Heather Evans Smith Photography

February 10, 2012: Knoxville Creativity Workshop

2012-02-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to be conducting a creativity workshop in Knoxville on April 27-28th. The workshop is hosted by Expressions Photography.

During the workshop I will be discussing my progression into conceptual photography and how shooting for yourself can benefit shooting for others. I will also discuss idea boosters to overcome creative blocks, concepting with clients and making time for you. A full-day hands on shoot experience will conclude the workshop. Limited space is available for this intimate engagement.

Look forward to seeing you there!

You can register here.

December 20, 2011: The Heart & The Heavy

2011-12-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

This was a image I had to make. It burned in my mind for months and I could not get it out until it had been created. The night before the sunrise shoot I could barely sleep. In the field during winter with frost bitten toes, I raced against the sun. The backdrop of home is where I am most inspired; where the country lies within me. Holding my home tightly to me with great love and heavy burden.

When all was said and done, after the shutter had opened and closed and the last click of the mouse during post processing was finished, I could rest at last. It is images like this that keep me going. It reaffirms that I was born to do this and I cannot live without creating.

December 12, 2011: Scattered Leaves

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Sometimes it is more of a feeling I want to convey in my photography instead of a storyline or concept. I knew going into my shoot with Tyler that I wanted a melancholy scene and was inspired by the song Scattered Leaves by the Be Good Tanyas. Tyler prepared himself with a little Gillian Welch. No elaborate props or sets were used, just a feeling that shows through and can be interpreted by others in many ways. I love to hear the stories from viewers on how they interpret my work. It gives new insight into my pieces and makes me look at them in different ways.

December 1, 2011: Swarm

2011-12-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

Every image is a new journey for me. I don't believe I have a consistent style and after years of struggling with feeling like I should I have decided that I am OK with it. I love exploring and trying new things. While editing my latest client shoot, I played around with the idea of rorschach patterns to create my image swarm.

October 18, 2011: SilverShotz

2011-10-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

While in Australia I had the opportunity to interview with the editor of SilverShotz: The International Journal of Contemporary Photography. I am featured in Volume 7, Edition 6. I just received my copy in the mail today. The majority of the feature is dedicated to the My Beatles series, but a few other conceptual portraits are included as well.

SilverShotz is much like receiving a coffee table book of beautiful images every other month. There are few photography journals out there like it. SilverShotz is available in over 14 countries. In the U.S. you can find it at select Barnes and Noble, Hastings International, Shinders and Tower Books. Pick up a copy!

September 2, 2011: A New Beginning

2011-09-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

I am back from Australia now, with a major case of jet lag. I knew my trip would be an important moment in my life, but I didn't realize just how life changing it would be. I came to the Gold Coast as a speaker, to share my knowledge and imagination with fellow photographers. I didn't realize how much more I would gain in return. I have come back refreshed and to be honest, a bit overwhelmed. I am taking my business in a new direction effective immediately, focusing on what I love to do and where my strengths lie, conceptual portrait photography. To me there is no better feeling than creating a concept, working on every detail of it with my own hands and seeing it all the way through to the end. I feel great about this decision and I am looking forward to what the future holds for my business.

I met some of the most amazing people on my trip. Within a few days after leaving the Gold Coast I could honestly say, "I miss my Aussie friends!" Not only for great business and photography advice, but for their warm spirit and friendship. They made this American girl feel at home. I can say with all certainty that I will be back and crashing at all of your homes!

Shirl and Rob Heyman are fantastic for providing this conference. They truly want to help all the up and coming photographers out there succeed in their photography technique and in their business methods. I am thankful for the opportunity they gave me and for just being all around wonderful people.

As a result of my trip, I am thrilled to be featured in a international publication coming up next month (I will make a official announcement soon).

Of course I couldn't go to Oz without taking a self-portrait. I took the following self-portrait the morning I left the Gold Coast. I made the dress in advance from maps of US states (mostly of the eastern side of the country). Australia is the farthest I have ever been from home. Wearing this dress of maps made me feel more connected to home.

The paper airplane flew so well that I couldn't contain my excitement. Take a look at these outtakes taken immediately after. These images sum up how I am feeling about my career right now. Finding the career that you truly love is such a beautiful thing.

August 29, 2011: August Exposure Up Close and Personal

2011-08-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

While at August Exposure, I had the opportunity to do a shoot and had 20 of the attendees come along with me. The weather was unpredictable, in fact, at times it was down right torrential. Luckily I had planned several concepts in advance and decided to start shooting indoors.

