot session, we’ll go through your selected images one-by-one so I can take detailed notes on your specific retouching requests. And I’ll be happy to readjust any of the retouching, too, though most of my clients are thrilled with how they look after the very first round!
“I was introduced to Carsten from a co-worker’s referral. I used her for two executives’ headshots. Both of the executives are in love with their new photos thanks to Carsten…My executives are so proud to share their headshots - they look natural and their personalities shine through.”
— Wai-Yee C. (Experian)
Team Photos
Show the you
behind your brand.
“…Not only did my personal brand photos and videos turn out great, but I had a ton of fun during the whole process. Carsten put me completely at ease and gave me clear direction to make me feel like a pro in front of the camera (which I absolutely am not!). I've probably worked with 30 photographers in my career and she is the one I will recommend over and over again.”
— Kayla N. (Agency Anne)
“Carsten Tice Photography has been my go-to photographer for several years, and for good reason. Her warm, personable nature and consistent reliability make every session a pleasure. She excels in a variety of settings, from events and headshots to indoor and outdoor shoots. Impressively, she adeptly handles challenging conditions…capturing the exact emotion I want to convey in my photos. Her work is not only spectacular but also perfectly aligns with my varied photographic needs.”
— Dawn M.
What Brand Photos Actually Do
Position you as established and credible
Differentiate you in saturated markets
Create consistency across your website, social, and marketing
Pre-sell your value before a conversation ever happens
Attract better-fit clients who already feel aligned
“This woman changed my life!… Absolutely thrilled with the photos! Thank you for comforting me, rooting me on, and welcoming me with open arms! The attention to detail and creativity in each shot truly captured the essence of the moment. The colors pop, the compositions are perfect, and every image tells a beautiful story.”
— Bianca G.
The Reality: People judge first, then read.
In a digital-first world, your photos are your first impression.
94% of first impressions are design-related
It takes 50 milliseconds for users to form an opinion about your website
Content with compelling visuals gets 94% more views than content without
The Compounding Effect
It’s time to get you:
Weeks or months of social content
Website imagery that actually converts
Email marketing visuals
Launch assets, ads, and press features
Done well, it’s a tax deductible reusable marketing image library.
200+ five-star reviews on Google.
-
![]()
"This is our 4th year booking headshots and working with Carsten."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is our 4th year booking headshots and working with Carsten. My daughter and I have been extremely happy with all the photos we have received over the years. Carsten is amazing and really knows how to make someone feel comfortable. She takes a wide variety of photos to choose from and always makes sure she finds the right lighting and angles to really get the best shot of you!…We would definitely recommend Carsten if you’re in the Orange County/ LA area!!
— Anabella H.
-
![]()
"extremely attentive to what I wanted"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Carsten is the best! I went in to get my professional headshot taken and she was extremely attentive to what I wanted. She took numerous photos and would show me the results on her camera to pick out the facial expression, hair position, and even outfits. I could clearly tell that she’s passionate about not only photography but also to produce the best possible outcome that will satisfy her clients. She did an excellent job with the edits as well.
— Nicole L.
-
![]()
"amazing results each and every time"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have worked with Carsten for many years now doing my photos, from promo shoots for TV shows, to headshots, to photos with my company, to family portraits, and she has produced amazing results each and every time. I couldn't recommend her enough. Her friendly demeanor also puts you at ease to get your best shots. Will work with her many more times to come!
— Ashley B.
-
![]()
"exceeded my expectations"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Carsten is amazing to work with. She is very professional, friendly, talented and thorough. I have worked with Carsten both professionally for my business and headshots, but also for family photos. Each time she has exceeded my expectations and delivered excellent service and photos. She has a charm about her that puts you at ease and you forget she is taking your photos.
— Amber H.
-
![]()
"supportive and encouraging"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Carsten is a wonderful photographer. She has a high level of professionalism, is a great communicator, and does fabulous work. She got amazing shots for me and was so supportive and encouraging along the way.
— Sarah D.
-
![]()
"worth every penny"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I very highly recommend Carsten for any of your portrait needs!! She’s very fun and easy to work with while giving helpful, guiding instruction from beginning to end. I’m very awkward when it comes to my photo being taken but Carsten made me feel right at ease - definitely worth every penny! She’s very helpful in location picking as well as outfit selection. She made my whole photo session an experience I won’t ever forget!
— Sara J.
-
![]()
"ten stars!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I would give 10 stars if I could!…She is extremely thoughtful and patient…It is very clear Carsten cares about her clients being completely satisfied with their photos. Compared to another photographer I had previously seen, it was a night and day difference in the quality Carsten produces.
— Daniel P.
-
![]()
"I feel so proud & accomplished!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
She has also helped me tremendously with my business. She helped me figure out my "brand" when I needed photos for my website and social media. She captured my aesthetic and color scheme perfectly. I had never taken professional photos of my business before, but when I look at the ones she has taken, I feel so proud and accomplished! Thank you Carsten! I look forward to more moments captured by you!
