Personal Branding Portraits with Amaya at Sun Snap Studio in San Diego, California
There are some people you meet and immediately think, oh yeah, I like you. That’s Amaya. Friendly, personable, wise, and incredibly likable.
Amaya is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in San Diego who approaches therapy from a relational perspective — she doesn’t see people as problems to fix, but as humans shaped by relationships, systems, culture, and lived experience. She proudly identifies as queer and was diagnosed as AuDHD later in life, and she brings that lived understanding into her sessions. She is dedicated to supporting the neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities in a way that feels grounded, informed, and deeply personal.
So when Amaya reached out for personal branding portraits, the goal wasn’t just “let’s get you a new headshot,” but to show the world who she really is.
Sun Snap Studio is one of my favorites in San Diego. They have a big disco ball, a disco ball chair, assorted mid-century modern furniture with a funky flare, colorful backdrop options, etc. The options are endless! We wanted crisp, colorful images with vibrant earthy tones — something polished but still warm and approachable.
Amaya brought her laptop, psychology books, and pieces that represent her therapeutic process. We styled her in a way that felt like her — relaxed, expressive, bright. She also brought a Pride flag and a bisexual flag (bi girlies unite!), which we placed in a vase of flowers the studio provided. It was subtle, intentional, and aligned with her work and identity.
We leaned into her personality which her clients describe as “cool big sister energy.” The kind of therapist who can hold deep emotional space but also laugh with you when you need it.
You Are Your Brand
Branding photos don’t have to be plain to be professional. Especially when it comes to therapy, potential clients are often looking for visual cues of safety, personality, and authenticity. Details that say, “You can be fully yourself here.” Personal branding photography tell your story.
My approach to personal branding photography is this:
Yes, we’re photographing your business. But more importantly? We’re photographing the person who created it. The only thing no other business has is you.
Your lived experiences.
Your style.
Your laugh.
Your energy.
Your support system.
At the end of Amaya’s session, I snapped a few couples portraits of her and her husband, Peter. He’s a huge part of her world after all! Part of the foundation that makes her work possible.
Showing Off What Makes You You
Branding photos that feel authentic:
Help you attract aligned clients
Clearly communicate your values
Showcase your approach
Build trust before someone meets you in person
Elevate your website and social media
Personal branding photography should feel collaborative. Intentional. Fun. A little playful. A little vulnerable. And very, very real. Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, personal brand, or small business owner in San Diego, across California, or worldwide — your brand deserves imagery that feels like you. Not a stock-photo version of you.
No stiff poses.
No pretending.
No “look professional” panic.
I want you to look and feel like your truest self. Let’s chat about your vision, your goals, and capture your story. Reach out here!
