Featured Creative: Heather Burris
W: Can you tell us how you got your start?
HB: That’s a bit of a long story, but I’ll try to keep it short. I fell in love with taking photos and documenting life as a teenager and began to dream about photography as a career in college. I got married right after graduation and, with all of our student loans combined, purchasing a camera seemed pretty much impossible. Fast forward to a year ago when I woke up one morning to an email from a friend I randomly met on the Internet; she said she wanted to give me her backup DSLR and could have it in the mail to me that week. My life hasn’t been the same since…I’m still pinching myself!
W: What is your biggest inspiration?
HB: I am mostly inspired by other people. People who live brave, colorful, adventurous lives.
W: How would you describe your style?
HB: It is constantly evolving, but I am usually drawn to moody lighting and cooler tones. I am happiest when I’m taking candid, documentary-style images.
W: Tell us the story behind one of the photos/videos we’re featuring – why did you choose that photo/video to send?
HB: One of the photos was taken at my sister’s house on Easter Sunday. We don’t get to see each other very often, and I thought that our pile of shoes by the door perfectly captured that feeling of family and togetherness.
W: Where are your favorite spots to shoot?
HB: I love going to the lake, a pretty garden, downtown Raleigh. But my favorite place to shoot is indoors, especially in my home. There’s just something meaningful about shooting in a home, and you really can’t beat window lighting.
W: What kind of equipment do you use?
HB: I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II and a Sigma Art 35mm 1.4
W: Do you have any special techniques? Do they define your style?
HB: I am still exploring so many different techniques and lighting situations and figuring out what is most true to my style. Low-light situations are always a favorite.
W: What challenges have you had to overcome in this industry?
HB: I wouldn’t say I’ve had many challenges yet, per se, but I have had to realize that my style really isn’t for everyone. Some people get it and some don’t, and that’s totally okay.
W: How do you see your career progressing?
HB: I am so excited about launching my photography business this fall. My dream is to offer documentary style sessions, but I’m curious to see how my business will evolve and change as I grow as a photographer and an artist.
Heather is based in North Carolina.
Contact her on Instagram: heatherburris
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