Meet the person behind the lens.
Founder & Photographer
Austin Harkey
I bring 10 years of photography experience and a long history in the corporate world to every session. I know exactly what an executive portrait needs to accomplish because I spent years sitting in those same rooms. I grew up in Newport Beach and still live here today with my wife and two children.
About Austin — Executive Portrait Photographer, Newport Beach
Most photographers understand light and composition. Few understand the executive image.
I spent 15 years working in the corporate world in Orange County, leading teams, presenting to executives, and sitting in the same rooms as the people I now photograph. Most recently as a UX Director at a national retailer with over 17 brands across the US and Canada — a role that kept me sharp on branding, visual communication, and how an image performs across marketing, advertising, and digital platforms.
That background shapes every session I shoot. I know what an executive portrait needs to do — not just look good, but work hard across LinkedIn, press releases, speaking profiles, and company materials. There’s a difference between a photo that was taken and a photo that was made with intention.
I’ve been shooting professionally for over 10 years, working with business leaders and executives across Orange County and beyond. My studio is based in Newport Beach and I work on location throughout the greater Orange County area.
When you book a session with me, you’re not handing your image over to someone who will figure it out. You’re working with someone who already understands the stakes.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Impressions, engineered
Your headshot is often the first thing a client, recruiter, or colleague sees. I treat every frame as a business asset, not just a photo.
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Direction, not just clicks
Great portraits come from real coaching and direction. I direct expression, posture, and angles so you never have to guess what to do.
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Consistency at scale
Whether it’s one executive or your entire team, every headshot fully matches your brand standards across offices and shooting dates.
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