Austin · Lago Vista, TX

Austin's Premier Headshot Photographer

Professional headshots for executives, teams, and business owners. Fully directed, with same-day viewing and ordering.

★★★★★ 5.0 on Google · 20 reviews
| 24 years in business
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Our Work

Headshots that get noticed.

Every session is fully directed: lighting, posing, and professional retouching handled start to finish. Before we ever pick up a camera, we talk about how and where you'll use your images, so that every image has a job to do. That's the difference between a corporate headshot and a Modern Headshot that works in your marketing.

Executive headshot at desk
Amanda
Executive · Office Setting
Studio headshot wood backdrop
Amanda
Wood Slat Studio
Editorial portrait
Barbara
Editorial Portrait
Corporate headshot navy backdrop
Marli
Corporate Headshot
Studio headshot
Marli
Personal Branding
Professional portrait
Brooke
Studio Session
Studio portrait
Amy
Headshot Session
Headshot wood backdrop
Amanda
Wood Slat Studio
Professional headshot
Cherie
Studio Session
Studio portrait
Brook
Personal Branding
Studio headshot
Dede
Studio Session
Office headshot
Amanda
Office Headshot
What Makes a Maggie Messer Headshot Modern

Directed. Purposeful. Built for Your Marketing.

Created for Your Marketing

Multiple backdrops, lighting setups, and is built around where your images will be used. LinkedIn. Your website. Your speaking page. Every set, every pose, every crop has a purpose.

Guided Every Step

Most people say they hate having their photo taken. What they actually mean is nobody's ever shown them how. Every woman who walks out of this studio leaves knowing she's more photogenic than she thought, because being photogenic isn't a trait. It's a skill. And you'll have someone in your corner the whole time who knows every trick of the trade.

Hair & Makeup Available

Optional professional makeup & hair styling so you don't have the stress of getting camera ready.

Client Reviews

Photos you'll be proud to use.

★★★★★ 5.0 · 20 Google reviews

★★★★★

"I recently had headshots done by Maggie and she did a fantastic job. I hadn't been to a photographer in about 25 years, so I wasn't super comfortable, but Maggie took extra time making sure I was comfortable."

Darby H.

Google Review

★★★★★

"The session was fantastic and Maggie is a natural. I was actually very nervous about the entire experience, and she made me comfortable. Everything went smoothly."

Erin H.

Google Review

★★★★★

"This experience is breathtaking. The skill and professionalism you will encounter is hard to find elsewhere. Maggie truly loves what she does and it shows in every shot."

Shirley G.

Google Review

What Makes Maggie Messer Photography Different

You're in Good Hands.

  • 24 Years. Every Body Type. Every Woman Who Said "I'm Not Photogenic." I've worked with women of every shape, size, and level of camera confidence. I know exactly how to work with all of them, because I've seen it all, and I know what works.
  • You just show up. I handle everything else. From the moment you walk in, you'll know exactly what to do, because I'll tell you.
  • Same-day viewing and image selection. See your images before you leave. Professionally retouched and delivered after.
  • Studio in Lago Vista, just outside Austin. Multiple backdrops, multiple looks, all in one session. You walk out with images that work across every platform you need them for.
Studio headshot example
Sessions

For You or Your Whole Team.

Corporate

Corporate Headshot

$290

A simple head-and-shoulders headshot session. For the professional who needs one or two strong images for LinkedIn, a job interview, an application, or a company bio.

  • 20-minute session
  • One retouched image included
  • Wardrobe guidance
  • Same-day viewing and image selection

Additional images are $190 each, or 3 for $380. Most clients leave with 1-4 images.

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Most Popular
Executive

Executive Headshot

$490

These Modern headshots are built to show more of your personality, on your website, on your social media, and in your marketing materials.

  • Design consultation included
  • 45-minute session, in and out in about 1.5 hours
  • Multiple outfits and backgrounds
  • Guided posing throughout
  • Three retouched images included
  • Same-day viewing and image selection
  • Hair & makeup available as an add-on

Most clients leave with 3 to 10 images. Additional images are $190 each, or 3 for $380.

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Personal Branding

Personal Branding

$500 booking retainer

Applied toward your image collection.

For entrepreneurs, coaches, course creators, and anyone building a personal brand to market their business. A guided studio session that gives you a library of images to market with all year.

