Meet Heather Hathaway

Stories & Insights

Heather, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

Every photographer remembers their first paid gig – that moment when your passion transforms into a profession. For me, it came through a friend’s wedding business, and the experience was a rollercoaster of emotions that taught me valuable lessons about the business of photography.

The initial excitement I felt was overwhelming, I remember thinking “this is it, the beginning of the rest of my life”. I had an immense joy, a little nervousness, and so many questions. I was proud that I was being trusted with such a special task. When you shoot a wedding it is not just a job, you spend a whole day, sometimes more with that couple and their family. You are learning a story of love, a couple’s legacy and their future. I wanted to impress, and deliver an album they would cherish for the rest of their lives.

With the confidence boost of being trusted, and stepping into the professional light comes the uncertainty of the pressure and responsibility. As with all the up’s there are down’s. For photographers we battle imposter syndrome, the feelings and questioning of our abilities, pricing and worth. You have anxiety surrounding the equipment, do you have enough batteries…is my flash battery going to last 8 hours…do I have everything I need? It’s a never ending whirlwind of wanting to impress the client, live up to my internal expectations and ensuring I reinforced my friends recommendation that I could handle the job. Knowing someone steps up to back you, naturally I wanted to impress them as well as the client.

So how did I deal with all these emotions, brain dump! For each wedding I get a list of the location, key moments, important people to photograph, and any special requests. I use this list every wedding to plan and prepare. I will write down any additional questions I may have (both for the planner, as well as for myself). Then I commence answering those questions. For the planner it is usually a quick email clarifying information. For my personal technique and equipment questions I normally prepare through investigating online. Watch educational videos, play with the equipment, google the location and sometimes visit ahead of time. For every wedding I make a mood board of shots I want to obtain, poses I want to try, and tips and tricks that apply. This research assists in overcoming any of the uncertain feelings I may be having. Then when I walk into the wedding I feel certain that I am prepared and have what I need.

The aftermath, that is another story! You get home tired, yet excited to see what stunning images you have captured. First, I hook up that camera and begin downloading the images. The download process normally takes all night, as I generally capture between 1400-2500 photos to ensure I can deliver 500+ quality photos. Second day, and sometimes third is what we call the Culling Process. It consists of us narrowing the album down to the photos we do want to edit and deliver, after this we begin editing photos. Depending on the amount of photos that are agreed upon through the package price, editing can take a week or two. The goal is always to get the photos back to the bride and groom as soon as possible, hoping for under two weeks to process. Personally, I always feel a sense of pride on Delivery Day. It signifies two things: 1. The joy of completing a booking and delivering quality products, 2. The release of letting the photos go.

Photographers take every job personal, weddings are not any different. This means we put a level of self-pressure to deliver the best photos, as well as feeling like the photos are ours. Our projects and photographs become a personal extension, and we as photographers sometimes experience difficulties in saying the photos are complete and letting them go. For me, letting go is difficult as I always fall in love with my projects and the outcome. I put a lot of pressure on myself to always present the best work possible, this means I am continually learning to grow, as well as always questioning myself if I can do better.

For this, my first paid project I was pleasantly pleased with the outcome. I had captured meaningful moments with thoughtful composition. It reinforced my emotions of love for the craft and excitement in entering the professional realm. I was energized and ready to conquer the industry.

Heather, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My path into photography began in the most unexpected way – through loss and healing. When my father’s dementia began to get scary, I found myself drawn to old family photographs, each one a precious window into memories we’d shared. It was during these moments of reflection that I realized the true power of photography: its ability to freeze time, preserve emotions, and tell stories that transcend generations.

Initially, photography was my solace. I started capturing everyday moments, finding beauty in the ordinary, and documenting life’s fleeting instances. What began as a form of therapy slowly evolved into a passion that I couldn’t ignore. I found myself waking up early to catch the perfect morning light, staying out late to photograph sunsets, and seeing the world through an entirely new lens. Trying to find new ways to communicate to a dad who seemed far from our reality.

The transition from hobby to profession wasn’t immediate. I spent countless hours learning, practicing, and developing my skills. I returned to college, enrolling at FIRST Institute in the photography program and spending countless hours on Youtube University. Each mistake taught me something valuable, and every success, no matter how small, fueled my determination. I invested in education, equipment, and experience, gradually building the foundation for what would become my life’s work.

Today, I see my journey as a testament to the healing power of creative expression. Photography isn’t just my profession – it’s my way of helping others preserve their most precious moments, just as those old family photos helped me hold onto memories of my mother. Every wedding, family portrait, or special event I capture is an opportunity to create lasting legacies for others.

This path has taught me that sometimes our greatest passions are born from our deepest challenges. Photography found me when I needed it most, and in return, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering this art form that has given me so much purpose and joy.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Society plays a crucial role in supporting photographers and helping the art form thrive. This support can take many forms, from fairly compensating photographers for their work to respecting image copyright and giving proper credit when sharing photos. Communities can create opportunities by organizing photography exhibitions, festivals, and competitions that showcase local talent. Educational institutions can invest in photography programs and workshops, making the craft more accessible to aspiring photographers. Businesses can prioritize working with professional photographers rather than expecting free or heavily discounted services in exchange for “exposure.” Additionally, the public can support photographers by engaging with their work on social media, attending their exhibitions, and understanding the value of professional photography services for important life events. When society recognizes photography as both an art form and a valuable profession, it helps create a sustainable environment where photographers can continue to capture and preserve our most precious moments.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My photography business is guided by a set of core values that extend far beyond simply capturing images. At its heart lies a commitment to work-life balance, ensuring that while I pursue my passion, I maintain time for personal growth and family connections. Healthy living is integrated into every aspect of my business, from scheduling sessions at optimal times to maintaining sustainable work practices. While providing income for my family is essential, my deeper mission involves bringing the world’s beauty to viewers through my lens, whether that’s in intimate portraits or sweeping landscapes. I take pride in helping each client feel beautiful and powerful during our sessions, creating images that reflect their inner strength and authentic selves. Additionally, my work increasingly focuses on conservation photography, using my skills to highlight environmental issues and inspire protection of our natural world. These intertwined goals create a purpose-driven business that aligns with my values while serving both clients and the broader community.