Capturing Emma Pei Yin: An Author Photoshoot for When Sleeping Women Wake

I recently had the honour of working with Emma Pei Yin, a British-born Hong Kong-Chinese writer and editor, to create an author photo that would grace the cover and media platforms for her upcoming debut novel, When Sleeping Women Wake, set for global release in 2025.

Emma’s accomplishments speak to a life dedicated to literary arts. With extensive contributions to prestigious publications like The Mekong Review and The Hong Kong Review, and her role as the founder of Yinfluence Editorial, Emma is a force in contemporary literature. Knowing this, the photoshoot was both an exciting opportunity and a meaningful creative challenge.

A Portrait Beyond the Surface

Our goal was to capture a photo that not only presented Emma’s professional enthusiasm but also to encapsulate the essence of Emma’s literary work—bridging cultures, history, and personal identity.

The simplicity of the background filled with books and the warm, ambient light created the perfect atmosphere to capture the intellectual and introspective nature of Emma as an author.

The final author photo not only met the professional standards required for global publication but also conveyed the intricate layers of Emma’s identity and storytelling style.

I look forward to reading the book and working alongside Emma and her agency, Yinfluence Editorial, in the future.

Achieving the Vision

"You know when you a hire a photographer and you put together a mood board and say: 'This is what I want to look like'? Well, Kannika understood the assignment. She is a LEGEND and a force to be reckoned with! I loved my photos and I can't wait to work with her again. She's professional, fun, and genuine. I've already recommended her to so many of my friends."