The first concept was the human paper doll. This was an idea I came up with while in the States. I created the clothes from poster board using a thick sharpie. Our indoor location, while beautiful, was too new and pristine. We grabbed some old newspapers from the lobby and papered the wall and floor for this first concept.

Then we broke down our paper set and did a classic vintage boudoir shoot. Susan was such the wonderful model, channeling Clara Bow with a little Elizabeth Taylor.

I had to at least attempt to go outside. There was a quick break in the rain. We headed out and shot just enough before the rain started again. These were my favorites from the shoot.

It was such a fun experience shooting at the conference. I had some wonderful helpers (Lisa, Charmaine, Debbie, Michaela), makeup artist Rina and of course my model Susan. AE rocks!

August 21, 2011: Time to Fly

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What a ride the past four years have been. I rekindled my love of photography. I did this for myself and myself only; just for fun, a hobby, a release. Slowly this "hobby" became more than I ever dreamed; fine art sales, book covers, clients and now I sit here typing this on the other side of the world (Australia!). I will be speaking at the August Exposure conference on the Gold Coast tomorrow. I am honored to be there among many other talented speakers.

In my latest self-portrait image, I wanted to sum up my photography philosophy, "head in the clouds". My imagination is my #1 photography tool. Without it, I have nothing. I am going to continue to keep my head in the clouds, it's working so far!

August 16, 2011: Nesting

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Back in February I came up with an idea to create a large bird's nest for a woman's head. At the same time, my friend and producer of bigger shoots, Gretta, became pregnant with twins. Everything sort of fell into place. We decided that she should model the bird's nest and of course, put two eggs in it. When the picture came out, only Gretta, me and a few other family and friends knew the deeper story behind it. To refresh your memory, here is that picture...
I love the serene look on her face. And I love knowing that this was such a personal photo for her.

Now it is not so private. The babies are growing and so is Gretta. We got together a week ago and of course we had to revisit the bird theme. Gretta, makeup artist Erin, and myself worked to created this human sized bird nest. Once again she is glowing and serene. I can't wait to meet the little guys.

Check out behind the scenes footage here.

July 29, 2011: Caps For Sale and Other Head Adventures

2011-07-29T05:59:00.001-07:00

I woke up one morning with the children's book Caps For Sale in my head. I hadn't thought of that book in decades, but suddenly I remembered being fascinated with the illustrations of the peddler with all the caps on his head. I wanted to take this idea and glamorize it. This is the result. And while we are at it, let's just keep on playing with head ware....

See behind the scenes footage here.

July 15, 2011: Capturing Childhood

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After having my daughter, I heard the same comment from friends, family and strangers, "Enjoy this time, it goes by so fast." I heard this constantly, over and over to the point I wanted to say, "Ok! I get it!" Then, it hit me, "Oh no, it's true! It does go by fast!" I want to slow it down!

So, this is me at age 5. I had taken my pillow, radio and hobo stick outside to make a bed in the pine straw.

When planning my next child shoot, I remembered this image and what it was like to be a child. What would I find magical at that age? Heck, what do I find magical now? I made a bedroom outdoors, complete with paper clouds and a crown made from the pages of a book. The result was all I hoped for, a magical world that she could engulf herself in, if only for a few hours before the longing for adulthood sets in.

July 13, 2011: 70s Boudoir: Can You Dig It?

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It was as if I had stepped back in time. Crumpled sheets cascading in a wave of orange and brown, polyester lingerie, amber glasses and even a Marie Osmond tee (oh yes she did). It was a scene worthy of a Leif Garrett poster.

Pop open a Tab, sit back and enjoy this 70s boudoir shoot. Right On!

MUA/Hair: Sarah Belle

July 3, 2011: Tune In

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Life is better than anything on television. (Or at least it can be, if you turn it off long enough to give it a try.)

This is the first of a new series I am working on; combining technology with nature. This idea had been in my head for awhile, it was just a matter of finding the right TV (which wasn't easy), then the right person (thanks Dad!) to gut it, and finally hauling it to the beach (thanks husband!).

Stayed tuned...

