Meet Heather Navratil: Photographer

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

Hi Heather, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I think if you have passion for what you do then you should never give up. Even when the inquiries stop coming, if you love what you do, then you should never give up. You can always find a way to gift your talent, if it is a possibility, so that you can keep doing what you enjoy. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I chose to be a photographer because I love taking photos, I love chasing the light and looking for places that will photograph beautifully that a person who isn’t a photographer may not see. But my favorite thing about being a photographer is interacting with my clients. Being a wedding photographer means I am with my clients on one of the most exciting days of their life. Because of this I think it is so important for them to be more than clients but for them to become like family. I just love being a part of key moments in my client’s lives. Becoming a professional photographer wasn’t easy, it took a lot of hard work and patience. Any time you start something new you want to be good right away and for some people that is the case but in most cases it takes a lot of work. I always loved taking pictures as a kid but just because I loved it didn’t mean I was “good” at it. I got started by picking up a camera and shooting just for the fun of it but to get better I really had to learn how to use my camera and how to look at light. I’ve spent thousands on education and gear to get where I am today. When I look back on some of my first shoots I get embarrassed and think “how could I have thought these were good back then” but then I remember that we all start somewhere. If I hadn’t have shot those sessions back then I wouldn’t be where I am today. It takes time to grow and hone in on your skill and craft, you just can’t give up if you want to see progress.

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.
Due to us living North of the city I have a few favorite spots all over the place that I love to visit: – Common Bond – amazing coffee and pastries – Shopping on Westheimer – The Cellar Bar in Upper Kirby – Performances by Houston Ballet – Dinner at The Republic Grille in The Woodlands – Relaxing at wineries – West Sandy Creek Winery, Bernhardt Winery, Texas Star winery – Houston Rodeo

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a shoutout to my husband, he is always supporting me no matter what, even when I think I should give up. He has surprised me with photography gear to give me the extra umph and to let me know that he believes in me. He is always there to give me a helping hand or a high five.

Website: http://www.heatherlaurenne.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/heatherlaurenne
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/heatherlaurenne

Image Credits
Heather Laurenne Photography