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Stopped Down Studio
STOPPED DOWN STUDIO
Bay Area Headshot Photographer

Bay Area Headshot Photographer

Headshots from my Temescal studio in Oakland, a block from MacArthur BART.

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Professional headshot of Kawai - dining services chef Oakland studio
Professional headshot of Julian - entrepreneur Bay Area
Professional headshot of Meka - leadership coach Bay Area
Professional headshot of Eric - actor Oakland
Professional headshot of Kaitlyn - marketing professional
Professional headshot of Pallavi - grant writer headshot Oakland
Professional headshot of Sam - creative director Bay Area
Professional headshot of Damien - poet and author
Professional headshot of Natalie - Oakland headshot photographer
Professional headshot of Jean-Claude - photographer headshot
Professional headshot of Gregory - classical cellist headshot Oakland

You’re here because you’re very good at some things, and posing for pictures isn’t one of them. That’s because cameras aren’t natural, and neither is looking natural in front of one. I’m here because the world demands it anyway. You're gonna love it.

Because you don't have to become someone else to look great. We all just need a little nudge.

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Your headshot's practically done

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  1. Book some time. Don't worry about posing or what to wear. No good times? I’ll see what I can do.
  2. I direct you to be your real self. We review as we go. At the end you pick and pay for your favorites.
  3. Four days later, expertly retouched photos are in your inbox, and off your plate.
Andrea headshot - Oakland headshot client testimonial

Adam put me at ease in a way that felt very unique. Before I knew it he had captured a set of images that were completely different from anything I've ever had done before. They feel like me—unique, on brand, and full of character.

Andrea

San Francisco

Hi, I'm Adam

I toured the US once as a slam poet. Gave up my kid in an open adoption and moved to Oakland so we can hang. Been making pictures for 11 years. Every month or so I find a new reason to thank all my exes for breaking my heart. One of these things is not true.

Adam Rubinstein - Oakland headshot photographer

The headshot was never the point

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Remy

We were chatting on my steps. “New headshot” had been on their to-do list for a year. Their wife was picking them up to go dancing to celebrate.

Céline

It was our second session, 40 minutes in. I’d asked her to confront her crush, knowing they’d melt for her. We were reviewing, and it was banger after banger. She dabbed her eyes and said it meant so much to see herself this way.

Justin

He popped up in my LinkedIn feed and I knew the picture instantly—we’d made it in his living room eight years ago. When I texted he laughed and asked when I’m coming through Santa Barbara again.

545-star reviews

Headshot of Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn Gernatt
Google
Verified

I needed new headshots and boy did Adam deliver! He made me feel super comfortable and confident behind the camera. In our planning session he made suggestions on what I…

Photo of Hanna
Hanna Freedlund
Google
Verified

What a great experience working with Adam. He clearly knows his stuff but keeps the vibe easy and casual so it's not intimidating. I'm not particularly comfortable in front…

Headshot of Jean-Claude Cubias
Jean-Claude Cubias
Google
Verified

Easily one of the most genuine, funny, and patient photographer I have ever allowed to take my portraits. I'm a photographer myself and have worked with many photographers…

Photo of Cat 01
Cat Camille
Google
Verified

Great session with a professional head shot that I was able to use for various events and publications! Adam gave some great guidance on how to pose most effectively- and…

Headshot of Sam
Sam Snell
Google
Verified

Taking pictures with Adam was amazing, he helped me feel very safe and comfortable, and had a lot of great feedback and attention to detail to offer for my posing that helped…

Photo of Cynthia
Cynthia Avila-Baca
Google
Verified

I had a photo session with Adam for professional headshots, and it was by far one of the best experiences I've had. He was really personable and made me feel comfortable;…

Headshot of Spydre V
Spydre V
Google
Verified

Highly recommend Adam's work. He's great at getting natural looking headshots. Love the results!

Roberto Barreto
Google
Verified

Adam provided an excellent experience. He really tries to bring the best out of his clients and is very collaborative.

