Headshots in Burlingame

How to pick the right spot: Choose a backdrop that signals your industry in one glance. Civic architecture reads executive, tree-lined parks feel approachable, and downtown storefronts read client-facing. The table below breaks down permits, timing, and parking so you can choose quickly.

About these notes: Permit, timing, and parking guidance reflects how we plan Burlingame headshots as working photographers so your session runs on time.

Burlingame timing note: Burlingame Avenue and Broadway are busiest around lunch, so we schedule earlier or later for cleaner sidewalks and less background clutter.

Arrival + parking note: We meet at the closest landmark or entrance (City Hall steps, Washington Park flagpoles, or the Broadway arch). Search the exact spot name in Maps, then text when you are two minutes out. If you park at the Burlingame Caltrain station, a daily permit is $5.50 and you can pay at a ticket machine or in the ParkMobile app; note your stall number. Avoid red curbs, loading zones, and driveways.

Quick match: Pick a setting that matches how you want to be perceived before anyone reads your bio. The best headshot background feels intentional, not accidental.

Civic lines and calm plazas. This is the authority-forward look for legal, finance, and executive profiles without feeling stiff.

Permit details: For a quick handheld session on public walkways, we can usually work within normal access. If we need reserved space, to block access, or to set up equipment, we coordinate a City special event or encroachment permit and provide a certificate of insurance when required. See Special Event Permit and Special Encroachment Permit.

Tree canopy and open lawns. This is the friendly, approachable option for client-facing leaders, wellness brands, and community-focused roles.

Permit details: Handheld portraits on public lawns are typically low-friction. If we need to reserve an area or bring stands, we coordinate through the City’s special event process.

Polished retail + classic storefronts. This is the client-facing, upscale look that feels established without being formal. The avenue reads professional and friendly, ideal for real estate, finance, and service brands.

Permit details: Public sidewalks are usually fine for handheld sessions. Any storefront or interior requires owner approval, and we keep the footprint minimal.

Neighborhood charm with a modern edge. Broadway brings a boutique, walkable feel that reads approachable and local. It is a strong fit for small business owners, consultants, and community-facing leaders.

Permit details: Sidewalk portraits are usually low-friction. Private patios or interiors require owner approval, and we keep the setup handheld.

Quiet, bookish, and credible. The library exterior reads thoughtful and grounded, a strong choice for educators, authors, nonprofit leaders, and advisors.

Permit details: Exterior portraits are typically fine if we stay out of the way. Any interior work requires library approval and a reserved time window.

Fastest, most consistent option. If efficiency is the priority, this is the cleanest move. The background reads credible and current, and it is easy to keep framing consistent for team pages and corporate bios.

Access details: No permits needed. Confirm the shoot window with your office manager or front desk and choose a quiet corner with window light or a neutral wall. If your building has a check-in policy for guests, share it in advance so arrival is frictionless.

A simple way to evaluate any headshot session is by the workflow. This is what we deliver so you can plan with confidence.

The goal: make your role obvious in one glance. Before we shoot, we align on these three signals so wardrobe, background, and expression all point the same way.

LinkedIn and company directories often crop to a small circle. Strong necklines, clean collars, and simple layers keep your face framed.