We were lucky to catch up with Heather Allen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Heather, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
As a photographer, I’ve learned to see the beauty in both the planned moments and the unexpected ones. I focus on capturing the real emotions and connections that make life so special. Sometimes, the smallest, most spontaneous moments turn into the most powerful memories, which is why I try to keep an open heart in both my work and life, ready to embrace whatever comes my way.
I’ve also learned, through both photography and life, that when things don’t go as planned, it’s not the end of the world—there’s always something to take away from it. This mindset helps me stay positive and focused, no matter the challenges, and keeps me excited about new projects.
A lot of my optimism comes from my wife, Crystal. Her outlook is a huge inspiration to me—she helps me keep my focus on the good, even when things get tough. Her positive perspective has shaped the way I approach both my personal life and my work, always looking for the opportunities hidden in challenges. I try to carry that mindset into everything I do.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a wedding and editorial photographer with a focus on creating authentic, emotive images that capture the real essence of people and moments. My approach is all about blending editorial elegance with genuine emotion, ensuring that every photo tells a story and reflects the uniqueness of my clients. What excites me most about photography is the opportunity to connect with so many different people—each wedding, each session is a new adventure. I thrive on creating a comfortable space where my clients can be themselves, which in turn helps me capture more natural, meaningful moments.
My brand, Allen Photo, is centered around inclusivity, artistry, and being your hype woman! Whether I’m shooting a wedding, an engagement session, or a styled shoot, I’m always looking for ways to bring out people’s personalities in front of my lens. I want my clients to feel celebrated, not just photographed, and I’m committed to making every experience memorable, from the first consultation to the final gallery.
One of the things that sets my work apart is my editorial style. I’m a pose-heavy photographer who loves creating high-fashion, magazine-inspired images, but I also make space for candid, unplanned moments—those raw, fleeting emotions that capture the heart of the day.
Right now, I’m in the process of expanding my work into new markets, particularly in places like Europe. I’m excited to bring my unique style to a broader audience and collaborate with more amazing creatives in the process. My goal is to continue evolving as an artist while ensuring that my clients feel seen, heard, and celebrated through every image I capture.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Communication: Photography is a service-based industry, and the ability to communicate clearly with clients, and vendors is crucial. Whether it’s helping a couple feel comfortable in front of the camera or ensuring that the details are captured just the way a client envisions, communication is at the heart of every successful shoot. My advice for those just starting is to invest time in building strong communication skills—whether through practice, mentorship, or feedback. The clearer you are with your intentions and expectations, the smoother the entire process will be.
Adaptability: In photography, things don’t always go according to plan. Whether it’s weather changes on a wedding day or unexpected technical challenges, being adaptable has allowed me to stay calm under pressure and still deliver high-quality work.
I’d recommend embracing flexibility and learning to think on your feet. It’s important to develop problem-solving skills, especially when things don’t go as expected, and stay focused on finding a solution rather than dwelling on the issue.
Confidence: As an artist, it can be easy to second-guess your choices, especially in a competitive industry! Over the years, I’ve learned that believing in my vision and trusting my instincts has been key to developing my style and building trust with clients. To anyone just starting out, I’d say trust yourself and your abilities. Confidence comes with practice, but it’s also important to recognize your own value. Keep pushing yourself to improve, but don’t be afraid to own your unique perspective and style.
My advice: Be patient with yourself—success won’t happen overnight, but with persistence and dedication, you’ll grow into your full potential. Stay open to learning, and remember that each challenge is an opportunity to improve.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
This one goes to my wife, Crystal. Her unwavering support, both personally and professionally, has been a cornerstone in helping me overcome challenges and build the skills I need to succeed. She has this incredible ability to stay positive, even when things feel tough, and that optimism has been such an inspiration to me. Whenever I’ve faced difficult decisions or self-doubt, Crystal’s perspective has been a grounding force, reminding me to trust in myself and keep moving forward.
Another huge influence in my journey was my Nana (Grandmother). She always supported me and was the soundboard I needed in my life. She was a fashionista who always showed me the latest trends, and I definitely got my creativity from her. One of her key pieces of advice was to “Always say less than necessary.” This was her way of saying, Look at the art in life—let that inspire you. Her perspective encouraged me to appreciate the beauty in simplicity and to let the world around me fuel my creativity. I miss her every day.
In addition to Crystal and my nana, building a community of creatives in the industry I trust has been essential. I’m fortunate to have a network of talented individuals who have been there to give me honest feedback, point out areas that need improvement, and encourage me to keep pushing my boundaries. Having that support system has been invaluable in refining my craft and making sure my work continues to grow and evolve.
All of these influences—Crystal’s optimism, my nana’s support and creativity, and the honest feedback from fellow creatives—have shaped me into the photographer and business owner I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allen-photo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather_allenphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Allen.Heather.Photography
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/hallenphotography/
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