Living Legacy Story Portraits

A soulful tribute to a life of heart, presence, and meaning.

There are those whose greatest gift isn’t what they’ve achieved, but how they’ve lived—with presence, purpose, and impact.

For families, friends, organizations, or communities seeking a gift of deep meaning, Living Legacy Portrait is a way to say: We see you. We cherish you. We thank you.

This is a soulful, co-created experience that honors a life in motion—capturing the wisdom, enduring love, and lived impact of someone who matters deeply.

“Your legacy is every life you’ve touched.”

- Maya Angelou

© Brody Hartman

Who this is for

    • At midlife transitions marking significant life passages with intention

    • Retiring from significant roles with reflections and wisdom to share

    • Arriving at milestone birthdays 60-80 and beyond—ready to share decades of wisdom and stories

    • Navigating transitions—health or identity—with quiet strength

    • In the early stages of memory changes who wish to capture the essence of their story

    • Approaching life's final chapter with grace and intention

    • A parent or grandparent whose insights have quietly shaped lives

    • Someone whose understanding of how to live well needs honoring

    • A gift of deep listening and appreciation while they continue to thrive

    • Offered by adult children to celebrate a parent’s ongoing legacy

    • Commissioned by a board, team, or organization to honor a leader’s enduring impact

    • Individuals longing to make sense of their journey through a meaningful, guided conversation

    • Anyone called to pause, reflect, and name what has mattered most—with the support of a skilled witness

  • “My heart and peace are expanding from reading your account of me. I am without a lot of words other than I am so grateful for your love, care and creative vision as expressed here. I feel deeply honored and seen. Never has there been a more meaningful account..”

    Brent S. / Story portrait delivered for his 60th birthday

Give the Gift of Being Seen, Heard, and Remembered

  • 1. Story Catching Interview

    A 90-minute to 2-hour guided conversation I lead as a Certified Purpose Guide™—designed to surface the stories, insights, and turning points that matter most.

    With decades of experience guiding CEOs, artists, coaches, therapists, and seekers around the world, I create a space for deep reflection and meaningful expression.

    This approach is informed by my ongoing work capturing meaning and purpose through documentary portraiture, including the Portraits of Purpose series.

    Explore Portraits of Purpose →

  • 2. Documentary Photography

    The photography session is calm, unhurried, and guided with intention. It centers presence—capturing someone as they are, in spaces that reflect their life and character.

    I pay close attention to what matters: gestures, expressions, meaningful objects, and environments that speak to who they are. Whether it’s a well-worn chair, a favorite book, a studio, or the kitchen table—each becomes part of the story.

    These images are then woven into the narrative as visual reflections of what has been lived, created, and loved.

  • 3. A Crafted Story Portrait

    This is an invitation to pause, reflect, and be seen. Through a guided conversation and documentary-style photography, I help capture not just what someone has done—but who they are, and what feels most meaningful at this moment in life.

    The result is a distilled story portrait—a blend of narrative and image—that honors their presence, their wisdom, and the legacy still unfolding.

  • 4. Legacy Prints and Books

    Choose from a range of museum-quality prints, a printed book, or other curated experiences that honor the story beyond the digital page.

Story Portrait Excerpt

    • Your Living Legacy Experience Includes:

      • A 90–120 minute guided story-catching session led by me as a Certified Purpose Guide™—drawing on years of experience guiding hundreds worldwide through transformative reflection.

      • A 2–4 hour documentary-style photography session, capturing the rhythms of everyday life alongside formal portraits that honor your essence.

      • A written narrative paired with your portrait series, hosted on a private, password-protected web page for your review. (Includes one round of refinement and final approval.)

      Your Legacy, Preserved:
      Choose how you would like your story and images to live on:

      • A commemorative photo book blending highlights from your interview and portrait session.

      • A curated website for family and peers—private or public.

      • A beautifully designed PDF, combining story and images to easily share with loved ones.

      • Archival-quality prints, custom sized to your preference.

    • Because every Living Legacy is unique, the investment is determined by your chosen deliverables—whether book, prints, or a full collection. Inquire for details and a customized proposal.

A Meaningful Gift for Life’s Milestones

This is a guided experience of reflection and recognition—perfect for celebrating a milestone, honoring a loved one, or preserving a life story.

Each session creates a timeless portrait told through image and narrative, with optional fine art prints available.

Ideal for birthdays, retirements, leadership transitions, or legacy gifts.

For private client inquiries or concierge gifting partnerships, please reach out.