— Amaris P.
-
![]()
"overall pleasure to work with"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very professional, friendly, energetic, enthusiastic, and just an overall pleasure to work with. I highly recommend if you're looking for someone who is passionate about their work! 5 Stars!!!!!!!
— Joseph S.
-
![]()
"absolutely thrilled with the photos!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I can't say enough great things about Carsten! Carsten took portraits of me for my business and I am absolutely thrilled with the photos! She made the shoot really fun because of her humor, and she makes you feel like a million bucks the whole time! Thank you Carsten!
— Lauren N.
-
![]()
"She put me at ease"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A wonderful person and photographer. She put me at ease and took great pictures. I highly recommend Carsten's work.
— Matthew F.
-
![]()
"I received many compliments!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I needed new headshots for my new job, and Carsten was very quick to accommodate my schedule. She made me feel at ease right away during the photo shoot and I appreciated her honesty and feedback on poses, colors, and accessories. She was also very quick and responsive when it came to selecting my photos. They turned out great and I received many compliments on them!
— Nu Y.
-
![]()
"Third time working with Carsten"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best of the best!!! Third time working with Carsten and she never fails. Our pictures are always better and perfect and her customer service is top notch! Booking again in a couple weeks!!
— Jay H.
-
![]()
"extremely pleased at the end results"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Not only is Carsten Tice an AMAZING photographer, she is very lovely to work with and she is very professional. I had the best time shooting with her, I was extremely pleased at the end results and how wonderful they looked. Highly recommend!!
— Riley S.
-
![]()
"Helpful every step of the way."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Carsten is helpful every step of the way. She helped me ask the right questions, defining a purpose for my photos, selecting the setting and presenting myself in the most effective way . She is very diligent, creative, encouraging and most importantly, she aligns herself with what my goals are. I would highly recommend Carsten as your photographer.
— Kam J.
-
![]()
"I could not be happier with the results."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I could not be happier with the results. She is so personable, it really puts you at ease. Because I felt so comfortable, the photos looked really natural. Without hesitation, I highly recommend her.
— Gary B.
-
![]()
"She makes you feel right at home!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was nervous days before getting there, and what should I wear and all that. But when I got to her studio, she makes you feel right at home! So we start with the photos and she was coaching me so nicely and perfectly. I just had a real nice time. Photos turned out exceptional, and she was exceptional! Thanks again Carsten!
— Matt E.
Trusted by:
FAQ
-
The easiest way to remember: headshots are what you look like and brand images show what it feels like to work with you. A headshot is usually a tight portrait from the chest up meant strictly for identification (like a LinkedIn profile photo). A personal branding session is a comprehensive, lifestyle-driven media shoot. It captures your personality, your environment, and your unique process using wider angles, multiple locations, and strategic storytelling props to build your entire visual brand identity.
-
Yes. All my headshot and personal branding collections include a comprehensive commercial usage license. You have full legal rights to utilize your high-end images across your website, social media channels, email marketing campaigns, paid digital advertisements, book covers, press releases, and editorial features without any future renewal fees.
-
You should wear outfits that reflect your industry's standards while showcasing your personal style. To take the guesswork out of preparation, our branding experiences include a professional wardrobe consultation. We help you select 3 to 6 distinct looks ranging from sharp executive attire to elevated casual wear. This ensures your clothing coordinates perfectly with your brand colors and the portrait session location(s) we choose.
-
Preparation starts weeks before the camera clicks. We begin with a deep-dive Brand Strategy and Concept Call to map out your exact marketing goals, co-create a custom mood board, and finalize your shot list. On the day of your session, our professional team provides camera-ready hair and makeup styling so you can step in front of the lens with total confidence.
-
The best location depends entirely on your brand's aesthetic. For lifestyle and environmental imagery, we recommend shooting on-location at your home or office to maintain brand consistency. Or, if you prefer, we’ll guide you through our recommended locations in Orange County's elite business and coastal hubs, including (but not limited to) Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, and Costa Mesa.
-
Absolutely. Beyond solo entrepreneurs and coaches, we regularly scale our signature visual framework for corporate leadership teams, partnership firms, and boutique agencies throughout Southern California. We seamlessly create a cohesive corporate visual identity that elevates your individual executives while powerfully reinforcing your overarching brand authority.
Available on-location throughout Orange County. Regularly serving Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Lake Forest, Anaheim, and beyond. Also available for travel throughout Southern California and beyond.
Ready to invest in your image?
No pressure, no commitment. Let's find out if we're a great fit. I’ll respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.
Headshot Resources
-
![]()
Top 5 Industries That Need High-End Headshots
-
![]()
Headshot Posing Tips
-
![]()
Headshots vs Branding Photos
-
![]()
What to Look for in a Professional Headshot Photographer
-
![]()
What to Wear for Headshots
-
![]()
How to Prepare for Headshots
-
![]()
Surprising Facts + Stats About Headshots
