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

Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

People love to romanticize being your own boss – and honestly, sometimes it really is as amazing as it sounds. There are days I’m completely obsessed with what I do, and then there are days where burnout tries to creep in.

I’ve been working since I was 13, went to college, and have had my fair share of “regular” jobs. So I can confidently say: running a small business is hard. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Sure, the steady paycheck of a 9-to-5 has its perks, but the freedom to set my own hours and create my own path? It’s priceless.

One thing a lot of us in this industry wrestle with is imposter syndrome – and trust me, I’ve been in that ring for years. It’s so easy to believe you’re not good enough or that your work doesn’t measure up. The shift for me came when I started reframing those thoughts. Reminding myself, “I’ve earned everything I have” or “I deserve the success I’ve worked for because I’ve worked hard” has completely transformed not just my mindset, but my business too.

Heather, 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 Heather Schoolcraft – born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia – and I’m a traveling wedding photographer who’s been lucky enough to capture love stories in 30 states and four countries.

My photography journey took off in an unexpected way. During COVID-19, I lost my job. With a small background in videography and a need to make extra income, I started offering $50 sessions. What began as a side hustle quickly spiraled into a full-blown career that I never thought was possible.

Cameras have always been part of my story for as long as I can remember. I was that kid running around snapping photos of everything and everyone, fascinated by the idea of freezing moments in time.

Now, my fiancé and I work together, offering photo and video services for weddings, couples, and lifestyle sessions like newborn, maternity, and senior portraits.

My approach is deeply intentional – I’m passionate about capturing meaningful memories in a way that feels both beautiful and authentic. I aim for images that are candid, colorful, and filled with emotion. The trust my couples place in us to document their most important moments is something I’ll never take for granted.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A big lesson I had to unlearn is that everything has to be perfect – because it simply doesn’t.

I’ve been a perfectionist for as long as I can remember. In photography, that used to mean obsessing over every little detail: the perfect pose, the perfect light, the perfect backdrop, but somewhere along the way, I realized those “perfect” shots weren’t always the ones my clients loved most.

The images that stuck with people – the ones they framed, cried over, and showed their grandkids – were the raw, messy, imperfect moments. A tear slipping down someone’s cheek mid-vow. The wind blowing hair in all directions. Kids laughing so hard they can’t stand still.

Now, I remind myself daily: perfection isn’t the goal. Connection is.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I’ll never forget the moment I got my very first camera. Back in elementary school, my great uncle gave me an authentic Polaroid, and I was instantly hooked. I couldn’t get over the magic of capturing a moment and holding it in my hands just seconds later.

All through school, I was snapping photos on my iPhone, but in college, my dad completely changed the game for me – he gifted me a Canon Rebel T6 for Christmas. From that day on, it barely ever left my hands and I took it everywhere.

As my business began to grow, so did my gear. I upgraded to a Canon 6D, then a Canon 5D Mark IV, and eventually my grandma surprised me with my very first mirrorless camera – the Canon R6. That camera was a turning point in my career. The quality, speed, and capabilities were a massive leap forward, and it truly elevated my work.

I’m beyond grateful to have a family who has believed in me from day one. Their support – both in encouragement and in those unforgettable gifts – is something I’ll never take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heatherchristinephoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherchristinephoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherchristinephoto
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherChristinePhoto
• Other: Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/heatherchristinephoto/
  Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherchristinephoto

Image Credits

Heather Christine Photo + Film