These photos are from a recent portrait photoshoot in Menlo Park. Emily Levine is a professor of European history at Stanford University and is about to publish her second book called “Allies and Rivals: German-American Exchange and the Rise of the Modern Research University”.
Every book tells a story, and so does the author behind it. A compelling author portrait is more than just a headshot—it’s a visual representation of the writer’s voice and personality. I recently had the pleasure of photographing Emily an incredible author who needed a professional portrait for her upcoming book that would feel timeless, warm, and reflective of her personality.
For this author portrait, we chose a location with soft, natural light and a backdrop that complemented her writing style and persona. We experimented with different angles, expressions, and natural poses, ensuring a variety of options that could work for her book cover, website, and future press features.
An author’s portrait should feel genuine and approachable, yet polished and professional. For this session, we focused on:
Soft, natural lighting to create a warm, inviting feel
Classic, neutral-toned wardrobe choices that wouldn’t distract from her expression
A mix of serious and relaxed expressions to capture different aspects of her personality
We captured both traditional headshots and more lifestyle-oriented portraits, giving her a selection of images that would work across book promotions, interviews, and social media.
A book’s cover may draw readers in, but an author’s portrait helps create a deeper connection. It adds a personal touch, making the writer more relatable to their audience. Whether it’s for the back of a book, a website, or press materials, a well-crafted portrait is an essential part of an author’s brand.
It was an honor to capture Emily’s journey as an author through photography.