  • Brand strategy session to map your shot list and how you'll use each image
  • 1.5-hour studio session
  • Complimentary professional makeup and hair styling to help you get camera ready
  • A full range of images, from profile headshots to three-quarter and full-body shots
  • An in-person or Zoom appointment about two weeks later to see all your retouched images and choose your favorites
  • Your $500 retainer applies toward your image collection
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For Your Team

Team Headshot Day

  • Consistent backdrop & lighting across the entire team
  • Group + individual portraits
  • LinkedIn-ready files
  • Volume pricing for teams
  • Hosted in studio, Lago Vista
  • Custom quote built around your team size
Inquire for Quote
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Our Promise

Love Your Portraits Guarantee

We are confident that you will love your portraits, but you may not feel certain yet. Rest assured, if you don't love your portraits, we will happily schedule a session and retake them.

"Everything from the pre-session communication all the way through selecting my final photos was well done. Maggie is very thorough in the process from start to finish."

Amanda G.

Maggie Messer, Photographer
Meet Maggie

24 years behind the lens. Hundreds of headshot sessions.

Most photographers do a little bit of everything. I do one thing better than most: make people feel comfortable in front of a camera so the photo actually looks like them.

I run my studio just outside Austin in Lago Vista, where I've been photographing professionals, founders, and teams for over two decades. Every session is fully directed. You don't have to know how to pose, what to do with your hands, or how to "look natural." That's my job.

Whether it's an executive headshot for LinkedIn, a team headshot day for a growing company, or a personal branding session, the goal is the same: a photo you actually want to use.

Start the Conversation

"I was most worried about having my makeup done and not looking like myself. It was a great experience from beginning to end."

Kristi F.

FAQ

Headshot Questions, Answered.

What is the cost?

It depends on the session that fits you best, and each one includes retouched images to start.

Corporate Headshot ($290): Includes one retouched image. Ideal when you need one strong image for LinkedIn, a bio, or an application.

Executive Headshot ($490): Includes three retouched images. This is our most popular session, built to show your personality across your website, social media, and marketing.

Personal Branding ($500 booking retainer): The retainer applies toward your image collection, and complimentary hair and makeup is included. A guided session that gives you a full library of images to market with all year.

Additional images are $190 each, or 3 for $380. You choose your favorites same day for headshot sessions, or about two weeks later for Personal Branding, so you only order exactly what you love.

Team Headshot Days: Image packages are quoted based on the size and needs of your team.

How long does a headshot session take?

Modern Headshot Session: Plan for 1.5 hours, or 2.5 hours if you're adding Hair and Makeup. Your photoshoot is 45 minutes and includes multiple outfit changes, multiple looks, and guided posing and expression coaching throughout. Right after your session we review your images together and you place your order same day, so you leave with everything handled.

Personal Branding Session: Plan for up to 4 hours.

Team Headshot Days: Timing is built around your company's specific needs and goals. Every team is different, so a quick conversation is the best place to start.

Do you offer hair and makeup?

Yes. Professional hair and makeup is available as a $200 add-on. Most executive clients book it.

What should I wear?

Solid colors and structured pieces photograph best. Form fitting is always more flattering on camera than loose or oversized styles. Long sleeve or three-quarter sleeve is recommended for most looks.

Plan to bring 2 to 4 outfit options if you want variety across your images. Different looks give you more versatility for how you use your photos across LinkedIn, your website, and other marketing.

Before your session I'll send you a wardrobe guide to help you prepare. And if you have questions before then, send me photos of what you're considering. I'm here to help you show up feeling confident and ready.

Do I need to know how to pose?

Not at all. Most women walk in feeling exactly the same way, and that's completely normal. My job is to guide you through every single shot, so you never have to figure out what to do on your own. I direct your posing, your expressions, your angles, and even your hands the entire time. Most women are surprised by how natural and comfortable it feels once we get started. Your only job is to show up and have fun.

How quickly do I get my photos?

Fully retouched images are delivered within 1 week for individual sessions and up to 2 weeks for team headshot days, depending on quantity.

Rush turnaround is available for an additional fee. Please inquire at the time of booking.

Where is the studio?

My studio is in Lago Vista, TX 78645, about 45 minutes northwest of downtown Austin off 1431.

Most clients drive from Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Lakeway, Marble Falls, Round Rock, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, Pflugerville, and other surrounding Central Texas cities.

Do you do team headshot days?

Yes, and they are one of my favorite things to do. Every team day is built around your company's specific needs and goals, so the best place to start is a quick conversation. Send me your team size and we'll build a plan together.

Professional Hair and Makeup is available for smaller teams or can be scheduled across multiple days.

Do you shoot on location or only in studio?

My primary preference is in-studio because the lighting and backdrops are dialed in. Location sessions can be discussed for the right project. Reach out and let's talk.

"This experience is more than just taking photos. It's an investment in how you show up personally and professionally."

Marli L.

Start the Conversation

Ready for a headshot you'll actually want to use?

Tell me a little about what you're looking for, or just ask your questions. I'll personally be in touch within 24 hours. No pressure, no obligation.

Or call directly: (512) 273-3881