Headshots in Menlo Park

Headshots in Menlo Park for executives, founders, and teams who want a clear, modern look. We guide expression, lighting, and wardrobe, then deliver a same-day proofing gallery with natural retouching in about three business days. Choose our studio nearby or a calm on-location session downtown or at your office.

Menlo Park, California

The 6 best Menlo Park locations for professional headshots

A quick answer

Start with light, then background. Santa Cruz Avenue reads professional, City Hall reads executive, and the Bayfront reads approachable.

Menlo Park film, video, and audio permit fees include a $150 application review and a $50 daily still photography fee in the Master Fee Schedule. Film permits are coordinated through Public Works, listed on the City permit page.

Bayfront wind can pick up later in the day, so we plan outdoor looks earlier for calmer hair and clothing.

SpotIndustry aestheticPermit statusLocal logicParking
Downtown Menlo Park (Santa Cruz Avenue)Startup, client-facing, modernNo paid permit typical for handheld public-walkway shooting; reserved access or equipment can trigger the $150 application review and $50 daily still fee in the Master Fee Schedule, coordinated via the City permit page.Weekday mornings; avoid lunch rush on Santa Cruz Avenue.City lots off Santa Cruz Ave; arrive 10 minutes early, use posted time limits, and avoid early street parking without the $2 temporary permit noted in the parking rules.
Menlo Park City Hall PlazaExecutive, legal, financeFilm, video, and audio permit fees include a $150 application review and $50 daily still photography in the Master Fee Schedule, coordinated via the City permit page.Mid-morning for balanced light and lighter foot traffic.City Hall lot; follow posted limits and avoid early street parking without the $2 temporary permit listed in the parking rules.
Burgess ParkApproachable, community, wellnessCity park sessions with reserved access or equipment can trigger the $150 application review and $50 daily still fee in the Master Fee Schedule, coordinated via the City permit page.Weekday mornings; avoid tournament hours and crowded weekends.Burgess lot; arrive 10 minutes early and use posted time limits, and avoid early street parking without the $2 temporary permit in the parking rules.
Bedwell Bayfront ParkOutdoors-forward, modern, approachableNo paid permit typical for handheld public-trail shooting; reserved access or equipment can trigger the $150 application review and $50 daily still fee in the Master Fee Schedule, coordinated via the City permit page.Early mornings for calmer wind and clean light.Trailhead lot; arrive 10 minutes early and use posted time limits, and avoid early street parking without the $2 temporary permit in the parking rules.
Menlo Park LibraryProfessional, civic, approachableCity property; reserved access or equipment can trigger the $150 application review and $50 daily still fee in the Master Fee Schedule.Late morning for softer light along the entry walkways.Library lot; follow posted limits and avoid early street parking without the $2 temporary permit in the parking rules.
Your office or coworking loungeCorporate, leadership, team pagesNo City permit is needed on private property with approval; public areas can trigger the $150 application review and $50 daily still fee in the Master Fee Schedule.Most reliable option for schedule control and consistency.Use your building parking rules and meet us in the lobby or reception area; if street parking is needed, avoid early arrivals without the $2 temporary permit in the parking rules.

Menlo Park headshot plan in 3 steps

We keep your session efficient and crop-safe while matching your role to the background.

  • Light first
    Open shade along Santa Cruz Avenue or park trees keeps skin tones even.
  • Background second
    Civic lines read executive; greenery reads approachable leadership.
  • Crop-safe options
    We shoot tight and mid framing so LinkedIn thumbnails still read.

Session fit checklist

Use this to decide between studio, office, or outdoor looks.

  • Best for
    LinkedIn updates, leadership bios, speaker pages, and team directories.
  • Not a fit
    Same-day finals for 20+ people or heavy composite work.
  • Need consistency
    On-site team lighting or a studio backdrop keeps every frame uniform.

What to bring

Two looks is the sweet spot for speed and variety.

  • Outfits
    Two options with solid colors and minimal patterns.
  • Layers
    A blazer or jacket on a hanger for fast swaps.
  • Reference
    Any brand style notes or recent team headshots to match.

Menlo Park vibe map

Executive and civic looks read best at Menlo Park City Hall, approachable and modern fits Downtown on Santa Cruz Avenue, community and wellness works at Burgess Park, bayfront modern shows up at Bedwell Bayfront Park, quiet civic feels polished at the Menlo Park Library, and the fastest option is your office or coworking lounge.

Short planning summary

For a fast Menlo Park headshot session, we pick one downtown or civic backdrop, shoot two looks, and keep the setup handheld so sidewalks stay clear. You review proofs the same day, choose favorites for LinkedIn and bios, and receive naturally retouched finals in about three business days.

