About & Contact
Let’s Talk About Your Photo or Video Project
San Francisco, California Based
Commercial Photographer + Director
Hi, my name’s Kaare Iverson. I’m a commercial photographer + director based in San Francisco, California. I was born in Canada and named after a boat that was named after a boat. The boats and I pronounce it “kori.”
My style leans natural and editorial, emphasizing immersive POVs and candid-feeling moments and details, but it’s built on a foundation of high-end production and years of studio know-how. That mix of immersive energy and technical craft is what keeps my work both alive and reliable.
I work with outdoor, fitness/athletic, and sustainability-minded brands to tell stories that feel honest and strategic. From big campaign shoots to agile social content, I help translate brand values into visuals that connect people to brands.
I think about marketing the way I think about photography: you can’t force it. You have to find the story that’s already there and bring it forward with clarity, curiosity, and a little bit of grit. That’s where brand identity and visual storytelling meet, and that’s the space I love to work in.
Along the way I’ve been a climber-bum, teacher, chef, and writer. But film and photography has always been the throughline. My personal work usually focus on ecology and the human connection to wilderness. I’m a proud member of the POW Creative Alliance, an ambassador for Think Tank bags, and a certified FAA drone pilot (Part 107).
If you’re looking for visuals that blend strategy with spirit, drop me a line and let’s make something great together.
kaare@kaareiverson.com
(858) 413-6079
“I would highly recommend [Kaare] to anyone without any hesitation and with full enthusiasm. His work is exceptional and his process is collaborative, meticulously prepped and always within time/budget.”
Selected Clients
Adidas
Helwett Packard
Lagunitas
Osprey Packs
Dometic
Royal Robbins
Black Diamond
Klean Kanteen
Marmot
Rothy's
Stitch Fix
Kitsbow
Silver Oak
Tin Cup Whiskey
Sierra Magazine
Outside Magazine
Sunset Magazine
Climbing Magazine
Backpacker Magazine
Yoga Journal
San Francisco Chronicle
Expedia.com
Booking.com
Kelowna Tourism
University of British Columbia
Zenni Optical
Pebble
UNICEF
Protect Our Winters
Calm.com
The Mark Anthony Group
Treasure Island Development
Future.fit
Thumbtack.com
Hinge Health
Sonoma County Winegrowers
Fetzer / Bonterra
Frequently Asked Questions
-
I've been photographing commercial assignments for more than seventeen years, working with organizations ranging from global outdoor brands and universities to technology companies, tourism organizations, nonprofits, and healthcare clients. My style combines documentary observation with thoughtful creative direction to create imagery that feels authentic, modern, and human. Based in California's Bay Area and available worldwide, I bring extensive production experience, a collaborative approach, and a genuine love of visual storytelling to every assignment.
-
Yes. I provide both commercial photography and cinematic video production, allowing clients to create cohesive visual campaigns across stills and motion. Many brands need photography for websites, advertising, PR, and social media alongside short films, brand videos, interviews, and campaign content. By directing both mediums, I help ensure the visual language, storytelling, and creative direction remain consistent throughout the project while reducing the complexity of hiring separate production teams.
-
Absolutely. I frequently collaborate with creative directors, art directors, designers, producers, marketing departments, communications teams, and advertising agencies. Whether you're bringing a fully developed creative brief or looking for input during concept development, I enjoy working as part of a collaborative team.
-
Yes. Depending on the scope of the assignment, I can assemble and manage a complete production team, including producers, assistants, stylists, hair and makeup artists, digital techs, location scouts, drone operators, and retouchers. I also assist with permitting, scheduling, casting, logistics, and production planning so clients have a single point of contact from concept through final delivery.
-
Yes. I hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, which authorizes me to legally operate drones for commercial photography and video production in the United States. Part 107 certification demonstrates knowledge of FAA regulations, airspace classifications, weather, flight safety, and operational procedures required for professional drone operations. Whether I'm creating aerial imagery for commercial brands, tourism, real estate, hospitality, outdoor recreation, or documentary filmmaking, clients can be confident that every flight is planned and executed safely, legally, and in compliance with FAA requirements. Combining certified drone operation with professional photography and filmmaking allows me to capture cinematic aerial perspectives that integrate seamlessly with ground-based photo and video production.
-
My work focuses on lifestyle-driven commercial photography for products and brands that value authentic storytelling. I regularly photograph for outdoor and recreation companies, technology and SaaS businesses, healthcare and fitness brands, universities, tourism organizations, hospitality businesses, apparel companies, nonprofits, and sustainability-focused organizations. Whether the assignment involves documenting real employees, producing a large advertising campaign, or creating an editorial-style brand library, my goal is to create images that feel genuine while serving a clear marketing purpose.
