EStD. 2017
EXTRAORDINARY IMAGES THAT STAND the
TEST OF TIME
Motherhood can sometimes feel like a force that can unravel and rebuild you all at once—it will challenge you, transform you, and awaken strength, power, and purpose you never imagined possible. It is tender and raw, breathtaking and profound, at times chaotic and at others achingly beautiful. At it's core, being a woman is nothing short of revolutionary.
Let's create timeless art that honors you and the extraordinary journey you are on.
SF Bay Area Studio Portrait Photography
Behind the Camera
Xan
Heller
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I was dubbed the "artistic one" in my family pretty early on. I was always creating - be it drafting architectural drawings and aeriel views of our house, or paper machéing a 6 foot whale, or decorating Altoid tins to give as gifts, writing stories about cats, or collaging every inch of my bedroom walls (and ceilings!) with magazine cut outs.
To no one's surprise, I chose to study film in college. To my surprise, during my first year at Chapman University, my Cinematography professor convinced me that what I truly was drawn to was the still image.
After an amazing study abroad program in London and a stint working in publication in New York City (Vogue, Men's Vogue, and Brides Magazine) and some time back in Los Angeles (LA Times Magazine, C California Style), I got my fine art degree in Photography & Imaging from Art Center College of Design.
After meeting my husband in Austin, Texas, we settled down back in the Bay Area where we now raise our 3 boys, 2 tuxedo cats, and 1 husky.
It wasn't until I came out of the fog of motherhood that I realized the necessity to reclaim my identity as so much more than just "mom." Slowly, I've found myself again through connection, friendships, and art. I recognize and find ways to celebrate the incredible woman that I have always been and everyday am becoming.
It is such a joy and privilege to help other women recognize their own strength and beauty through portraits.
“The images captured strength, confidence, and femininity in a way I didn’t even know was possible.”
I was completely shocked—in the best way. I knew it would be good, but I wasn’t prepared for how powerful the images would be. The images captured strength, confidence, and femininity in a way I didn’t even know was possible.
— Sarah F.
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