June 13, 2011: Spun

2011-06-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

I feel spun and sleep deprived. I am happy to report that my creative juices are flowing beyond belief. That usually is followed by restless nights lying awake with ideas running through my head or staying up unusually late making props for photo shoots. But it is great when the floodgates of creativity open. I embrace it and welcome the waters. It has been a wonderful summer so far. A new series is in the works, exciting client work, wonderful moments with family and a trip down under at the end of the summer.

Due to client shoots, a crazy toddler and life in general, I had been taking a unplanned break from self-portraits (since September to be exact). I got my equipment together and set out to create a image that had been in my head for quite sometime. The result is Spun, and I feel a little like that right now.

June 3, 2011: A Fine Feathery Mess

2011-06-03T05:21:00.000-07:00

When Sara contacted me that she wanted to have portraits made with the three new members of her family, her chickens Alice, Nuggett and Henrietta, I was thrilled! What a opportunity for some fun and creative shots. During one of the phone calls I asked, "Do you think we could put the chickens inside for awhile?". "Sure." "Ok, how about some feathers all over the floor?" "Sure." Boy what a mess we made! As soon as one of the girls flapped her wings, feathers flew everywhere. Sara held it together while I coughed and coughed trying to simultaneously snap a picture. Outside was a different challenge; getting these birds to act like parrots. But with the help of Sara's husband Mike, we were able to get one of the girls to balance on her head and shoulders before eventually flying off with a look of "I have had enough."

Sara sent a carton of fresh eggs back with me and I have been enjoying omelets ever since. She also let me know that she is still cleaning up feathers everywhere. Whoops!

May 19, 2011: Heritage

2011-05-19T12:47:00.001-07:00

My model Tracy's heritage is of Cherokee/Lumbee decent. When concepting a portrait session for her, we both decided it would be great to honor that part of her family. With the help of her Uncle John "TallBird" Marshall, she gathered Native American items from the family. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the culture and sacred family origins of the Native Americans.

Upon reading some of her Uncle's research, I found this quote that I would like to share.

"So much can be said about so little we know. For many years, I have searched for the origin of our Indian blood, and our Native American ancestral connections. At times during my reading and research, I have laughingly mused myself, thinking of the meaning behind the well-known "Heinz 57" steak sauce. Fifty-seven ingredients combined together as one. It sounds almost like our family ancestry; a mixture of this, that and the unknown. Oh well...we are what the Creator and our Forefathers have made us. I'm proud of that and hope that you are as well."
-John "TallBird" Marshall

Hold on to our heritage, embrace new ones, love one another, we are all human, we are all intertwined.

MUA: Erin Dickinson
Assistant: Gretta Kohler
Fan Feathers/Prayer Feathers/headband: John "TallBird" Marshall

May 9, 2011: Survive and Bloom

2011-05-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

Some clients touch your heart and stay with you long after the shutter goes off. That was Sheila; a spunky, cowboy boot wearing woman, full of life. In her first email to me her words were, "I am loving life and my scars".

Sheila is a cancer survivor, but she doesn't let that define her and it never scared her. She was completely comfortable and open during our shoot. She braved cold stream waters, mud and double stick tape on her chest and back. She felt right at home during the shoot, having grown up exploring wooded areas as a child in her red cowgirl boots.

When asked about her cancer, she replies confidently, "I grew up praying for breasts nightly...they never came. Finally, I had a chance to have HUGE breasts paid for by insurance but opted for tiny ones and I think they are fabulous!"

Sheila, thank you for your honesty and openness during our shoot. You are an inspiration.

April 2, 2011: Q & A

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Hi everyone! Hope Spring has been good to you so far. I am busy with new shoots, new ideas and enjoying spending time with family.

I receive emails from time to time inquiring about my techniques, background and overall interests. I decided to answer them all here. I plan on doing this from time to time so if you have a question, send me a email.

1. Where do you find your props?
I am always on the look out for vintage and unusual props. Sometimes I might be out looking for a particular prop and other times I might run into something at a flea market (like a uber cool vintage hat) and come up with a shoot around that. Etsy and ebay are great sources when you want to get down to business. If you have a lazy Sunday afternoon, a local flea market or antique mall will certainly provide some inspiration.

2. I love the music on your website. Who is it by?
The music on my website is Klara Kormendi's rendition of Satie's Six Gnossiennes. I believe this is some of the most beautiful music in the world. I never tire of it.

