Check Out Heather Jackson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Jackson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started off as an adventure sports photographer… SUP, kayaking, ocean surfing, clothing brands. I lived van life with athletes for several summers, and then found joy in documenting couples and their milestones. Photography, working for myself and my clients, is the only job I’ve ever had that truly makes me happy, and doesn’t bring dread and regret come Monday morning. I started as an intern photographer working for free for a surfboard company at 20, and then one opportunity lead to another over the years. I think saying yes to things that came my way is a big part of how I got to where I am today. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Haha the road has NOT been smooth. Is it ever? I think that’s the point right. We have to struggle in order to really appreciate the journey and the outcome. Starting a business is scary as hell, especially when you are starting with basically nothing. Camera gear, portfolio building, advertising, marketing, and keeping clients happy can be a lot to figure out at first. One of the most obvious struggles was finances – how to build and fund a business that isn’t really making money yet. I borrowed money from my loving mother, as well as took ANY job that came my way. It didn’t matter if it didn’t fit into what I actually wanted to shoot, if it paid, I took the job. This usually meant working for less than minimum wage by the time the shooting and editing was done, but it was more about the portfolio building and making connections than stacking cash. I still get wedding gigs from old real estate headshot sessions I’ve done. They remembered me, my personality, how I made them laugh, and the excellent product I delivered. That sticks with people… never underestimate the power of making an impression just by being you. The day you realize you broke six figures, all the free work you did years ago will seem purposeful. The only other big struggle that comes to mind is owning who you are and what you want your business to be. I spent a couple years questioning myself, which comes with the territory in your twenties, but having the confidence to be yourself in all matters will get you far, fast. Or at the very least, it will keep you from wasting time on things that aren’t meant for you. Grow, change, become someone new with every passing year, but own that person and never betray your gut. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My whole deal is getting candid shots that evoke emotion in the viewer. It’s really a simple thing, and we all have reactions to images whether we realize it or not. You see a photo of your grandma, laughing loud, mouth open, sparkle in her eye from the joy in that moment, and you also smile remembering how she made you feel, and the sound of her laughter. These are simple memories that remind you how grateful you are for the small things, all because a photograph made you smile for a second. That is important stuff right there. Yes, we all love the vogue-y shots in front of towering mountain peaks with windblown dresses and golden light, and I love capturing those, but those aren’t the moments that will have you crying on the couch 20 years from now, grateful for how magical your life has been, filled with love and good times. I find the most joy in shooting weddings and elopements, as they are such special once-in-a-lifetime days, and have lately found that same joy in family sessions too. I’m most proud of the connection I make with my clients, the trust we have, and the natural friendship that occurs when you work closely with people. Helping my clients feel comfortable, sharing their joy, and helping make sure their day or session is damn close to perfection really does feel like a worthwhile calling in life for me. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I don’t bother hiding much of anything. To pick something that isn’t obvious – I identify as queer (bisexual), even though I’m in a straight marriage. I get different reactions, but lately a lot more attitudes of blasé so-what which I think is a beautiful thing! Let’s normalize being queer even if it’s not obvious based on outward appearance. Let’s normalize just letting people be who they are without the conversation of trying to make it make sense. I’m queer, married a man because he’s my best friend, still queer though. It’s pretty simple. 

Pricing:

• $700 Couples/Family Session of any kind (printing and downloading rights included)
• $2000 Adventure Elopements (less than 10 people, starting at 2 hours, additional hours $500/hr)
• $4500 Keep It Simple Wedding Package (8 hours coverage, downloading/printing rights included)
• $6500 Party Hard Wedding Package (10+ hours coverage, second shooter, downloading/printing rights included)
• $9000 Whole Freakin Weekend Package (20+ hours of coverage over 2-3 days, downloading and printing rights included)

Contact Info:

• Email: heatherjacksonco@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.jacksontakesphotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherjacksonphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacksontakesphotos/

Image Credits
Heather Jackson
Sunnie Heers