Patience Okani
Google
Verified

I had such an amazing time working with Adam! Before I even arrived to his studio, Adam was extremely informative. He let me know how I should prepare for photos and his…

Photo of Social 01
Laura Rappa
Google
Verified

If you are an actor, and need headshots- this is the guy! Adam Rubinstein has a rare gift. He understands actors and somehow knows exactly how to bring out your unique…

Photo of Social 11
Chloe De Lancie
Google
Verified

Adam was a pleasure to work with. He was friendly, professional, and made my headshot session a great experience. He gave me some posing tips and made sure we got what I…

Photo of Social 01
Rommel Huerta
Google
Verified

First of all, Adam was very polite and professional. His transparency from the very beginning was on point and I do not think there is another photographer like him! He ran…

Photo of Social 01
JeJe Gentry
Google
Verified

Not only is Adam extremely talented and took fantastic photos, he put me at ease and made me feel comfortable. I now have some great headshots, had fun while the time flew by!

Photo of Social 01
Emily Happe
Google
Verified

I had a great session with Adam for my acting headshots. I am very new to the industry and inexperienced, but he made the experience very easy and enjoyable. Highly recommend!

Photo of Social 01
Sara Rehart
Google
Verified

Had a great experience shooting with Adam. The equipment he has are top notch, he has an eye for lighting to be super flattering, and he makes you feel at ease while shooting…

Photo of Social 01
Kevin Esparza
Google
Verified

This was my first time doing my headshots professionally, and Adam was very easy going. He made me feel extremely comfortable, he as very friendly and he told me exactly what…

Photo of Social 10
Evan Mirabella
Google
Verified

I had a great experience getting my headshots taken with Adam. He was incredibly encouraging and professional throughout the entire session. He told me ahead of time to bring…

LamorindaMarketing
Google
Verified

Adams approach was totally new to me and focused on what casting directors look for... not just a smile but many more aspects of what creates range. He's got a great setup…

Photo of Social 01
isabella doherty
Google
Verified

I had such a great experience working with Adam. The process was very comfortable and professional he took his time to get the best angles. Truly appreciated the honest and…

Photo of Social 01
Joshua Burkholder
Google
Verified

Adam was an absolute delight and marvel to work with! The vibes, the speed, the attention to detail, and warmly disarming; Adam had me feel right at home at his studio. But…

jill pollack
Google
Verified

Adam makes the entire process a walk in the park; from setting up appointment details and reviewing expectations ahead of time to making sure the end results are absolutely…

Photo of Social 01
Garrett Alvarado
Google
Verified

A great experience! And amazing headshots. Highly recommend

Photo of Social
Duncan Bruce
Google
Verified

adam was super professional and helpful for a first timer like me and his photos turn out fantastic

Photo of Social 01
Francheska Loy
Google
Verified

Best experience I've had with a photographer! Adam gave all the info I needed to know beforehand, so I felt prepared. The session itself was amazing. I felt really…

Photo of Social 01
John Orozco
Google
Verified

Had a great session with Adam for my headshots. Thanks!

Portrait of Remy
Remy Fernandez-O'Brien
Google
Verified

Taking portraits with Adam was a wonderful experience. During the session, I felt relaxed, well-guided, and supported in my queer identity. The end products were both the…

Photo of Social 3x2
Ignacio Martinez
Google
Verified

Great experience!! Would definitely recommend for any photoshoot needs!

Portrait for Letter 3
Letter 3
Google
Verified

We hired Adam to shoot one of our artists, and the experience was top-tier. He is an exceptional coach who made the talent feel confident while directing the session to get…

Portrait of Ana
Ana Henderson-Arjona
Google
Verified

Booking with Adam at Stopped Down Studio was effortless. I’m usually camera shy, but his coaching made me feel comfortable and look natural. The final images are beautiful,…

Headshot of Meka
Meka
Google
Verified

Excellent photographer with a knack for making you feel and look your best.

