meet the photographer
Hello, there! I'm Heather.
I specialize in creating warm, natural portraits that capture your family's essence as you are today. With a mix of playful candids and more formal portraits, I aim to provide a beautiful collection of images that reflect the genuine connection your family shares in its current season of life. I prioritize the session experience for my clients, and believe that the portrait-taking process should be an enjoyable experience for all family members.
Like many of you, I am a mother who is watching my two young girls grow up way too fast.
I take a thousand pictures of my two daughters on my iPhone every year, but so far I haven't used even one of them on our family's annual Christmas card. Not that they're not important- they are. But, let's be honest - I think we can agree that there isn't much on my camera roll that could be considered "artistic." I believe that portrait photography is not about documenting the everyday- our phones can do that. Portrait photography is about creating personalized artwork- the kind that evokes some sort of feeling that transports us back to in time to various seasons of our lives. When I want to relive my first steps into motherhood, I pull out my first born's newborn album. When I want to remember my youngest's squishy little toddler hands, I smile at the picture frame that holds her portrait from our family session a few years ago. Her face has changed so much already.
Moms, can you relate to this? As our family's everyday photographer, I am often behind the lens. I am a specter- I scroll past images of my handsome husband, beautiful daughters and our adorable beagle-mix, but I am not there. Our annual family portrait session is my chance to be in front of the lens of a professional who can solidify my place in this chapter of our family story (and capture my best angles, too). Let me do this for you.
Quick Facts:
- I am a Milwaukee native that came to St. Louis to attend Saint Louis University. Ask me to say "bag" or "wagon" and laugh all you want!
- I've loved portraiture since I was a young girl. My dad is a caricature artist, and I grew up drawing people after watching him draw. I love to sketch portraits using charcoal, conte crayon and a blending stick.
- I'm a big reader, and collect old etiquette books. My family shops at Half Priced Books more often than I'd like to admit...
- Genealogy is a hobby of mine. I've enjoyed working on my family tree, and believe that learning about our ancestors is an important way to appreciate our heritage. I hope that some of the images I've taken will one day be displayed on many of my (and my clients') descendants' family tree projects in the future when they are learning about us.
- Aside from photography, I love writing, history, graphic design, interior design and typography. Helvetica, anyone?
Why clients love working with HSC:
a relaxed, kid-friendly approach
Your enjoyment at our session is my top priority. I like to go at the kids' pace, and do what I can to put mom and dad at ease so they can enjoy themselves too. If the kids need a break, we take one. If they're beginning to fade, we switch gears. If we need to play a game, we play a game. If they find a stick, we act impressed so they can feel proud.
true-to-color, timeless editing
Your images will feel fresh and beautiful for years to come. While some photography trends are beautiful in the moment, I tend to stick to a classic editing style so your prints never feel dated.
clear pricing, no pressure
Your session and gallery are included. I will not pressure you to purchase special packages, or upsell you on expensive prints. You're welcome to order from my shop if you'd like, but if you have a tried-and-true printer who you trust, use them!
fast turnaround time
I take a limited number of sessions each season so I can give each gallery the attention it deserves. Within three weeks, you'll have your gallery!
testimonials
Alissa K.
“Heather is absolutely amazing! She took my thoughts and made them true! She was able to work with my crazy schedule and worked with me on the best time to get us in her schedule. I wanted to focus on my dogs and she was able to capture them perfectly! I would recommend her to anyone.”