3. What kind of equipment do you use?
My camera of choice is a Nikon D300 with various lenses. This has been pretty recent though. The majority of my work up until last year was shot on a Olympus 410. It is a basic DSLR camera, but it gets the job done. It is a misconception that the camera is what makes the picture. The equipment can only take you so far. I have seen some outstanding work on just a point and shoot. So, don't be discouraged if you can't afford the big daddy camera of your dreams. A basic DSLR will be a great tool while learning and you can go really far with it before needing to upgrade.

I use all natural light. Nothing is more dramatic than the natural light seeping through windows in the morning, a beautiful sunset across a lake or a hazy foggy day. I will at times use a reflector to make the most out of the available light, but many times I prefer natural shading.

4. You use yourself as the subject in a lot of your photographs, how do you do that and still call it your picture?
When I am the subject of one of my photographs, it can mean many things. Either I had a great idea and I was the only one available to model for it immediately, or it could be that I want the photograph to be personal and express an emotion I was going through at the time. All of my self portraits are in fact shot by me. I use a tripod and a remote control. Some times I may have a friend along as a placeholder while I adjust the settings. Many times I am by myself. I take a few shots and then review on camera, adjust as needed and shoot some more.

5. Did you study photography?
Yes, I did. I hold a degree in Visual Communications and took black and white darkroom photography classes. I believe that the bones of my work came from those classes. My work looks completely different than it did back then and the processing is completely different, but the passion is still the same.

6. Will you be holding any workshops / lectures or mentoring this year?
I have received quite a few requests for workshops, which is in the works for late 2011 / early 2012. I will be making an announcement in the next few months for a speaking engagement coming up, so stay tuned to my blog and facebook for details.

7. What kind of editing software and techniques do you use?
I currently use Photoshop CS3 and Camera Raw. All of my images are shot RAW and tweaked to various degrees in Camera Raw before going into Photoshop. I have been asked before about my editing techniques and whether or not I am making actions to sell based on my look. The truth is, every picture is so different, there isn't any one technique. But, I love that about my editing process. It is extremely organic. There are certain standard processes that I always do, blemish removal, etc, but then it is a free for all. Blurring, color tweaks, light enhancement; it just all depends on what mood I want to portray.

8. I would love to know a little about your processing; in particular, how you achieve the blurred backgrounds and points of focus. It's a stunning effect.
The blurred effects are created later in Photoshop by selecting the areas you want to blur and using either the lens blur, gaussian blur or motion blur. I do this on different layers so I can change the opacity and erase certain parts to reveal the original image beneath.

9. I just love the vintage look your photos have and I was wondering how you achieve this affect.
I believe first and foremost the photo must have a timeless quality to really give it a vintage tone. I don't like to date my photos with the latest trends or with clothing that has logos on it. I want the viewer to look at the image and think it could have been taken today or 60 years ago. As far as vintage effects, I prefer a warm white balance which is adjusted in Camera Raw and slight desaturation. Other effects that you can use to create that vintage look are sepia tones and textures, if the photo lends it self to that.

10. Who works on the makeup and hair for a shoot?
It varies from shoot to shoot. I come up with the overall look and depending on the scale of the shoot, I will play Makeup / Hair Artist, or bring in a professional.

11. What music do you listen to while editing?
I love so many different kinds of music. I would say the top contenders are She & Him, Beirut, Sondre Lerche, Beatles, Paul Simon, Belle and Sebastian, Chris Thile, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Air, Herb Albert and the Tiquana Brass, The Mamas and the Papas and Mel Torme.

12. Which photographers inspire you?
I am inspired by so many people and things, not just photography. The light of an Edward Hopper painting, the fantastical fashion world of Tim Walker, an old movie, a pillbox hat, an old family photo, a song lyric. Inspiration comes from everywhere and everyone. To name other photographers, I am inspired by Sally Mann, Tim Walker, Diane Arbus, and most recently Vivian Maier.

13. If you could photograph anyone, famous or non, who would it be?
I was lucky enough to photograph my grandfather the year before he died. It was with my manual Pentax and I cherish those photos today. I would like to have had the opportunity to photograph my grandmother, but she died when I was young.

March 18, 2011 - Bloom

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Spring is here. The days are getting longer, color is peaking out from once bare branches. A new life awaits. Beautiful both inside and out, the mother glowed. Her child will be here in a matter of weeks. Congratulations my dear friends.

March 15, 2011: Nesting

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I love to combine craft projects with shoots. It all started with making a dress out of a book, a bird's nest hat was sure to follow. What's next? Let's see... I'm thinking big.