-
A commercial photographer creates photography that helps businesses communicate, market, and sell their products, services, and ideas. That can include advertising campaigns, brand photography, lifestyle imagery, editorial features, corporate storytelling, product launches, and marketing content for websites, social media, print, and digital advertising. As a San Francisco commercial photographer, I work with companies throughout the Bay Area and beyond to create authentic, people-focused imagery that reflects their brand while connecting with real audiences.
-
Lifestyle photography creates authentic, story-driven images that feel natural rather than staged. Instead of focusing solely on products or posed portraits, lifestyle photography shows people engaging with products, brands, places, and experiences in a way that feels genuine and relatable. For commercial clients, this approach helps audiences imagine themselves using a product, visiting a destination, or connecting with a brand. I photograph lifestyle campaigns for outdoor brands, technology companies, healthcare organizations, tourism agencies, hospitality businesses, apparel companies, and nonprofits, creating imagery that balances documentary authenticity with thoughtful creative direction. Whether we're working in an urban environment, at a workplace, or in the outdoors, the goal is always the same: tell a compelling human story that supports your marketing objectives.
-
I'm based in California's San Francisco Bay Area and work throughout San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Marin County, Silicon Valley, Napa, Sonoma, Sacramento, and the Central Coast. While many of my assignments happen throughout California, I regularly travel across the United States and internationally for commercial photography projects. As a dual citizen of Canada and the United States, I also work extensively on cross-border productions.
-
I've photographed projects for outdoor brands, technology companies, SaaS businesses, universities, tourism organizations, wineries, hospitality groups, healthcare providers, fitness brands, nonprofits, environmental organizations, and consumer products. Every industry has a unique audience, but the goal remains the same: create compelling photography that tells a story and supports your marketing objectives.
-
Both. Many clients prefer authentic photography featuring their own employees, executives, customers, or athletes because it creates a genuine connection with their audience. When a project requires specific demographics or specialized talent, I also work with professional models and casting agencies. The approach always depends on your campaign goals and brand voice.
-
Every commercial assignment is unique, so pricing is based on the scope of the project. Factors include the number of shoot days, production requirements, crew, travel, post-production, image licensing, and intended usage. After learning more about your project, I'll prepare a detailed estimate that clearly outlines all costs and licensing so there are no surprises.
-
Yes. Commercial photography is typically licensed based on how and where the images will be used. Licensing can cover websites, social media, advertising campaigns, print marketing, editorial publications, trade shows, outdoor advertising, and other media. This approach gives clients the flexibility to license imagery that matches their marketing needs while ensuring clear usage rights.
-
The timeline depends on the project. Some assignments can be completed in a few hours, while larger productions may span multiple days or weeks. During pre-production, we'll determine the number of locations, subjects, setups, and deliverables so you have a realistic schedule and production plan before the shoot begins.
-
Delivery timelines vary depending on the scope of the assignment, but most clients receive a curated proof gallery within several business days, followed by fully retouched final images according to the project schedule. If you have an upcoming product launch, event, or media deadline, expedited delivery can often be arranged during production planning.
-
Yes. Living and working in the Bay Area has given me extensive experience photographing technology companies ranging from startups to established enterprise organizations. I create imagery for software companies, SaaS platforms, AI organizations, hardware manufacturers, research institutions, and technology teams, with an emphasis on authentic storytelling.
-
Yes. Finding the right location is often one of the most important parts of a successful commercial shoot. I can recommend existing locations, scout new options, coordinate permits when necessary, and help select environments that support both your visual goals and production requirements.
-
Effective commercial photography does more than look beautiful—it communicates. Strong images reinforce your brand identity, build trust, tell stories, and help customers understand who you are before they read a single word. The most successful campaigns balance creative direction with authenticity, producing imagery that feels both aspirational and believable.
-
Editorial photography is created to accompany stories for magazines, newspapers, and publications, while commercial photography is produced to help organizations market their products, services, or brand. My work draws inspiration from editorial storytelling while meeting the strategic goals, licensing requirements, and production standards of commercial clients.
-
Most people aren't professional models, and they don't need to be. I focus on creating a relaxed environment through conversation, simple direction, and natural movement rather than rigid posing. The result is photography that feels genuine and captures real personalities instead of forced expressions.
Photographer + Director
I’m a San Francisco, California based commercial director & photographer. My work is built on authenticity, storytelling, and energy. Businesses and organizations hire me to wrap a story around their product and brand campaigns - camera in one hand, production design in the other, good vibes all around.