Why I do what I do
My work began long before I ever called it legacy storytelling. It began beside my sister, Kristina, during the final chapter of her life. When she asked me to get the milestone letters for her daughter, I opened the envelopes and my heart sank when I discovered that they were all blank. She was too weak to write. So I recorded her voice as she spoke the words she couldn’t hold a pen long enough to write.
Those moments were bittersweet. They became her final messages to her only child. They shaped the direction of my life and the purpose behind my work.
Losing Kristina made me understand the urgency of recording intergenerational storytelling before it’s too late. I realized that many families wait until they get an end of life diagnosis, hoping there will be more time. The Heira Experience™ was created so no one’s legacy has to depend on “someday.”
I wanted families to have a way to preserve the love, wisdom, and personality of the people who shaped them, while they’re still here and hopefully well enough to tell their story.
Sections:
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Your personal story (Kristina’s story carefully, respectfully included)
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Why you created The Heira Experience
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Your approach / philosophy
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Your background
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Mission + values
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CTA
This page builds emotional trust.
My Philosophy
I believe legacy is something we create every day, not just at the end of life.
My approach is compassionate, guided, and deeply human.
I make the process feel relaxed, conversational, and heartfelt.
When you're with me, you will feel seen and comfortable. You will have peace knowing preserving a loved one’s voice was done with care.
My Background:
For over 10 years, I’ve specialized in storytelling through portraits, interviews, and meaningful visual narratives. My background blends artistry and empathy, giving me the ability to capture not just how someone looks, but who they are.
Families trust me because I bring equal parts professionalism, calm guidance, and emotional sensitivity to every session.
My Mission:
To help families preserve the stories, voices, and moments that matter most before they’re at risk of being lost.
My Values:
• Compassion in every interaction
• Dignity in every story
• Intention in every detail
• Legacy as a living gift
• Service in Kristina’s honor
• Honor that lasts for generations
Meet Zoe Martin
Legacy Portrait Photographer. Family Life Historian. Firstborn Sister.
I’m the oldest of six children; a most excellent listener, a gentle guide, and a woman who believes in the beauty of stillness and the power of story.
Over the years, I’ve photographed families in their most intimate, vulnerable moments, from new beginnings to heartbreaking goodbyes. My work with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleephelped shape me. Losing my sister changed my outlook on life. And now, I use the camera as a tool to preserve dignity, depth, and presence for others.
At home, my world revolves around my husband, Frank, and our three incredible adult children. We cherish simple joys like playing board games, sharing moments, and taking drives with the windows down and the radio up. Those are the kind of memories I live for and the kind I love helping others preserve.
I'm also the host of the Heart of North Texas podcast, where I share the stories of local visionaries, volunteers, and everyday heroes who are making an impact in our community. Whether I’m behind a camera or a microphone, I’m always searching for the soul in the story.
I specialize in working with:
- Retirees and Grandparents who want to leave something lasting
- Legacy-minded Families capturing generational connection
- Business Leaders & Founders sharing life lessons and values
- Estate Professionals seeking meaningful legacy tools for their clients
DFW Professional Photographer & Life Story Filmmaker
I believe everyone deserves to be
Seen. Heard. Remembered.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What are your hours?
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We are by appointment only Monday through Friday and one Saturday a month.
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Do you shoot in studio or on-location?
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We serve clients at our MillHouse / Cotton Mill McKinney studios as well as offering services on location as needed.
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What payment options do you accept?
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We accept cash, checks, credit and debit cards, and Zelle payments.
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How long before I receive my photos?
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Depending on whether you're receiving a single photo or a hundred, you can expect to have them within 48 business hours to 14 business days. If you order wall art, an album, or a folio box, there will be additional time before receiving your order.
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Do You Offer Wall Art Installation?
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We do offer custom designs and wall art installations for the images we create for you.