Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heatherley Doan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Heatherley , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

Honestly, when I take pictures, I think about the legacy those images will leave behind. I want my photos to be more than just a snapshot; I want them to become long-lasting memories that future generations will cherish.

Family portraits, in particular, are incredibly important to me. It’s essential for people to exist in pictures, to be seen and remembered by their loved ones. I believe that photos tell our stories—of love, joy, and togetherness. I hope people see how much fun we can have in life, and how meaningful those simple, candid moments are.

As for the legacy I want to build, I hope that people remember me as someone who captured their most precious memories with heart and soul. That I made them feel comfortable, loved, and celebrated. I want to be remembered for showing people how beautiful and valuable their lives are—through my lens and in the moments that matter most.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always had a deep passion for photography. When I was just 7, my dad passed away, and there weren’t many pictures of us together. I remember feeling sad about that over the years, but it also drove me to capture more photos—not just of others, but of myself too. I worked as a mortgage underwriter for many years while doing photography on the side, but I eventually left the corporate life to pursue my true passion full-time.

While I love family sessions, my heart truly belongs to weddings. There’s something so special about being part of a day filled with so much love—it’s just a beautiful thing to witness. I have a big personality, and I try to live life to the fullest. So when clients book me, they know we’re going to have a blast! What sets me apart is how emotionally connected I am to the moments I capture. It’s not just about pressing a button; I really feel the significance of every second. That’s why I often say, “your memories are mine too”—because they truly are!
I’m only human, and like everyone, I can be a little hard on myself sometimes—especially when it comes to being self-employed. Running your own business is tough! But I’ve also had some truly amazing moments in my career as a photographer. I’ve been fortunate enough to capture weddings and other incredible events across the country. I lived in Colorado for about four years, and the scenery there was just breathtaking.

One experience I’m especially proud of is photographing 3 of the 5 weddings from Season 14 of Married at First Sight in Boston. My good friend Courtney Hamilton was asked to be the photographer for the show and brought me along for the adventure. It was such a fun experience, and seeing myself on TV was a pretty cool bonus!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I truly believe my reputation is what got me going in this market and industry. Everyone who knows me knows I’ve always had a camera in my hand, and I’m not shy about sharing what I do. I love to network and connect with people, and I think my unique name has definitely helped people remember me along the way. Having lived most of my life in Jacksonville Beach, where it feels like everyone knows each other, I’ve built strong relationships in this small beach town that have been key to growing my business.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the beginning, I was scared and spent a lot of time worrying about other photographers. I cared so much about what they were doing that it held me back. But when I finally shifted my focus to myself and my own business, I became so much stronger and better. I realized that I couldn’t compare myself to others because we’re not the same—we each have our own unique style and journey. It hasn’t always been easy, but through those challenges, I’ve grown into someone who is now very confident in my work and the value I bring.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heatherleybloomphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherleybloomphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherleybloomphotography

Image Credits

Heatherley Bloom Photography, LLC