Model: Gretta Kohler
MUA: Erin Dickenson

March 9, 2011: Tears of a Clown

2011-03-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

She had always wanted to be in a room filled top to bottom with balloons, and that day she was. The space quickly turned into a surreal, magical playground. Drowning in a sea of iridescent pink, we shot that day as the warm morning light pierced the windows. She became the pierrot, the harlequin, but yet deep down, she was always still her.

March 6, 2011: LadyLike: Portraits of Fascinating Women

2011-03-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

I am very excited about my new opening on Sunday for LadyLike: Portraits of Fascinating Women. This is a different kind of show for me, for once, I am not in a single image!

This exhibit brings together media such as photography, music and writing, but at its heart it seeks to capture the images of femininity that are unique to each subject. The world that I hope viewers will be transported to is often dreamlike, communicating moments of everyday emotion, grace and beauty in ways they don’t expect. It’s a world where dresses are made of books, the ghosts of country music stars run free, and accordion players get lost on the carnival midway.

The opening will be held on Sunday, March 6 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Willow’s Bistro at 300 S. Liberty St. in Winston-Salem. I hope to see you there!

February 2, 2011: Happy February!

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February is here; the month of romance and love. Here is a little boudoir from my latest Valentine's Day sessions to start your month off!

p.s. Boudoir sessions are available anytime of the year!

January 23, 2011: Natalie

2011-01-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

I thoroughly enjoyed shooting recent high school graduate Natalie. She has already started college and has a bright future ahead of her. It was a frigid day, but she was a trouper, wearing strapless formal dresses and summer clothes without even a tremor; while I was bundled up from head to toe shivering. Congratulations Natalie! Good luck with college!

January 20, 2011: Country Rose

2011-01-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

A belated Happy New Year to all! Back in the summer I was hitting a few thrift stores here and there for no particular reason. I stumbled upon two fantastic Loretta Lynn style dresses. I couldn't pass them up, only $3 each. Plus, I have a bit of a obsession with late 60s/early 70s country music. Then, enter makeup artist extraordinaire, Sarah Belle, who I had the pleasure of meeting and regularly working with last summer. Turns out she has the same obsession too. And voila, a photo shoot was born.

Model/MUA: Sarah Belle
Producer/Assistant: Gretta Kohler

December 20, 2010: Many Thanks

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As the year is coming to a close, I would like to extend a warm thanks to all my clients, customers, associates, friends and family who have made 2010 a successful year. Big things are coming in 2011, keep watching!

December 14, 2010: Gift Certificates

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If you haven't found the perfect gift for your loved one this holiday then look no further. A photo session gift certificate is the perfect gift they will treasure for a lifetime. Gift certificates are good for 1 year and include creative concepting, a 2 hour session, 15-20 edited images in a online slide show and a 8x10 print. Happy Holidays!

December 12, 2010: Domesticated Greeting Cards

2010-12-12T06:45:00.000-08:00

Hot off the presses and just in time for the holidays! I am pleased to announce that my Domesticated series has now been turned into a set of greeting cards. Six cards to a set including envelopes. Available in my etsy store now!

November 16, 2010: Capturing Childhood

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There are certain unexpected moments as a photographer that remind me of how rewarding my job can be. After posting the slide show for my latest family shoot, the mother called me in tears. "I love them so much, I just don't want them to grow up." I got off the phone and hugged my daughter a little tighter than before. For this is something that I will learn all too soon.

November 9, 2010: Portrait of a Writer

2010-11-09T13:32:00.001-08:00

I knew I had a upcoming shoot with writer Emily Koon, but wasn't sure exactly what to do with it. While making crafts for my daughter's first birthday party, a idea hit me. Why make things out of a novel? I started with the paper flower headpiece, that grew to the skirt, then the top. The result was one dress (with accessories) made from a Reader's Digest condensed novel. It became a crafty obsession of mine for the past few months. I could almost visualize Tim Gunn hovering over me. Emily wore it well, channeling a little Clara Bow, and was a dream to photograph.

October 25, 2010: The Ties that Bind

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I met Teresa earlier this year when shooting the promotional photos for her gorgeous Una Pluma earrings. It was a pleasure to do a personal shoot for her and her family a few months later. It was a beautiful fall afternoon with the whole family, three generations. Thank you Sin Family for getting your feet numb, running through fields and being literally tied together!

