Meet Heather Nichols

We recently connected with Heather Nichols and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I always thought I noticed every day things in the world that others don’t. I would watch an amazing sunset and look around to see so many people not noticing the wonder Mother Nature has displayed. I was surrounded by beauty and when I felt my life in need of something of worth that was not work or getting lost in a book, I thought about capturing those moments others miss. I started with just my phone and at the end of 2019, I purchased my first digital camera. The world completely opened up. I found myself standing in alleys, streets, parka, watching and capturing the moments in life that my only be a lost memory to others. Once Instagram moved to more video content, I challenged myself to learn a new discipline of videography but still applying my photography eye. In 2022, I purchased a drone to take a new approach and see the city at new perspectives. I continue to fuel my creativity switching between the camera and drone along with pictures and videos. I found a community in Chicago of other creative. Within this community I was finding inspiration to try new approaches or taking risks with new ways of thinking. The cityscape is constantly changing allowing my creativity to thrive. If I do experience a bit of a low in motivation or creativity, I explore different neighborhoods, change if I am doing more drone work or camera. Sometimes, I will go a month without droning due to weather or FAA restrictions and a fresh flight with a good sunset can refuel my creative spark. I mentioned earlier in taking risks. Many times you can plan a composition or frame and it doesn’t pan out due to conditions or timing but that thrill of ‘what if’ keeps you going. In May 2024, people were talking about a very high chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis downtown. I thought, no way with all the city light pollution but took a risk. The worst thing that could happen, I would just take a couple of Night skyline shots. I waited two hours and then, Bam! The northern lights were visible over the buildings. Several of the photographers and myself were screaming, amazed at the once in a lifetime capture. It is ok not to be creative everyday but it just giving yourself grace and willingness to keep going.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I work full time at a major non-profit organization that would be considered a stressful and boring 9-5. I started photography as a creative outlet to help with more balance my daily life. That has now turned into my whole personality. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have my camera on me. I am in the process of getting my drone license to be able to sell my services to others. The drone I have currently allows me to fly within guildines but without a license, I would not be allowed compensation. I think that we expand my creativity, brand and challenge me in new ways. I would love to one be able to be a creative full time but I didn’t choose a cheap hobby.

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?

Give yourself grace to make mistakes. Out of a hundred photos I take, maybe two or three would be worth sharing on social media or printing. Learn from others. Before my first drone flight, I met a friend who gave me a quick run down on the basic settings and the encouragement to fly. The first flight is always the scariest with all you are thinking is don’t crash, don’t crash. There is also new technology and editing applications to update or enhance your style. I still will find a YouTube tutorial to help figure out a way to capture what I have pictured in my mind. Finally, be yourself. You have your own vision, style and what appeals to you. In Chicago, several photographers will be at the same spot shooting the same content and you have to find a way to make it yours and different while still being true to yourself.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Time and fear are my biggest obstacles. Imposter syndrome starts sinking in. Am I good enough, will people want to incorporate my skills in their projects.? Working a high stress full time job and trying to get new content doesn’t leave much time to study for my drone pilot license. I am studying little by little because I didn’t come this far to sit on the sidelines.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: layne_ferd

Image Credits

All images taken by me