The Gilkey Family | Charleston, WV Family Photographer

Another beautiful fall day in October, another beautiful family session in Huntington's Ritter Park. 

Many thanks to the Gilkey family for a great shoot experience!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sweeney Family | Charleston, WV Family Photographer

When I photograph a family, I try to tell their story.  I want to capture their likenesses, yes, but even more than that, I want their personality to shine so brightly that they can look at their photographs and scream "Yes! That's us!" 

I didn't have to try very hard with the Sweeney family.  This super awesome "pose" was all theirs and shows how much fun they are!  I had a blast with their session, but this one single image really says it all.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Chelsea and James | Huntington, WV Wedding Photographer

When it comes to taking great photos, weddings are a guilty pleasure of mine. Every wedding is so different, so unique and representative of the bride and groom for which it exists.

I don't shoot many weddings. They're stressful creatures and definitely more work intensive than a typical family session. But there's something about the relationship between a bride and her photographer. Surely, these are the two people who get why the all the little details have to be just so. Because at the end of the day, if it all comes together, you get a little bit of magic, and more love than will fit in the viewfinder of a camera.

I was honored to photograph my good friend and coworker's wedding this summer. The charming event was overlfowing with the most darling DIY touches, all created by the bride and her family.

Here are a few of my very favorites from their special day...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations Chelsea and James!  Many, many years of joy and happiness to you both!

We're Moving! (And We're Leaving the Internet Behind. Eek!)

I've got some good news!

(And then I've got some bad news...)

The Good, or Great! News:

Our family is moving into a new home this month!   This move has been in the works for several months now, and I'm so excited we're down to the final days.  Moving is a lot of work, especially when the kids think it's fun to unpack boxes that have already been filled, but it will all be worth it in the end when we are cozy and settled into our forever home.  We were so blessed to be able to purchase this home, many years before we thought we would be able, so we are taking all of the inconveniences in stride.

I must admit, I'm neglecting my photography a bit in favor of sitting on comfy couches and daydreaming about my new front porch.  Or trying to decide on paint colors for the kitchen (I still have NO clue!).  It's so much fun to think ahead about making this space something that belongs uniquely to us, and I'm looking forward to adding all the personal touches.  I've been pinning fun ideas on Pinterest for AGES.

See what I mean?  I am READY! 


But....

There's also Bad News. 

See, the fantastic house we bought?  It's out in the country.  Not WAY out in the country, but far enough out that we can see the stars with no problems.  And apparently, it's one of the last bastions of No-Internet-Land left in the entire lower 48 states. 

No internet!

Well, let me correct myself here.  Internet is available.  But it's the old dial up kind (remember that?!), and is likely to be unreliable.

Sadly, that means I won't be online as much to update the blog, my Facebook page, or my website with fabulous photos of all my clients.  I won't lie - I'm kind of scared of what this drop in exposure and online marketing will do to my tiny little business, but I do hope all of my clients and readers can be patient!

Because I WILL be back online.  There's no way in the universe I could give it up altogether. 

But oh, my goodness, will I miss Pinterest in the meantime!

Session Premiere Slideshow Preview | Ashton, WV Photographer

Today, I want to share something special with you all.

Last week, I blogged about my brand new baby nephew.  This week I was able to wrap up his newborn session, and was able to implement - for the first time! - a brand new feature of the Heather Harris Photography experience.

Part of your personalized Session Premiere experience with Heather Harris Photography includes a custom designed, one of a kind slideshow featuring your session images.  I am so, so excited to be offering this service to my clients!  The design and premiere of the slideshow on your home television is included in every Session Premiere, and slideshows are available for purchase on DVD, either as part of a Premiere Night Collection, or a la carte!

Want to see what the fuss is all about?  Let me introduce you to baby Gavin all over again:





As a new aunt, I know I'm biased, but isn't that the most precious thing ever?

I want every one of my clients to have this special keepsake for themselves, and to LOVE everything the new Heather Harris Photography portrait experience has to offer.  Doesn't that sound fabulous?  I sure think so!

Gavin Blake | Ashton, WV Newborn Photographer

My little brother became a dad for the very first time on May 26th, and I am so happy and so honored that he let me have the privilege of photographing his tiny son's first portraits.

I'm so proud to introduce you all to my brand new nephew.

Welcome to the world, Gavin Blake!  We're so happy to have you here with us!

The New Experience: The Session Premiere | Huntington, WV Family Photographer

This post is the second in a series of post on new changes to Heather Harris Photography.  You can find the first post here.  



The Session

It goes without saying that your session is going to be awesome!  When we meet, we'll ease into the photography.  We'll hang out for a moment, get comfortable with each other.  And then the fun starts!  Sessions typically last around seventy minutes or so, but there is never a time limit.  I am committed to providing you with a full compliment of images, and if that means taking a little extra time, then I am okay with that.  We all know that working with kids is highly unpredictable at best, and sometimes it takes a little extra coaxing for little ones to be comfortable in front of the camera.

 

The Session Premiere

Imagine this: you sink down onto a comfy sofa in your home, a delicious cupcake in hand, while the final images from your portrait session reveal themselves one by one in high definition as part of a custom designed slideshow.  Doesn't that sound amazing?  Doesn't that sound so much better than viewing your images in a boring old web gallery? 

You are going to LOVE your Session Premiere!  On premiere night, my clients are pampered and treated to the very best, and I love every minute of it.  From the custom designed slideshow to the amazingly delicious dessert (Yes, that's right - I bring dessert!), the Session Premiere is all about celebrating you and your family! 

Premiere night is also your opportunity to enjoy specials deals and discounts not available at any other time.  Portrait Collections, which are designed to include all of the "must haves" that every portrait client is dying to get their hand on, are only available on premiere night and at huge savings.  Premiere prices on A la Carte pieces are also discounted by 25% over regular retail prices, making the Session Premiere your way to save BIG on all the fantastic image keepsakes you want for your family.

In addition, I will be on hand to personally assist you in selecting imagery and products for your home!  Not sure which great portrait of your kids would look best over the sofa?  Not to worry, I can help with that! When I photograph a family, I don't want those images sitting on a DVD, never to see the light of day.  I want to help you get those great photos up on the walls where they're going to make you smile every time you walk into the room. 


Seriously, I can't wait to show you first hand how fabulous the new Session Premiere is!!  Next week,  I'll wrap up this short series by outlining the new Portrait Collections and the new session fee.  I just know you're going to love it!!