When author Chris Cander, a friend of my husband, released a novel during the pandemic, she did what many of us did—she snapped her own selfie to use as a headshot. It worked for the time, but for her latest book, she wanted something more. She wanted portraits that truly reflected who she was.

Chris admitted that none of her prior pictures ever really felt like her. They were fine, but they didn’t capture the spark of her personality or the depth of her character. During our session together, that changed. We created a variety of looks, from polished author headshots to portraits that reflected her personal style—even one featuring her martial arts uniform. Each image told a different facet of her story, and together they revealed the full picture of who she is.

This couldn’t have come at a better time. Chris’s latest book, The Young of Other Animals, was selected by Amazon Publishing—yes, one of the largest publishing companies in the world. This moment was even more significant than being picked up by one of the traditional “Big Five” publishers. And on launch day, Chris signed copies of her book featuring the professional portrait we had created together. As fate would have it, the main character in her novel was also named “Paula.” It felt like the stars had aligned for us to work together.

Her story is a reminder of what professional portraits can do. They aren’t just about a polished image—they’re about creating space for someone to see themselves clearly, maybe for the first time. For Chris, it wasn’t just an author headshot—it was a reflection of her authentic self.

These are the stories I love to tell through my camera. Whether you’re an author, an entrepreneur, or simply ready to step into your own spotlight, portraits have the power to make an impact and leave a lasting impression.

Ready to see yourself in a new light? Book your Houston branding photography session today and let’s create images that reflect the real you.