APEROL SPRITZ
The Journal
Newborn
Featured Posts
My dear mama, I know the “perfect window” feels like it’s passed. I know the voices telling you “too late” echo in your mind. Maybe your little one spent days in the NICU, or maybe you were lost in the haze of postpartum exhaustion, anxiety, or grief. Maybe you simply needed time to catch your […]
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.
FAVORITE pOSTS & RESOURCES
The portrait Shoot Style guide
TIPS FOR THE BEST GOLDEN HOUR PHOTOS
Free Download
The IDEAL TIMELINE GUIDE
Heirloom schlitz synth, humblebrag scenester tumblr plaid narwhal offal tofu authentic hell of umami. Williamsburg sartorial put a bird on it craft beer.
