CAPTURING LOVE

I am feeling all the cliche “love” vibes today. All the love stories, Hallmark movies and fairy tales .

Happy Valentine’s Day my sweet friends! ❤️ Spreading some delightful love right here.

Cheers to the magic of memories and authentic love. 

xx Heather

SOULFUL BRANDING

Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of forming connections and building relationships with numerous incredible humans. Some have come to me with stories of success, some with heartbreak, and some just needing me to tell their “now” story. Oftentimes I just wish to thank them for what they brought into my life and the valuable lessons they have taught me, and have also gifted our world. Many talented artists, many brilliant entrepreneurs, and extraordinarily passionate people from all walks of life. In fact, so many that I couldn’t even begin to count them all. Each and every one has inspired me.

This beautiful soul, that I am sharing with you all today- radiates joy. She glitters. Peace pours from her heart. The feeling is overwhelming at first. Well, for me it was. But I left her presence as a better human than when I had arrived. In just a few short hours, I captured a little snapshot into her beautiful world and her divine business. (Although, I still would argue that her business is loving humans.)

Enjoy a few highlights of Jan and her precious brand.

xx Heather

SNAP, SIZZLE, SAVOR

Hi friends!!

Back again. Catching you all up on some of my latest projects and fun endeavors.

You all know in the world of family photography, capturing those candid moments and genuine smiles has always been my passion. However, a recent epiphany had me realizing that the dining table is often the heart of those moments. It wasn’t long before I found myself venturing into the realm of commercial & lifestyle food photography.

From the sizzle of a steak on the grill to the delicate drizzle of a signature sauce, each shot aims to capture the passion and dedication behind the culinary creations. It’s a visual feast, where every image invites the viewer to savor the experience and, perhaps, pay a visit to the establishment.

So, here’s to the unexpected twists in our creative journeys, to the fusion of family warmth with the sizzling excitement of the culinary world. Join me on this mouthwatering adventure as we explore the delightful intersection of family, lifestyle and commercial food photography.

Cheers to visual delights, unforgettable tastes, and a feast for the senses,

xx Heather

Let the good times roll…

Not in any order but here is part 1 of some beautiful humans ❤ Enjoy!!

xx Heather

2024: Rekindling my joy of sharing

The very last day of January in this bright, new year. Here I sit. Knowing I promised myself in the new year I would return to my long, lost blog. No excuses. But good gracious- it is A LOT easier just offering up all the excuses.

My husband is standing behind me, whispering for me to just push it off for another day. (Most of you know, but for those of you who don’t…he’s the “no pressure” type. I am so thankful that I chose him. Even as a 19 year old, I must’ve known my heart and head couldn’t handle that stress.) But nope, not today mrs. procrastination. I am taking my first step to rekindling the joy of sharing.

Why would I want to rekindle the joy of sharing when it seems the world and every single human on it- is over sharing?! And why have I paused myself completely on all this social media sharing hoopla?! Ya’ll, this wasn’t a 3 month pause…this was a 4 YEAR pause!! eek!! At a glance, loads of “stuff” has happened. 2020- covid insanity, just to start. I am sure none of us need any reminders of that emotional time period, but that was when I decided to take a break from all the online sharing and posting. I needed to focus on homeschooling my 5 kiddos. My hiatus lasted longer than I predicted. Although the healthy recess from “sharing” brought me peace. I highly recommend it. 5 stars.

But it is time. I have received email after email from curious clients, all asking the same thing- “Are you still taking photos and offering photo sessions?” Clearly my website and blog were suggesting that my business may have been put on hold. oops. Fantastic news for all my gorgeous clients and future gorgeous clients: I am working all year capturing everyone’s magic and memories!

I am regularly working to grow and learn new skills and trying out fun, new locations with some brave clients. 🙂 Never a dull moment around here. I want to share it all with you. New experiences and fresh eyes will absolutely help rekindle my joy of sharing.

Thank you for welcoming me back into this creative space. Your support has always been my driving force, and I can’t wait to embark on this year’s new adventures!!

