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A New Chapter: My Author Headshots

Headshots are more than just photos—they’re a reflection of who we are at this moment in our journey. Today, I’m thrilled to share my official author headshots, taken by the incredible Izabela Pioro and styled by her talented hair and makeup team, Alex and Carly. These photos represent not just the work I’ve done so far on The Second Coming of Grace, but the growth and transformation I’ve experienced as a writer and as a person.

The Challenge of Showing Up Authentically

I’ll be honest: sharing these headshots wasn’t easy. My last professional photos were taken almost 15 years ago, and I look different now. Age, life experiences, and the passage of time have all shaped the person I see in these photos—and sometimes it’s hard not to focus on the differences.

But as I worked with Izabela and her team, I realized something important. These photos aren’t about perfection or trying to look like the younger version of myself—they’re about showing up authentically. They’re about celebrating where I am today and the story I’m telling through my writing.

The Photos

Here they are—the two photos I’ll be using as my official author headshots!

This closeup will be my go-to for social media, thumbnails, and anywhere I need a strong, polished image.

This shot, showing a little more of my personality and style, will be my main author photo for my website, promotional materials, and more.

This will be a bonus shot for times when I want a little variety.

Izabela did an incredible job capturing not just my appearance but also the essence of who I am. Her team, Alex and Carly, made me feel confident and comfortable throughout the session, and I’m so grateful for their artistry and kindness.

What These Photos Represent

These headshots are more than a tool for promotion—they’re a symbol of my growth as a writer. They remind me of Grace Morgenstern’s journey in The Second Coming of Grace: learning to embrace authenticity, find inner strength, and show up in the world as her true self. Like Grace, I’m learning that who I am right now is enough. I don’t need to conform to someone else’s expectations—or even my own outdated ones.

A Shoutout to My Photography Team

I can’t thank Izabela Pioro enough for her vision and talent. Working with her was a dream—she has such a gift for making people feel at ease and capturing their unique energy. And a huge thank-you to Alex for the gorgeous hair styling and to Carly for the stunning makeup. You made me feel confident and celebrated every step of the way.

If you’re in need of professional photography, I can’t recommend Izabela and her team enough!

What’s Next

With these headshots in hand, I’m excited to take the next steps in my author journey. From promotional materials to social media, these photos will be a constant reminder of why I started this journey in the first place—and why I’m so passionate about sharing The Second Coming of Grace with the world.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a favourite photo? What do you think makes a great headshot—professional polish, personality, or a mix of both? Let me know in the comments!


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Naomi Vondell

Naomi Vondell is a Canadian writer of literary fiction with spiritual undertones, emotional resonance, and a touch of quiet humour. She lives in Northwestern Ontario, having spent most of her adult life in Toronto and the surrounding area. Her work explores themes of identity, memory, faith, and transformation. A lifelong storyteller, Naomi’s creative path has included acting, songwriting, and screenwriting. She holds a Master’s degree in clinical psychology and worked for years as a psychometrist before turning to fiction full-time. She earned her Creative Writing Certificate from the University of Toronto and studied screenwriting through UCLA Extension, where she trained with industry professionals—including a Star Trek: The Next Generation writer. Naomi is also a caregiver, a lover of Shakespeare and Buster Keaton, a fan of classic sitcoms and naval history, and a survivor of childhood bullying due to her neurodivergence. Her writing is shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a deep reverence for stories that reach across time. She is currently at work on a play (The Shell), two feature films (Going Global and a body-swap political satire), and a companion story collection titled Before the Light.

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