Why I do what I do

She Asked Me to Get the Letters

How My Sister’s Last Wish Changed Everything

When my sister Kristina looked at me from her hospice bed and said, “Go get the letters,” I didn’t know it would change everything. She was a marathon runner, a devoted mom, a teacher, and one of the brightest lights in our family. 

But at 35 she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She had planned to write milestone letters to her daughter to be given to her for moments she would miss.  When I found the letters blank, I made a choice. She was too weak to write.  I took out my phone and recorded her voice instead. 

We captured two videos. The third recording was difficult to make out what she was trying to say. Days later, on Christmas Eve 2023, Kristina took her last breath. 

When I played the videos for my niece, their dog immediately lifted her head to find Kristina's voice. We both understood in that moment how powerful it is to hear someone after they are gone. 

That’s where the idea for The Heira Experience™ began.

headshot of Zoe Martin holding her camera in studio

Why I Created The Heira Experience™

What if no daughter, son, or sibling again had to search for messages that never got written? What if families had the chance to hear voices, see expressions, and connect with stories before it was too late? What if portraits and films could reflect life at its fullest, not just at its end?

Legacy Sessions exist because Kristina didn’t get to write the letters she intended to. Because my sisters and I hadn’t been professionally photographed together in over 30 years. Because I didn’t want our last memory of her to be one of frailty.

This work is for Kristina.
And it’s for you.
And for all the people you love most.

Our Approach & Philosophy

We believe legacy isn’t something you leave behind someday, it’s something you create now. Your story matters. Your voice matters. What you value, who you love, what you learned — all of it deserves to be seen, heard, and remembered.

We blend fine art portraiture with deeply personal documentary filmmaking. We guide you through capturing your life story with dignity and intention. Whether you choose portraits, films, or both, our approach is crafted to preserve what matters most.

This work isn’t just photos and video. It’s lasting presence. It’s your voice. It’s your legacy.

Zoe Martin personal historian with books level on top of her head, no hands holding them

About Zoe Martin 

Hi, I’m Zoe Martin, a Legacy Portrait Photographer and Family History Film Artist based in McKinney, Texas, proudly serving families from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and worldwide.

I’m the oldest of six, a most excellent listener, and a compassionate guide. My work has always centered on capturing life’s moments. My background includes working with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, photographing families in their most fragile state of loss.

Losing Kristina changed everything. Now, I use my camera to not just  record images, but to preserve meaning for families who want something more than pictures.

When I’m not behind the lens, you’ll find me with my husband Frank and our three grown children appreciating simple moments, board games, drives with the windows down, and the memories that make life grand. 

It would be my honor to document your story for your future generations.

Mission and Core Values

Our Mission:
To make sure no one ever misses the opportunity to be fully remembered through custom legacy portraits, and guided life story films. 

We Value:
• Presence over perfection
• Stories told with truth and tenderness
• Celebrating life at every stage
• Emotional resonance 
• Legacy that lasts beyond a lifetime
• Community support and giving back

In honor of Kristina, a percentage of every Legacy Session is donated to The Bridge Breast Network, supporting those in underserved communities facing breast cancer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Schedule Your Legacy Experience

Your life, your stories, your voice. 

All of it deserves to be seen, heard, and remembered.

Don’t wait for “someday.” Let’s preserve your legacy today.

 

Schedule Your Legacy Planning Call
Legacy Experiences

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are your hours?

We are by appointment only Monday through Friday and one Saturday a month.

Do you shoot in studio or on-location?

We serve clients at our MillHouse / Cotton Mill McKinney studios as well as offering services on location as needed.

What payment options do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, credit and debit cards, and Zelle payments.

How long before I receive my photos?

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.

Do You Offer Wall Art Installation?

We do offer custom designs and wall art installations for the images we create for you.

430.558.4959
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430.558.4959
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