Author Portraits in Olympia: A Sci-Fi Vision with Jade

I'm so excited to share the second session from my free headshot initiative! It’s been an incredible experience connecting with and supporting members of our community, and this photoshoot was no exception.

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Jade (she/her), a wonderfully kind and friendly person who is in the process of writing her own science fiction novel. When we started planning her session, she had a clear and compelling vision: a classic, striking black and white portrait to use as her official author photo.

I loved the idea immediately. There's a timeless, focused quality to black and white photography that puts the subject's expression and presence front and center—perfect for an author. To bring this vision to life, we headed to the capitol grounds here in Olympia. The grand, stoic architecture and the "cold fixtures" of the buildings, as I described them, offered the perfect backdrop. We used the strong lines and the dramatic play of light and shadow among the pillars to build a sense of contrast and depth.

Jade, framed by the strong lines and dramatic light at the Washington State Capitol.

Working with Jade was a breeze. Her easygoing nature made it simple for us to collaborate and explore different ideas on the spot. While our primary goal was the black and white author shot, we also took the time to capture some other moments that show her warm personality and creative spirit.

A writer in her element. We couldn't resist capturing a few shots of Jade getting lost in a book in the beautiful Sunken Garden on the Capitol Campus.

It's a genuine honor to create images for a fellow artist, especially at the beginning of an exciting new chapter like publishing a book. I can't wait to have a copy of Jade's sci-fi novel on my shelf one day, and I'm so grateful to have played a small part in her journey.

This session is part of my ongoing project to offer free headshots to those in our community who need them. If you're interested in learning more or booking a session, please visit the link here: https://www.russell-moore.com/shop/p/free-headshot-sessions-supporting-our-community.