Meet Heather Davis: Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Davis.
Heather, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had a passion for photography. It began in 1998 as a way to chronicle my travels with the Air Force. I went to locations such as Thailand, Europe, Japan, Korea, Guam and Kuwait, and wanted to remember the beauty and unique qualities of the locations. I purchased my first quality film camera in 2000, and my first DSLR in 2005. My photography had always been focused on scenery and macro. However, when my son was born in 2010 I dove into the world of portraits. Wanting to photograph my son was what sparked my interest in portrait photography.
I began by diving into my camera, lighting and posing. I started asking friends to pose and relentlessly taking photos of my son. My passion grew, along with my techniques. About a year after I began my portrait photography path, I had the opportunity to go to photojournalism school for the Air Force. For three months I spent my weekdays learning photography and my weekends photographing clients. Some weekends I worked 8 to 10-hour days photographing newborns, maternity sessions and families. I was exhausted, but I learned so much. In the seven years since, I have grown my photography drastically, and continue to strive for creating beauty in every session I capture.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like life, nothing is easy. Especially with something as technical as photography. Every session I do is a learning experience, whether it’s dealing with lighting challenges, gear problems, or client issues. One of my biggest challenges, however, is working from home and balancing my photography duties with my family life. Working from home is one thing, but managing and building a business while raising young children creates a lot of chaos. Early mornings and hectic days are my lifeblood right now, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am grateful every day that I am there for my son before and after school and can spend the day with my daughter, while still able to contribute to our household. My love for photography and passion for creativity is what fuels my desire to keep shooting, learning and improving my work no matter what obstacles arise.
We’d love to hear more about your work Heather.
My passion for creativity ignites variety in my photography. It is often suggested that photographers specialize and define their brand by a certain ‘style’. However, for me, picking just one editing style or one genre to photograph is the mental equivalent of driving with my hands tied behind my back. Maybe it’s my ADHD, but I crave variety and the freedom to edit guided by my passions. My edits range from dark and moody to bright and airy, simple and elegant to creative and whimsical. I love to add unique and creative touches to each session and base my editing style on my clients and they feel of their session.
For me, staying fluid in my style has brought a variety of clients, because I can create the style they’re looking for. Specializing in a variety of genres also allows me the ability to capture a variety of sessions for a single client. This past weekend I did a newborn session for a couple who I have also photographed for their baby announcements and maternity session. Being able to capture the various special moments of my client’s lives brings me so much joy. From engagements to pregnancies, milestones, holidays, elopements, boudoir, graduation, babies and beyond.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My biggest supporter is my husband. He has supported and encouraged me through all the ups and downs in my business for the last eight years. We didn’t always see eye-to-eye about the path my business has taken, but he has supported the passion I have for photography, and my desire to continue doing what I love.
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