An Author’s Guide to a Powerful Photo Session

Mary Lee Gossett branding session by TAYLOR JOHNSON Photography in Spartanburg, SC

Branding Photo Session with Author, Lee Gossett

Soon to be author of

Closer Still?

Drawing Near to the Extraordinary Heart of God

Mary Lee Gossett branding session by TAYLOR JOHNSON Photography in Spartanburg, SC

Capturing More Than Just Photos

I had the incredible privilege of working with Lee for a branding session that turned out to be much more than just a branding photoshoot. After finding me through my website, Lee and I connected over a conversation about her upcoming book and what she wanted to convey through her session.

This branding session was about capturing the essence of Lee’s life journey, her faith, her strength, and the powerful message behind her book. As we worked through ideas, nature became the perfect backdrop for her session. The natural beauty of Lake Lure and the colorful blooms at the Flowering Bridge reflected the themes in her writing.

Plans on Using Branding Photo Session

During my initial conversation with Lee, we focused on exactly how her new photos would be used. Her publishing company needed a press-release headshot, plus a standout author portrait for the book’s inside cover. We also planned images for the launch poster and social media announcements. With these needs in mind, we designed our photo session to capture a cohesive set of images that perfectly matched each promotional platform.

Mary Lee Gossett, author, headshot by TAYLOR JOHNSON Photography in Landrum, South Carolina
Mary Leola Gossett, Author of Closer Still… Drawing Near to the Extraordinary Heart of God

Why Lake Lure Was the Perfect Backdrop

When planning the session, Lee and I focused on choosing locations that would bring her vision to life. She wanted her photos to evoke the same emotions her readers would feel when picking up her book. When I asked what she wanted to convey, her response resonated: inspired, truth, courage, encouragement, and acceptance. Her goal was for the audience to feel supernaturally drawn to God’s loving heart, hopeful and inspired to live a purposeful life despite the trauma of their past. With this in mind, we selected Lake Lure as the primary location.

Mary Lee Gossett, author of Closer Still? Drawing Near to the Extraordinary Heart of God branding session with TAYLOR JOHNSON Photography in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Lake Lure’s stunning mountain backdrop was the perfect representation of the themes in Lee’s book. Mountains often symbolize stability, endurance, and the triumph of the human spirit; ideas Lee explores powerfully in her writing. For the session, the mountains were more than just scenery. They embodied spiritual growth and enlightenment. This mirrors the sentiment she hopes her readers will experience through her book.

The grandeur of the landscape showed the magnitude of God’s love and grace that Lee aims to show. The mountains, standing tall and unmovable, symbolized the strength and perseverance Lee has found through her faith, offering readers a visual connection to the themes of stability, introspection, and spiritual triumph central to her story.

Mary Lee Gossett branding session by TAYLOR JOHNSON Photography in Spartanburg, SC

The Flowering Bridge: A Symbol of Growth and Transformation

Another stunning location we chose was the Flowering Bridge near the Chimney Rock area. Surrounded by vibrant flowers, this setting symbolized growth and transformation; themes that are also central to Lee’s book. The blooming life of the bridge was the perfect metaphor for Lee’s story: no matter the pain or hardships of the past, there is always hope for a future filled with grace and new beginnings.

Mary Lee Gossett branding session by TAYLOR JOHNSON Photography in Spartanburg, SC

About Lee’s Book: “Closer Still… Drawing Near to the Extraordinary Heart of God”

Lee’s branding photo session was deeply connected to her upcoming book, Closer Still… Drawing Near to the Extraordinary Heart of God. This book is a personal exploration of her spiritual journey towards understanding God’s love and grace. Through a mix of personal stories, scriptural reflections, and moments of vulnerability, Lee offers readers a guide for healing, forgiveness, and finding purpose through faith.

Her book highlights her experience growing up in difficult circumstances, marked by pain and hardship, yet finding redemption through God’s unwavering love. Lee’s message is one of hope: no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve gone through, God’s love can transform your life and lead you to a purpose-filled future.

With over 100 scriptural references, Closer Still provides a road map for readers to strengthen their own relationship with Christ, encouraging them to embrace their past and trust in God’s plan for their future.

Mary Lee Gossett Author of Closer Still? Drawing Near to the Extraordinary Heart of God captured during branding session in Landrum, SC by Taylor Johnson Photography

A Journey of Faith and Courage

Throughout our photo session, Lee and I talked about how she wanted her photos to evoke the same sense of inspiration, courage, and encouragement that her book provides. Whether we were shooting at her home, by the lake, or at the bridge, her vision was always clear: she wanted her audience to feel drawn to God’s loving heart and to be inspired to live purposefully, no matter their circumstances.

This branding session wasn’t just about creating beautiful images; it was about capturing the heart of Lee’s message; a message of hope, redemption, and God’s extraordinary love.

TAYLOR JOHNSON Photography captures headshot for book release of Mary Lee Gossett's Closer Still? Drawing Near to the Extraordinary Heart of God

A Branding Photo Session with Heart

Working with Lee was a reminder of why I love what I do. This session was about more than just branding; it was about telling a story. The landscapes of Lake Lure and the blooming flowers of the Flowering Bridge weren’t just backdrops; they were reflections of the beauty and hope that Lee shares in her book.

Mary Lee Gossett Headshot captured by TAYLOR JOHNSON Photography in Spartanburg, SC

If you’re looking for inspiration, I encourage you to keep an eye out for Lee’s upcoming book, Closer Still… Drawing Near to the Extraordinary Heart of God. Just like the natural beauty that surrounded us during the session, it promises to guide you on a journey of faith, healing, and purpose.

If you’re looking to bring out your personal story after pouring your heart in to a book, please reach out to me! I would love to help tell your story visually.

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