Arrival and parking

We keep the plan simple so you can focus on the session.

  • Timing
    Arrive 10 minutes early for a quick light check and touch-ups.
  • City guidance
    City parking rules include an overnight 2-5 a.m. restriction; we plan around it and share the meet-up point, or use a $2 temporary permit.
  • Backup plan
    We send a pin and a nearby alternate spot if the first choice is busy.

Downtown Menlo Park (Santa Cruz Avenue)

Walkable storefronts. This is the polished, approachable look for founders and client-facing teams. We keep you in open shade along side streets so the background stays calm in tight crops.

Menlo Park City Hall Plaza

Clean civic geometry. This reads executive and trustworthy for legal, finance, and leadership profiles. We use the plaza edges for even light and simple lines.

Burgess Park

Green space and shade. A friendly, approachable option for educators, wellness leaders, and community roles. We stay near open shade and keep the background uncluttered.

Bedwell Bayfront Park

Bayfront calm. The trail and marsh views read open and modern for outdoors-forward brands. We keep the setup light and use longer lenses to blur the horizon.

Menlo Park Library

Quiet civic backdrop. The modern exterior reads professional without feeling formal. We frame tight to keep the background clean.

Your office or coworking lounge

Fastest and most consistent. Great for teams and repeatable lighting across a directory. We set a compact kit near window light or a neutral wall.

Tell us where the photos will live (LinkedIn, website, speaking, press) and what you want to signal, and we will build a Menlo Park route by light, walking time, and crowd level.

Packages

Choose a quick update or a full brand refresh. Packages start at $175 and include guided posing, same-day proofs, and natural retouching.

"I Just Need One Photo" Headshot Package

$175

15-minute studio session with guided posing, same-day proofs, and one retouched image. Includes backdrop and lighting guidance. Ideal for a quick LinkedIn or resume refresh.

15 minutes 1 retouched photo Same-day proofs At Studio 2068 Walsh Ave, Ste A Santa Clara, CA 95050

A Few Good Shots Headshot Package

$250

45-minute studio session with multiple looks, same-day proofs, and three retouched images. Includes backdrop changes and posing guidance. Ideal for LinkedIn, team pages, and bios.

45 minutes 3 retouched photos Same-day proofs At Studio 2068 Walsh Ave, Ste A Santa Clara, CA 95050

Set the Scene Headshot Package

$450

One-hour on-location session in Menlo Park with natural or flash lighting, same-day proofs, and five retouched images. Includes location planning and a compact on-site setup. Ideal for office teams and contextual headshots.

60 minutes 5 retouched photos Same-day proofs On Location

Personal Brand Headshot Package

$500

90-minute personal branding session with multiple outfits, same-day proofs, and ten retouched images. Includes wardrobe guidance and a mix of close and mid shots. Ideal for founders, speakers, and marketing use.

90 minutes 10 retouched photos Same-day proofs At Studio 2068 Walsh Ave, Ste A Santa Clara, CA 95050

Request a Personalized Headshot Package Quote

Share your goals (LinkedIn, ERAS, healthcare, etc.) and we’ll tailor the right session.

What actually changes results

A 2026-ready headshot checklist

At-a-glance: what you get

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

  • Guidance during the shoot
    Direction for posing and expression, so you can repeat a confident look on demand.
  • Proofing gallery the same day
    You pick favorites from your gallery, then we retouch the images you choose.
  • Natural retouching
    A polished, professional finish that still looks like you.
  • Files that work everywhere
    Delivered for common uses like LinkedIn, company profiles, websites, and press.

The 3-signal headshot check

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.

  • Authority
    Clean lines, confident posture, and a background that reads “leadership” without distraction.
  • Warmth
    A relaxed jaw, soft eyes, and a friendly expression that still feels professional.
  • Clarity
    Simple styling and lighting that keeps the face primary, so your headshot stays readable in small crops.

Dress for tight crops

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

  • Choose matte fabrics and minimal patterns
    Shiny fabric and tight stripes can distract on camera. Solid colors and matte textures photograph cleanly in studio and outdoors.
  • Bring two looks, even for a short session
    A jacket or blazer swap is the fastest way to create variety for different roles, for example corporate and more approachable personal branding.
  • Plan for glasses and flyaways
    Clean lenses right before we shoot. If you have flyaways, a small brush or wax stick helps. We also keep hair checks between sets.
  • Aim for one clear message
    Pick the vibe you want to project (friendly, confident, decisive), then keep it consistent across a few strong expressions.

Kind Words from Our Clients

People Love Us

Our clients consistently praise our friendly, professional approach and high-quality results.

With over a hundred 5-star reviews, people love working with us and returning for their photography needs.

FAQ

Menlo Park Headshot Portfolio