Cheers to a healthy 2024

xxoo Heather

Well Hello October

In classic Heather style, I am just now getting back to my blog to update you guys! ❤ That doesn’t mean I don’t love you- it’s just the very last thing on my list these days. Truly. I do wish I had more time to get on here and share, but until my kiddos are all in school that probably won’t happen. The good news is… I am still alive and dancing PLUS I am still photographing beautiful humans endlessly. Take that as a win win!!

I try my best to share my images, stories and life on Instagram and Facebook as much as possible- but even that comes later on my list. I just want to soak up all the time I have with my family, friends and capturing memories for all those who choose to come my way. I love watching my clients grow up in front of my lens, year after year. And lately it has seemed to be going faster than ever. Tiny newborn babies I photographed 9 years ago are little, grown people. They’re telling me stories of their lives and who their first crush is. How does this happen so quickly. Goodness.

I need to stop myself before I go down that long road of memories.

North Carolina has been insanely hot this year and although it is October, we are still rocking the 95-100 degree weather. All of us (especially photographers) are begging for a cool break with some glorious Fall color.

My fall mini sessions are in full gear now so I won’t be coming back up for air until mid December. But here are a few images that are from the past couple months- for more you’ll want to find me on social media. 🙂 I hope everyone is ready to enjoy a beautiful Fall and joyful winter! Thanks for keeping up with my crazy world!

xx Heather

First Day of Spring!

North Carolina has handed up hot sunny days and snow all in the same exact week. WHAT is going on?! I am so pumped to say Happy First Day of Spring. I hope NC gets the memo too.

I wanted to give you all a quick update on our Momtog Photography class from this past weekend. Mind blown. I didn’t know exactly what to expect with this first class but it was magical. I keep thinking back to the first time I picked up my first DSLR, and how I was completely lost. What I would’ve given to have a class like this at my finger tips. All the tricks and simple ways of learning the basics so we can actually capture our kids in decent photos. I think everyone learned a ton and had a blast while doing so. Shooting one on one with each photographer/momtog was key in my opinion. Hands on and VERY eye opening for all of us. I’ll share some photos at the end of some of the girls in action! 🙂

In other news, lots of babies are being born and lots of spring sessions are happening over here. Here are a few fun moments from the past week!! Hope you enjoy!!

 

The Graves Family added a new member to their tribe late last year, sweet lil Olivia- and I was honored to come to their home and capture some fun, real-life moments!! We had such a great time!DSC_1678 copy copy

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Then I spent time with the precious Lozeau Family in uptown Charlotte- and we danced and played in the rain!! We did get some “dry” moments too, but it was a blast either way! Their little man, Julian was such a sweet boy! I hope you enjoy a few of their memories!!

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and lastly…a few pics from our momtog class! 🙂

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Some personal FUN!

2 days in a row?! Now this is a big deal.

All you moms out there know how hard it is to get 3 minutes to your self. Especially when you start your day with two babies in your bed. (aka- who sleeps?!) But here I am- showered, dressed (well sort of. as long as pjs count), fed and sitting alone with my second (reheated twice) coffee actually blogging and emailing and editing away.  It’s a big deal.

I am planning on keeping things simple around here. (I write like I talk. Those of you that know me, know this.) But I do want to share a few pics of my people with you guys. Isla Drew turned ONE. WHOA. I have 5 kids now and 0 babies. That hurts. I still want 100000 babies. Which I thought that feeling was suppose to go away once you were done having kiddies. Nope. Anyways, she’s awesome and loving and silly and truly a gift. Funniest little unicorn you ever did see. She adores her brothers and they are obsessed with her. She fits right into their crazy, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Some of our sweet friends and family are in these photos as well. Life is so precious, I want to remember every moment. And every loved one.