October 19, 2010: Harvest Season

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It is still warm here, but the sun is setting earlier and a cooler breeze comes calling. Autumn is here. This was one of my favorite seasons as a kid, the time when corn mazes and hay rides are abound. The only worry in life was what Halloween costume to choose this year, whether you would get the good candy and how do we get out of this maze. Oh to be a kid again...

October 13, 2010: Knives of Spain

2010-10-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

When I had the opportunity to shoot Knives of Spain musician Gwen Young, I knew exactly what the backdrop should be, the fair midway. Luckily the Dixie Classic Fair was just around the corner. Whether desolate or crowded, there is always something haunting about the midway. Gwen and I, along with producer Gretta Kohler and makeup artist Sarah Belle Eckard took to the fair on Sunday evening, weaving in and out of fair goers, rides and the occasional puzzled look. No corner was left undiscovered as Gwen, with her accordion, flute and confidence in hand, beautifully played while interlacing herself amongst the crowd. Gwen told us later, "Thanks for making me look like a dreamy, spooky, beautiful apparition from the 1939 World's Fair." It was my pleasure Gwen!

Listen here

September 24, 2010: Summer's End

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Fall has officially started but I am not ready to say goodbye to Summer yet. The heat, definitely, but the feeling of new beginnings and growth, no. Autumn is starting to tap on my shoulder and winter isn't too far behind. Time to grasp on to those final days of warmth and green before it sleeps for awhile. There was one more beach trip to squeeze in. It was sunrise before the masses came out. The water was warm as we walked out together. "Does it make you feel better than I am getting soaked too?", I asked. She said, "Yes".

September 12, 2010: A New Family

2010-09-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

You may recognize the mother in these photos, I did her maternity pictures earlier in the summer (in a baby pool!). A month ago their beautiful baby girl was welcomed into the world through a home birth. Coming up on my daughter's 1st birthday, I am reminded of my own personal labor and feelings of becoming a new mother. Working on these photos has brought back so many memories and feelings of that time. It was a perfect setting; their home, the place of her birth and where their life as a new family began. Congratulations Tracy and Dave!

September 1, 2010: My Beatles

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After two years since initially starting the project, "My Beatles" will be on display next thursday, September 9th at the EM Gallery (inside Krankies) in Winston-Salem, NC. My artist's statement for the show best expresses how connected I am to these photographs. I hope to see you guys there!

__________

I want my photographs to tell stories. And I want stories that come from moments of life, like a still from an old movie. Movement and pain and the simple joys of being alive are frozen in time. Only a glance is needed to read the lines between people and find the story.

My love of photography stems from other loves: that certain slant of light, the look of a vintage scarf draped across a girl’s shoulders, a song lyric that rattles around in my head until it takes on a life of its own.

The My Beatles series grew out of those loves—especially the last one. It began as a way to keep my creative energy moving into new places. I focused on interpreting the lyrics of one song at a time through imagery in the style that I love. The more I created, the more I wanted to create. As the series grew, photos that started by playing on a single lyric began connecting with moments in my own life—some big, some small. I was able to pay tribute to and work through those moments of joy and pain and in the process create something that exists on its own.

The Beatles have always been a part of my life. As a young child, I listened to my mother singing along to their songs throughout the house. The lives being lived in those songs now mirror events in my adult life. And because there is no shortage of Beatles songs to work with, I hope to keep connecting lyrics with my life and the people in it — some who’ve gone and some who remain — for years to come.

-Heather Evans Smith

August 30, 2010: Una Pluma

2010-08-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to shoot the promotional photos for Una Pluma, a jewelry designer specializing in feather earrings. It was a collaborative effort that came together seamlessly. Nathan Pitts of Shore Farms Organics was generous enough to let us use his land (and his old VW van!) We found ourselves discovering so many beautiful spots during our shoot, it was more than a shoot, it was an adventure.

Models: Aksana, Teresa, Bethany
MUA and Hair: Sarah Belle
Producer: Gretta Kohler
Location: Shore Farms

August 22, 2010: Sunrise On Lake Norman

2010-08-22T05:17:00.001-07:00

I consider myself a light snob. I only like three kinds of light; sunrise, sunset or overcast. The problem with sunrise is just how early you have to rise, but boy is it worth it. This is my second sunrise shoot this month and it is becoming my favorite time of day. As I was driving on location (with the Tin Hat Trio playing as my soundtrack), I watched darkness turn into a muted haze. By the time I reached the lake the sun was low and beautiful across the water. Two beautiful little girls greeted me with excitement and the shoot began...