Photo of SOCIAL 3x2
Rodrigo García
Google
Verified

Had an individual photo session here and it was a great experience! The photographer was professional, friendly, and made me feel really comfortable in front of the camera.…

Photo of Social 12
Reed Bobroff
Google
Verified

Adam is an incredible photography with a great sense of tone, direction, and light. He knows exactly how to capture the spirit and energy you’re looking for. I had a…

Photo of Social 01
Remy Fernandez-O'Brien (they/them)
Google
Verified

Taking portraits with Adam was a wonderful experience. During the session, I felt relaxed, well-guided, and supported in my queer identity. The end products were both the…

Business runs on feelings (and your corporate headshot proves it)
Patrick Mitchell
Google
Verified

Adam did a fantastic job and I had a great experience overall. I enjoyed the initial interview to find out what I wanted and was a fun process during the session. Would…

Photo of Jazz
J Rache
Google
Verified

More than a photo shoot! Adam is a dynamic photographer, artist, writer, and humanitarian. He brings such heart and sincerity to his work, he makes you feel at home, then…

Photo of Brandy
B M
Google
Verified

Representation matters, and when Adam asked me to be part of a local photography project, I was really honored. He was professional, caring, and he has an incredible eye.…

Portrait of Elmer
Elmer Martinez
Google
Verified

I had the pleasure of working with Adam on a few occasions! All of these sessions resulted in photos I'd use for my modeling, work headshots, family gifts and so many more…

Photo of Shane Smith 20251122 SOCIAL 01
Shane Smith
Google
Verified

Almost a decade ago, a friend introduced me to Adam, and I couldn’t be more grateful. From the outset, he made me feel completely at ease, encouraging me to share my story…

Photo of Social 01
Duran Fernandez-O'Brien
Google
Verified

I needed a few portraits and was lucky enough to have met Adam through my sibling. Adam was so easy to work with. He was flexible with his time and even came to me to take…

Photo of Rafa
Rafael Martinez
Google
Verified

Working with this photographer was an exceptional experience from start to finish. What truly sets them apart is their genuine kindness, thoughtfulness, and deep commitment…

Photo of Matthew
Matthew Brown
Google
Verified

Working with Adam Rubenstein was such a joy. From the very start of our shoot together he created a space that felt safe, open, and fun, which took the pressure off and let…

Portrait of Christian
Christian Drake
Google
Verified

Adam shows you the 'you' you never see in the mirror. This isn't the portrait that you've always practiced for photos, adjusting your eyes and hoping your smile is "right"…

Photo of Mitch 01
Mitchell Wilcox
Google
Verified

I really love the photos that Adam took of me and I often don't like photos taken of me that aren't candid shots or portraiture in general that isn't candid. That kind of…

Karen Garrabrant
Google
Verified

I've known Adam for twenty years (or more at this point). He has an impecable eye for capturing the essence of a person's character for professional headshots, book covers…

Portrait of Sydnei Taylor
The Golden GAUDS Collective
Google
Verified

This was the best session I have had in front of a camera in a long time!! Adam works as intently and intentionally at getting you into the right headspace as he does…

Headshot of Eric
Eric B
Google
Verified

I consistently use the same photo Adam took of me for professional theater and film. Although, the session wasn't originally planned for headshots with his innovative…

Headshot of Andrea Wedell
Andrea Wedell
Google
Verified

I came to Adam for a headshot without really knowing what to expect. I'd seen his portfolio and loved the work—his photos felt honest and intriguing, like he had captured the…

Photo of Erin
Erin Jackson
Google
Verified

Working with Adam felt less like getting my picture taken and more like being invited into a story. He has a way of holding up a mirror so you can see your best angles…

Portrait of Jessica
Jessica Helen Lopez
Google
Verified

When I say cathedrals is first, Adam is an absolutely talented and professional photographer. He’s got such a great eye! I still use the photo he took of me a few years back…

Photo of Dan
Dan Gottwald
Google
Verified

Working with Adam is a real treat. He's thoughtful, imaginative, playful and dedicated to capturing as much "you" as possible.

Photo of Def I
Def-i
Google
Verified

Adam is one of the most talented photographers I met on my journey through music and art. I definitely would highly recommend this studio to anyone for all occasions! Adam…

Photo of Michael
Michael Wakim
Google
Verified

I’m usually shy in front of a camera but Adam made me feel very comfortable and I ended up getting one of the best headshots I had ever gotten. He was very kind and very…

Headshot of Damien
Damien Flores
Google
Verified

Working with Adam was a dream! His professionalism and knowhow made our photo session an amazing experience. I've used his photographs in many of my press kits, especially as…

Portrait of Justin
Justin Woo
Google
Verified

I’ve been using Adam’s portrait of me for years. In fact it’s my Google profile pic associated with this review! He’s wonderful to work with in the studio on a personal level…

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