Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Strickland.
Hi Heather, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started my journey into photography like most other professional photographers. First, it was something I thought I might like. I got my first (film) camera as a gift in high school. Mind you, I was a teen in the 90’s, so the photography bug wasn’t something that most people had. I savored taking photographs and always felt like it was more of an art than a hobby to me.
Through the years, I put the desires of my heart aside and focused more on building an executive career. I studied business management, with all the required courses that bored me to tears…you know, Accounting, Business Law, Economics…
I once had a dentist – of all people – who was very impressed with my resume (because doesn’t every dentist discuss business with their clients??), but when he started asking me more personal questions about what I enjoyed doing, he made a comment that kind of haunted me. “So you went with your head, and not with your heart.” But the thing is, it wasn’t so much what he said, as how he said it. He said it with a kind of sad disappointment – after he was just very impressed! He was the sweet grandfatherly type of man, and I took his tone to heart.
Going from a tinkerer in high school to a hobbyist, to a freelancer, to part-time, to full-time took a while. I had to build a certain skill set and confidence within myself. I had to let go. I had to have faith. I had to go back to my roots for much of it.
As a full-time photographer, I relish my role in the community. I look back on my journey and realize much of what I learned along the way helped pave my way as a professional, instead of being just a photographer with a lot of impossible hopes and dreams.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a smooth road as far as having dream clients. I tell everyone who will listen how wonderful my clients are because it’s the truth. Almost immediately, they feel like friends.
The struggles I encountered were like most other professional photographers:
– Finding customers
– Honing my niche
– Learning my craft
I don’t consider these struggles though, more as steps on a ladder I had to climb. Every obstacle is a learning experience, and I still feel that I learn something new with almost every session, whether that is a new lighting pattern, a unique pose, a new way to communicate, etc.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m proud to say I’m a professional photographer. I feel that I have earned my stripes, and do my best to stay at the top of my game. I specialize in portrait photography, including high school seniors, women’s portraits, headshots, teens/tweens, and personal branding. Headshots include pageants, corporate, and modeling. I also specialize in architectural, commercial, and real estate photography.
I think the rapport I enjoy with my clients is one thing that sets me apart and is one thing I am most proud of. A woman of faith, I pray for good fellowship before every session or meeting. I make sure my clients are comfortable and confident. I have never had a bad review, and I like to think that means something.
I’m also so proud that I have been voted by the locals as DeSoto’s Best Photographer four years in a row, and I am currently nominated for the fifth time in a row (voting is going on now)!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I read many books of all kinds, use very few apps, listen to fewer podcasts, and follow blogs that I can count on one hand! I wouldn’t say any of them help me do my best in life or at work, but rather, bring encouragement or enlightenment.
Being an entrepreneur is sometimes a lonely road, in that you don’t have many others who can share your struggles/viewpoints. Connecting those few with similar experiences has been something I cherish.
Contact Info:
- Website: heather-strickland.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherstricklandphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherSPhoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heather-strickland-photography
Image Credits
Heather Strickland Photography