August 11, 2010: Earth & Water

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This past weekend I was able to mix business with pleasure by doing a client shoot while visiting Georgia. In our initial emails her response was, "I don't know what to wear, I am usually in tie dye and 4 shades of mud." Bingo.

August 12, 2010: Silent Art Auction

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On August 12, 2010, West End Wine Bar in Durham will be holding a Silent Auction to Benefit the Duke Center for Eating Disorders. One of my pieces, The Mask, will be up for auction. If your in the area please come out and help raise awareness for this important cause.

Read more about it here

August 1, 2010: Ballet Dancer Robert Gosnell

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I have been a lover of dance all my life and was thrilled to do a photo shoot with professional ballet dancer Robert Gosnell. His fluid yet strong movements were such a pleasure to photograph. Thank you Robert for making dancing in tall grass covered in grasshoppers and a tar roof so beautiful and effortless.

July 26, 2010: Boudoir Outside, AKA channeling Liz Taylor

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Most people know my fascination with old movies and movie stars. Elizabeth Taylor in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, running around with a drink and a simple white slip, is one of those iconic images I can't forget. For my recent Boudoir session, I played on that, taking Boudoir out of the bedroom and outside on a hot southern afternoon.

July 22, 2010: Coming Home

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July 18, 2010: God Save The Queen: Boudoir That Rocks

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When scheduling a boudoir shoot for Sarah, she replied, "I'm not really into girly stuff, how about a Sex Pistols t-shirt?". I loved the idea! We brainstormed and made use of those old mix tapes everyone has tucked away. Sarah, you rock!

July 15, 2010: A Cool Mom-To-Be

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My love for maternity shoots started last year when I was pregnant with my daughter. Every month I documented her growth with a new self-portrait. I love the idea of my daughter looking at those pictures one day and seeing where she started out! So, I was thrilled to shoot Tracy's maternity pictures yesterday evening. She was up for anything and loved the retro, baby pool idea. In 90 degree weather, what pregnant woman isn't up for dipping in a pool? Only a few weeks to go! Congrats Tracy!

July 14, 2010: The Traveling Rabbit

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I credit many things for my growth in photography, in particular, Flickr. In the two and a half years I have been on the photo sharing site I have met some wonderful women. What started out as just sharing our love for photography has grown to sharing our lives. I consider them my close friends, though we have never physically met. Our latest photography adventure is the traveling bunny mask. The mask belongs to the uber-talented Elle Moss. Now it is my turn with the mask before it is shipped off around the world.

July 5, 2010: A New Look At Boudoir

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Though growing in popularity, Boudoir photography has been around for quite sometime. It used to be seen mainly in Victoria's Secret catalogs but now women from all walks of life are embracing their bodies and becoming their own "supermodels". As a artist I strive to push the limits of boudoir, creatively expressing each woman's own femininity and confidence in a shoot that is unique to them. Nothing is more satisfying than to hear from a client, "Wow, I can't believe that is me!", followed by a big grin.

July 1, 2010: Vintage Garden Designs

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I think a lot of people know by now how obsessed I am with 1960s fashion and culture. Doing the promotional shots for Vintage Garden Designs was a no brainer. The jewelry, the brainchild of creator Katie Seiz, is made from vintage textiles. It's loud and bright and something a Laugh-In Goldie Hawn would be proud to wear.

Check it out at www.vintagegardendesigns.com.

June 26 2010: The Wedding of Lindsey and Wes

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I had the privilege of shooting the wedding of Lindsey and Wes last Saturday. This was my third shoot with Lindsey, who I first met when she hired me to shoot her engagement photos this spring. She is also a photographer and confided in me, "Is it bad that I am most excited about the photos? Well, except for marrying Wes!". "Of course not! That's what I like to hear!" Lindsey was familiar with my style and chose to have the majority of the photos done at the Weymouth Center. Every room, every piece of old furniture, every fountain was a source of creativity.

Lindsey and Wes, congratulations on your new life together!

June 24, 2010: An Evening with Jim

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I had the chance to work with Zero Gravity Design's Jim Olson last week. The weather was less than comfortable; hot, sticky and 95 degrees. That didn't stop us for getting the perfect shots. Thanks for being a trouper Jim! Visit his website at http://www.zerogravitydesign.com/.