Readers who finish your book turn to the back matter, then look you up. Your photo sits beside every book on your Amazon author page and turns up in interviews and on every newsletter. A portrait that fits your genre tells readers they’re in safe hands and makes the next book an easier yes.
Portraits with the mood of your books.
We start with your covers and tropes and the readers you write for. Then we plan the light and location, and the styling, to match. Thriller writers get shadow and tension; cosy mystery and romance authors get warmth. Every shoot includes the crops you actually need, from the square for Author Central to the wide banner for your website.
A selection of our author photography, including our founder, crime author Jack Cartwright.
Author photography, done properly.
Author headshots
A professional portrait for your back matter and Author Central or the press, refreshed whenever you need it.
Genre-matched portraits
Light and location planned around your covers and what your readers expect, with styling to match.
Every crop you need
Square and wide crops plus portrait versions for Amazon and your website, newsletters, socials and speaker bios.
Books styled for Bookstagram
Your paperbacks and special editions, shot with props that hint at the setting and tropes.
Launch and event photography
We discreetly photograph signings and launch nights. Festivals and library talks too.
Edited and licensed for use
A consistent edit, with clear usage rights covering print and ads as well as press.
A shoot planned around your books.
Brief
We look at your covers and genre, who your readers are and where the photos will be used.
Plan
Location and outfits planned ahead, plus a shot list and props, so the day is relaxed.
Shoot
In our studio or at your home, in your writing space or out on location.
Deliver
Edited images sized for Amazon and your website as well as newsletters and print.
Photography for authors, answered.
Do self-published authors need a professional author photo?
Yes, if you want readers to treat your books as seriously as traditionally published ones. Our guide to author photos explains what makes one work and how it should fit your genre.
How do I plan an author photoshoot?
Start with your covers and readers. Then pick a location and outfit that fit, and a matching mood. Our guide to planning an author photoshoot takes you through the shot list and which crops to ask for.
What photo should I use on Amazon Author Central?
A clear, well-lit portrait that still works as a small square and matches the rest of your branding. See our guide to the Author Central photo.
Can you photograph my books for Instagram?
Yes. We style and shoot your paperbacks and special editions for Bookstagram and newsletters, and for your ads. Our guide to Bookstagram photography shows the approach.
Where are you right now?
Four quick questions, and we’ll show you where we’d start. Your answers come straight to us with your message, so you won’t have to explain it twice.
Let’s talk. Pick a time that suits you.
A 30-minute introduction call on Microsoft Teams, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Your answers come with the booking, so we’ll be ready for you.
Prefer to talk it through? Make an appointment for a 30-minute call on Microsoft Teams, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
What we’d do for you
See it in action
A closer look at the work behind each part of your plan.
Every light, pointed at your books.
Six services, built for authors. Pick one, or let them all work together. See them all →