Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Summer Heideman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Summer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
As a business owner in the newborn, maternity and family photography sector, the best investment I’ve made—both in terms of time and money—has been continuous education.
Each year, I actively participate in workshops and classes led by industry-leading photographers. This commitment has greatly enhanced my growth and creativity. I have had the privilege of learning from influential mentors such as Ann Brandt, Shannon Marie, Claudia Aguilar, Rachel Vanoven, Donatella Nicolini, Dawn Potter, and Erin Elizabeth. Their unique styles and innovative approaches have inspired me to explore new techniques and ideas in my photography.
Each workshop provides me with fresh inspiration and practical skills that I can implement immediately. This investment in education not only enriches my own practice but also enables me to teach these unique techniques to others. Sharing my knowledge fosters a supportive community around my business and reinforces my own learning.
One of my favorite educators, Claudia Aguilar from Capture by Claudia, has a distinctive style characterized by vivid, bold colors that evoke strong emotions. Her work inspires me to create colorful, striking images that truly capture the essence of my subjects, as reflected in my portfolio.
The Worst Investment I’ve Made: Overbuying Props and Equipment when I first started. In those early days, I spent a significant amount of money on high-end items simply because I saw other photographers using them and claiming they were “must-haves.”Looking back, I realize this was a misstep. I now have a collection of props and equipment that I rarely use, which feels like wasted money.
I’ve learned that high-end gear doesn’t guarantee perfect photos or exceptional service. Instead, it’s the skills and experience gained over time that truly enhance a photographer’s work. Continuous learning and practice are what ultimately lead to improvement, not just the tools at your disposal.
This lesson extends beyond photography; it’s applicable to any profession. It’s essential to invest wisely in what genuinely enhances your skills and contributes to your success, rather than getting caught up in trends or what others consider necessary.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi there!
I’m Summer, the owner and photographer behind Summer Elizabeth Photography, where my passion is capturing the precious moments of life through newborn, maternity, and family photography. Based in Arizona, I have the joy of serving families in our vibrant community and the surrounding areas. What I OfferI provide both in-studio and outdoor photography sessions tailored to your family’s needs:
In-Studio Newborn Sessions: I create a calm and safe environment to capture those delicate features and sweet moments of your little one.
At-Home Lifestyle Newborn Sessions: Let’s get cozy! I love capturing authentic family interactions right in the comfort of your home.
In-Studio Fine Art Maternity Sessions: My studio is perfect for creating stunning fine art images that celebrate the beauty of motherhood.
Outdoor Maternity Sessions: Arizona’s natural landscapes are breathtaking, and I enjoy photographing maternity sessions in these scenic spots.
Outdoor Family Sessions: Whether it’s a local park or a picturesque destination like Sedona or Flagstaff, I aim to capture your family’s unique story against beautiful backdrops.
My Approach:
My photography style is all about bold colors and authentic emotions that tell your family’s story. Photography isn’t just what I do; it’s my passion! From the moment you reach out, I want to make sure we’re on the same page. I’ll schedule a pre-consultation call to chat about your vision, workflow, and package details. Plus, I have a clients’ closet filled with outfits for maternity and newborn sessions to help you look your best!
When it comes to newborn sessions, your baby’s safety and comfort are my top priorities. I follow a baby-led approach, and I only book one newborn session per day, so I can devote quality time to your family.
For outdoor sessions, I prefer stunning natural locations over crowded parks, and I love shooting during the golden hour close to sunset for that perfect soft light. Throughout our time together, I’ll guide you to capture both posed and candid moments. I also enjoy sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses on social media, so you get not just beautiful photos but also video reels that capture the essence of our time together.
Editing is a significant part of my creative process. I use Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance your images, ensuring they truly reflect the vibrant colors and emotions we captured.
After your session, I offer services for custom prints and album creation, helping you preserve your memories beautifully.
Looking Ahead, My dream is to become the top newborn, maternity, and family photographer in Arizona! I’m so grateful for the referrals and kind reviews from my clients, many of whom find me through Google searches, Instagram, and even platforms like ChatGPT. I’m dedicated to creating beautiful memories and enhancing my craft, ensuring each session is unique and special
I can’t wait to connect with you and capture your family’s story!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being an artist or creative offers numerous rewarding aspects that enrich both my personal and professional life:
Capturing Moments: In photography, I have the incredible privilege of capturing fleeting moments that families will cherish forever. Knowing that my work helps preserve precious memories—like the arrival of a newborn or significant family milestones—gives my art profound meaning and purpose beyond mere aesthetics.
Continuous Learning: The creative journey is one of endless growth and exploration. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s mastering a new technique, experimenting with different styles, or deepening my understanding of my clients’ needs. This constant learning fuels my passion and motivates me to continually improve.
Personal Fulfillment: I truly love what I do, which makes it feel less like work and more like a calling. Creating art is a deeply personal journey that allows me to explore my identity, beliefs, and experiences. The creative process is often therapeutic, providing me with a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment as I bring my visions to life.
Connecting and Inspiring Others: Art has a special way of bringing people together. When someone connects with my work, it creates a shared experience that builds understanding and community. Hearing how my art has touched my clients or viewers is truly rewarding and inspires me to keep creating.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Yes, there are a few things that non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey as a creative: Creating art isn’t always easy. While there are moments of inspiration, there are also times filled with frustration and self-doubt. People may see my finished work and think it came together effortlessly, but it often requires a lot of time, effort, trial and error, and battling self-doubt.
Sometimes, when I see images taken and edited by well-known photographers that I admire, I feel a strong desire to achieve that level of work myself. I often find myself re-editing the same image multiple times in an effort to reach my vision. I can spend hours on it, yet I still feel like it’s not good enough. I need to learn to give myself grace and not overthink the process.
I share my work on social media, but it can be disheartening when no one sees it or engages with it. These negative feelings can be overwhelming, and I’m sure many photographers and creatives out there have experienced this as well
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.summerelizabethphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerelizabethphotographyaz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summerelizabethphotographyaz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@summerelizabethphotographyaz
- Other: TIKTOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@summerelizabethphotogaz
Image Credits
@summerelizabethphotographyaz