One of the joys of being a photographer is collaborating with creative individuals to capture their vision in a way that resonates with their audience. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing Susan Morris for her upcoming book, Strange Beasts. As a celebrated author known for her captivating storytelling, Susan wanted her author photos to convey both her dynamic personality and the intriguing, slightly whimsical nature of her work.
We started in the studio, where we could control every detail—from lighting to props—to create a variety of moods. Susan came prepared with a fantastic selection of items that tied into the themes of her book: a vintage magnifying glass, an intricately designed notebook, and even a miniature globe. We played around with these props to craft images that felt personal yet professional. One of my favorite shots features Susan thoughtfully posing with her notebook and candle, her expression both reflective and inviting—a perfect nod to the curious and exploratory themes in Strange Beasts.
After wrapping up in the studio, we decided to take the session on location to Powell’s Books in downtown Portland. For anyone who’s unfamiliar, Powell’s is a haven for book lovers and the perfect backdrop for an author like Susan. The towering bookshelves, warm lighting, and eclectic atmosphere added a layer of authenticity to the lifestyle photos we captured. We wandered through aisles, stopping occasionally to snap candid moments of Susan thumbing through books or perched on a stool with a stack of novels by her side.
As a photographer, I’m always looking for ways to tell a story through my images, and this shoot felt like a perfect collaboration. Susan’s energy and vision made it easy to create a collection of photos that not only represent her as an author but also hint at the enchanting world readers will discover in Strange Beasts.
I’m incredibly excited to see these photos alongside her bio in the book and beyond. Thank you, Susan, for trusting me to capture this milestone in your career. If you’re in Portland, be sure to stop by Powell’s Books to soak in some of the inspiration we did—and, of course, to pick up a copy of Strange Beasts!
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