SEEN + HEARD
A STORYTELLING PROJECT BY LILA GRAY
Because people aren’t just meant to be seen — they’re meant to be known.
THE VISION.
(what this project is setting out to do — the soul of it)
SEEN + HEARD is a storytelling project rooted in truth, creativity, and connection.
It’s about capturing Bay Area humans not just as they appear — but as they are. Through honest portraits, lived-in imagery, and voice-recorded stories, I’m documenting the people who make this place what it is: the creatives, founders, caregivers, builders, moms, makers, and humans showing up fully in their own way.
This is a collaboration between real people and a photographer who believes that story is power. I care about honesty. I care about art. I care about the everyday brilliance that often gets overlooked.
Because when we tell our stories — the quiet ones, the messy ones, the ones still unfolding — we remind each other what it means to be human.
THE MISSION.
(what this project does and why)
To showcase human stories through imagery and voice.
To reflect the richness, diversity, and depth of the Bay Area — one person, one story at a time.
To build a visual and narrative archive of the people who make this place home.
YOU.
YOUR LIVED STORY.
WANT TO BE A PART OF THE MAGIC?
WHAT’S INVOLVED:
Participants come to my in-home studio in the Bay Area for a 15-minute portrait session and 45 minute podcast recording.
After that, I travel to your favorite space — whether that’s your garden, kitchen, workspace, or business — to capture you in your element.
I want to keep this project as easy, intentional, and deeply collaborative as possible.
WHAT YOU GET:
5 professional portraits (in color + black and white)
Up to 20 professional photos of you “living your story” captured on location
A 45-minute podcast episode featuring your story, in your own words
You’ll walk away with a full set of free, professional images and audio podcast recording that you can use for your website, social media, portfolio, or personal keepsake — plus visibility across all of my professional platforms.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
✔️ You believe in the power of storytelling
✔️ You’re a local creative, founder, maker, or human with a story to tell
✔️ You want high-quality photos that reflect the real you
✔️ You’re ready to be seen, heard, and known in your community
✔️ You want to collaborate with a fellow artist and storyteller to make really beautiful art
This is a passion project — which means no catch, no fee, just creative collaboration and an honest exchange of art, story, and visibility.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Spots are limited and by invite or application only. If you’re a Bay Area local and this project speaks to you, hit the button below and let’s start the conversation.
YOUR LIVED STORY.
VISUAL BRANDING STRATEGY
Not sure what photos you need to build your brand—or how to actually use them? No stress, I’ve got you.
Before your session, I’ll dive into your story—how you started, what drives you, and your vision for the future. Then, we’ll create a game plan for your brand photography session, ensuring your story shines through every image.
You’re going to love these photos. That’s a promise.
And because photos shouldn’t just sit in a folder collecting digital dust, I’ll help you develop a strategy to put them to work. No more forgotten files—just images that elevate your brand and actually get seen.
A PASSION PROJECT.
Yes. A photograph is worth a thousand words. But the story is where the heart lives.
Stories are a passion of mine. Let me tell you why.
In this world where we are so intolerant and fearful of what is different than we are, I believe stories hold the key to deeper empathy and understanding. A path toward a world where we can celebrate our differences in place of fearing them.