Meet Heidi Elyse | photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heidi Elyse and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heidi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly I never thought about owning my own business and I certainly didn’t think I would be photographing weddings! I started second shooting for a friend about 5 or 6 years ago and she was the one who encouraged me to go out on my own and start my own photography business. I’ve been very lucky to have such supportive friends, family, and mentors who have helped me grow along the way!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well mostly I am a wedding photographer, but I do more than that too. I really just love documenting people where they are in their lives whether that be graduating from college, getting married, becoming parents, etc. There are so many people that do what I do in a general sense and I truly believe there is a photographer out there for everyone. Couples come to me because of my unique mix of documentarian and editorial style. I am very hands off on a wedding day and prefer to capture real moments as they happen rather than manufacture and pose and entire wedding day. Now don’t get me wrong I love some artsy shots and being able to do that without interfering too much is my favorite. It definitely wasn’t easy to get where I am today, it’s taken me a long time to find my style and to find clients who really vibe with it. One thing that’s helped me come into my own as an artist is shooting on both digital and film I’ve been shooting film since I was in college and bought an old Pentax for $10 at goodwill, last year I really started learning the ins and outs of film, 35mm and medium format and added it into my professional work. I think this is what really brought me into my own as a photographer and a creative. You really have to be confident in your abilities and also okay with the imperfections that film brings.
I think the biggest lesson I have learned as a wedding photographer and something I would encourage newer and veteran photographers alike is to slow down on wedding days. Really take stock in who these couple’s are, how their family interacts, how the couple show’s affection for one another. Recognizing the little things makes you a better photographer. There is a responsibility that comes with photographing someone’s wedding.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh heck yes my type A brain was made for this! So a week long itinerary… we can do a lot and that is fantastic!

I may get some crap for this but first thing off the place is go to Zipps lol It’s an Arizona staple and let’s be real there’s nothing better than some greasy food and a frozen margarita when you get off the plane!
We’d definitely go hiking and you have to take them to the iconic spots so Camelback and the Superstitions. Maybe even some kayaking on the Salt River?
You have to check out the local craft beer scene in town so of course I would take them to Arizona Wilderness, Four Peaks, Wren House, San Tan Brewery, and 12 West.
For food we’re going to brunch at The Montauk, Butterfield’s, and Matt’s Big Breakfast. We’ve gotta hit some of my go to coffee shops with the best vibes like Cartel or Lux Central. For lunch or a casual dinner we’re doing Casey Moore’s, one of the breweries, Little Miss BBQ, The Vig, or the Henry. For a nicer dinner we’re going to Etta (which is my new favorite restaurant), literally any of the fox restaurant concepts, or Toca Madera. We’re grabbing drinks at Bitter & Twisted, Hany’s, Valley Bar, Undertow, really anywhere because one thing Phoenix does well is drinks!

Since they’re here for a week I would take them up to Sedona or Flagstaff for a little day trip to see the beautiful mountains and variety that our state has to offer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve so much recognition in my story. My friends and family who have supported me along the way. Obviously, my couples who trusted me to document their weddings ( especially in the early days). My husband who is seriously the man behind the scenes and keeps me sane especially during wedding season. My biggest shoutout would have to be to my friend Alex who let me second shoot for her and learn the ins and outs of the wedding industry, and who really encouraged me to start my own business! Sorry if that’s too many but I just have really great people!

Website: www.heidielyse.com

Instagram: @heidielysephoto