We recently connected with Heath Fewell and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Heath, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
As a self-taught photographer, my journey of learning has been primarily driven by passion, curiosity, and a willingness to explore. I started by immersing myself in photography books, online resources, and practicing extensively with my camera. This hands-on approach allowed me to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. Knowing what I know now, one way I could have expedited my learning process as a self-taught photographer is by seeking out more structured learning opportunities. Enrolling in photography courses or workshops, participating in mentorship programs, or joining photography communities would have provided valuable guidance, feedback, and exposure to different perspectives.
In terms of essential skills, technical proficiency, composition, and post-processing are fundamental. Developing a solid understanding of exposure, focus, and camera settings enables greater control over the final image. Mastering composition principles helps create visually compelling and well-balanced photographs. Additionally, learning post-processing techniques can enhance the overall quality and aesthetics of the final result.
As a self-taught photographer, one of the main obstacles I encountered was significant challenge was self-doubt and the fear of failure. It was hard to not sell myself short and lower my prices due to lack of clientele. However, once I overcame this roadblock, it was then that my confidence started to show in my work.
Despite these obstacles, being self-taught offers the advantage of freedom and exploration. It allows for a unique creative journey and the opportunity to develop a personal style. I have been able to continue to learn, grow, and refine their skills over time and I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
Heath, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m self-taught with a sincere passion for all things photographic, airy light, sincere people, and beautifully aesthetic spaces. I have a focus in portrait & product photography as well as all types of life events and special occasions such has parties & engagements. I love keeping things simple in life and during a session as I find the least amount of stress produces the best results. No matter the size of the project, I always bring the same passion and dedication to each individual job and it’s my priority to make sure everyone goes home happy! Let’s connect and make awesome work together.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a self-taught photographer is the sense of personal growth and creative fulfillment that it brings. As a self-taught artist, I have the freedom to explore my own unique style, experiment with different techniques, and push the boundaries of my creativity without the constraints of formal training. I now have the ability to fully embrace and express my unique artistic vision. Through each photoshoot with various lighting situations and different creatives in front of the lens, I learn more and more and get to test my limits. Overall, this helps me grow as a photographer and seeing the progress from where I first started is very fulfilling.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for me has been the support and referrals from my friends. It all began with taking their pictures and capturing precious moments for them. Their trust in my abilities and the loyalty they have shown in recommending me to others has been invaluable. Through their word-of-mouth recommendations, my portfolio has steadily grown, and I have been able to expand my client base. The power of personal connections and the genuine satisfaction of my friends have not only helped me establish my photography business but also allowed me to forge meaningful relationships with my clients, making the journey even more rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: fewellfocal.com
- Instagram: @fewellfocal