Oh and some exciting news…my good friend Jessy (fab photog) and I are hosting our very first Photog Mama Photography class in a little over a week. I can’t wait to share all the fun with you guys. ❤

ok Happy Thursday beautiful friends!! xx

Birthday

Isla and Goldie living their best lives. ❤ rocking their matching Rags! (www.rags.com)DSC_0488 copyDSC_0491 copy cropDSC_0603 copyDSC_0579 copy

My niece, Kinsley celebrating her 6 month birthday with us. DSC_0426 copyDSC_0374 copyDSC_0459 copyDSC_0415 copyDSC_0298 copyDSC_0269 copy

our person. Auntie Kendyl. She gets all the love & heart eyes!!!DSC_8752 copy

Party time fun!!DSC_8474 copyDSC_8478 copyDSC_8483 copyDSC_8484 copyDSC_8486 copyDSC_8495 copyDSC_8513 copyDSC_8516 copy

Isla is ONE and Veda is TWO! BFFs for life. (they didn’t get a choice)DSC_8578 copyDSC_8617 copyDSC_8648 copyDSC_8655 copy

You guys…Shades kids clothing line is dreamy.   http://www.shadeskids.comDSC_9601 copyDSC_9757 copyDSC_9973 copyDSC_9850 copy

Jump on in…

Davidson, NC

and the sharing continues from the last post… enjoy!! next post will be my personal pics…

let the beauty sharing begin!!! xx

 

 

Goodbye 2016…Hello 2017

Davidson, NC     {FAMILY photography, CHILDREN photography, NEWBORN photography}       March 2017

 

Once again…my blogging skills remain my LEAST active or scheduled talent. Sorry friends. Life happens, and almost daily I think to myself- wow, if I could sit down for 10 mins and write “this” or “that” down, it would make a hell of a story. I also think I should have another blog just for my crazy life- so all of you wanting to see photography stuff only could enjoy just that, and all the others that want to hear about the gong show at our home could read a different blog. ahhh well- it’s not happening anytime soon. So for now- I shall do my best to update you pretty people here as much as possible.

Personal part- (so you can skip past if you’d like) The last time I wrote to you I think I was pregnant…well, she is HERE! And wow what a roller coaster ride it has been! The short version of our story is…Isla Drew (“eye-la”) was born in the water in a beautiful room filled with love and support. It was magical. And the very best way to end this era of my life. (the child birthing era) She was perfection but was grunting a bit while breathing, so we ended up in the NICU for 5 days to help her transition her lungs to air. Luckily I never once had to leave her side. Finally made it home to all our boys, which was incredible. They are obsessed with their baby sister. I was just getting into the flow of things when Isla caught a cold and within 2 days we were in the ER. The process from ER to Pediatric Intensive care unit went very very quickly- and there is where we spent the next 17 LONG days fighting.  She had come down with RSV (aka the devil virus) and it attacked her and her tiny little lungs. After lungs collapsing and a horrific case of pneumonia, the doctors had to intubate her. Beyond horrific watching your tiny baby suffer. The most amazing part is- she is now healthy. She beat it. Isla is one strong little girl. Our medical care and staff at the PICU was beyond incredible. The prayers, love and endless support from our friends, clients, family and all others was also humbling. That is such an understatement. But I have no words. God works miracles. Period. He was there with us the entire time. I felt him.  “What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.”

With all that being said- I took some time off work. My camera snuggled in her pretty bag for a month and I snuggled with our angel baby. BUT now I am BACK! 🙂 Our family of now SEVEN is rocking the house and emptying grocery stores like it’s our job. So the show must go on…and my spring minis begin this weekend!!! WOOHOOO!!!! I am doing spring minis almost every weekend until June to catch up with all my precious friends and clients! Also, booking summer and fall regular sessions and newborns! Cannot wait! Don’t worry- I’ll have Isla most likely attached to me or on site with someone loving on her…so you should all get to meet her. She’s pretty awesome.

Thank you so much for supporting me and my little passion. I am so so grateful. ❤

Now I’ll attach some of the past sessions…I’m sure I’m forgetting some or many- but my Facebook page usually has MUCH better updates!! Go check it out… http://www.facebook.com/HeatherMariePhotographyNC/  or instagram @HeatherMariePhotographyNC

Oh, I’ll share of few personal pics of our past months in my next post today!! promise!!!

PS- Fall 2016 we rocked it out of the park!! Out of this world sessions to wrap up the year!!

Until next time…xx