"She happens to be a talented photographer" means "You probably do not know it, but she is a talented photographer." or "You would not think so, but she is a talented photographer." Consequently "she happens (note - 2 "p") to be someone" means "You probably do not know it (or you would not think so), but she is an important person."

Though question. I know the meaning, but how to explain it well is an other matter. I guess you could say (at least in this case), that "just happen to be" is about highlighting a point, stating an important piece of information. The meaning is "she is a talented photographer", but given a more rhetorical nuance with "just happen to be". Hope I managed to answer your question. :) (To the people down voting: You are pices of shit and I hope you die :) )

"to happen to be" is another way of saying "to be," but with emphasis. It's used when someone is trying to emphasize that something is a certain way, especially when someone else has said that it's different. Example 1: Father - "I don't like your boyfriend. It seems like he doesn't have a job or any career goals." Daughter - "You don't know him! He actually does have a job, and he happens to be great at his work." Example 2 (on the phone): Person One - "Hey, next time you're in my city, give me a call." Person Two - "Well I happen to be going there next week, so I'll definitely call you!"

To me, it's actually a combination of Chelsea and Alain's answer. Both emphasising, and also 'you may not know'.

Thank you much.