Full Name: Heatherley Bloom Doan
So nice to meet you Heatherley. Your images are lovely! Kick us off and tell our readers in what part of First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
Beach Rat and proud! I currently live in Atlantic Beach. I moved to Jax Beach in 1989, the year it snowed! I have spent most of my life here but had a small moment in Denver from 2017 when my husband had an opportunity with his job. We moved back in March of 2021.
What is your favorite part of the First Coast to photograph?
Do I really have to pick one? I just can’t! I love the beach to my core. I don’t mind the sand on my camera one bit. But sometimes I like to find hidden spots and get creative. I recently stumbled on a retention pond and did some sessions there. It was so much fun!
What type of equipment do you use?
Nikon! I have two mirrorless camera bodies (Zii and 6ii) and probably more glass than I need. My favorite lens of all time is my 105 macro which I use for portraits. It’s so sharp!
How long have you been part of the hobby?
I know everyone says “I have always had a camera in my hand.” But I really have. I own my own dark room and one of my first jobs was at the photo lab at Winn Dixie off Penman. I love pictures. I love looking back on memories. I have about 40 years of being obsessed with pictures. I will never forget being in the darkroom at Fletcher and watching my first image come to life. I still have it!
Do you do any type of planning before you head out to take photos or do you just wing it?
I mostly do weddings and family sessions so you just sorta have to go with the flow. I bring all my gear and go from there. I use whichever lens is speaking to me. But when I am shooting landscapes or for fun, I think a little more about it. I also love the editing process so I may see a picture one way when I take it, and then edit it differently when I get home.
Are there any constants in your photography, if so what are they? (ie. subjects, editing, lens, etc.)
Nope. I feel like I love a challenge and I don’t want to be held down by trends or the pressure to shoot like others. Okay, well my editing is something I try to stay consistent with. But I always have to remember that I do this for me. If you forget that, you will get burnt out.
How would you describe your style of photography?
FUN! I personally hate being behind the camera so I know my clients feel that too. I do all I can to make them move, laugh, and have a great time. It’s not just about taking pictures. It’s about the experience and making memories. I have a secret noise I make for kids and when the time is right, I pull that out of my back pocket and the smiles just come out!
Do you edit your photos right after your shoot or do you let them sit for a while?
I back everything up as soon as I get home. I try to edit everything as soon as I can because the moments are still fresh in my mind. Plus, I know my clients want to see them!
Where is your favorite place (or type of place) to take photos?
Anywhere outside. The beach really is my favorite place. I love the calming sounds of the ocean.
If you could live in any decade (with your current photographic gear), which one would it be and why?
Oh give me the 50’s all day long! The vibe, the cars, the clothes! What a time to be alive. I love looking back at pictures from then. My dad (who has passed) was in high school and I just love looking back at his old cars and his hair!! I just think “if pictures could talk” Haha!
What photographer (current or historical) do you draw the most inspiration from?
My wedding photographers, Krissy and Chad Weeks, are now my friends. They are so kind to me and have always answered questions as I was growing. They inspire me to push myself to try new things, stay positive, and to never doubt my ability to create something amazing.
What do you think is the most important component to producing great results? (camera, lens, light, editing, location, artistic vision, etc.)
I think it comes down to the editing. I used to joke that I took horrible pictures straight out of camera but I sure as heck could fix them later. I know it’s important and less work to get it right on the spot, but I still enjoy the editing part. That is where you can really have some fun and create an image that is different from another artist.
Is there a ritual that you use to get into a creative zone?
Music is key for me. I always listen to some type of music or playlist ( cough cough, Taylor Swift) before a session or wedding. It usually involves me singing really loud. I feel bad for the people at a stoplight next to me, haha.
What outside (non-photographic) influences (if any) shape your photography?
I am inspired by other creatives. I paint as a hobby. When I started I didn’t care what others thought of it and just had fun. But now I am obsessed with watching other artists who use different mediums and create interesting pieces that make your head turn. This has reminded me to still play with my camera and do unique things when I can, not just snap a picture. I want to be more present and aware of things and seeing what other painters or creatives do has helped.
What advice would you give someone who just picked up their new camera on how to get started?
Read that manual. Learn what those buttons mean. You don’t want to be stuck on Google while missing a beautiful sunset or sunrise. Don’t be afraid to play. If you don’t like the picture you took, take it to LR and find a way to love it. Have fun and never compare yourself to someone else. Everyone has a different journey. Learn to take criticism if you ask for it. I cried so many times in the beginning and wished I had realized some people are mean and some people really mean well. If you end up doing amazing, already remember to be kind to the people starting out because you were there too.
What is the goal of your photography? (A business, just to share on social media, gateway to adventure, etc.)
My goal is to capture as many memories as I can. If it’s a wedding, family session or headshots, I want to create a fun environment and help everyone feel beautiful in that moment.
Do you shoot with your editing style in mind, or do you edit based on the shot that you got?
I do have a style of photography that took me years to perfect. I do tweak things from time to time but I want my clients to see consistency from me.
Do you prefer to photograph alone, or in a group?
When I am doing weddings, I always have a 2nd shooter. But for family sessions, I love that it’s just me and them. I tend to do silly things to get a laugh so it’s probably best it’s just me, haha! But when I have my drone, I love to just be with myself and fly it. I love seeing the world from above and find a lot of peace in those moments.
How do you feel like social media has changed photography and do you think it’s a good or bad thing?
I think it’s a great tool to reach other people and to be inspired. I remember when AOL was happening and it was so neat to see the internet grow. We only had magazines and books to look at and now I can see pictures from around the world instantly. I love that!
What is the best way for photographers to network?
I think doing meetups and trading headshots for fun is great. I have hosted a few meetups locally and I always have enjoyed meeting others. I have met some of my now best friends from it too. Even if you are new, don’t be afraid to ask another photographer to do a sunrise session or headshot swap. Then you can share your work and it makes for fun conversations and possible future opportunities as well.
Do you enjoy books? If so, any specific genre?
I love history but in pictures. I actually am not a fan of reading, lol. But give me a good history book with some black and white pictures and I will sit there all day.
What is your favorite photographic accomplishment?
Have you heard of Married at First Sight? EEEKKKK! My friend in Boston, Courtney Hamilton flew me to Boston to assist her with shooting 3 out of the 5 weddings for the T.V. show. We shared the first one and the other 4 we split up the next two days. It was so much fun to meet the cast and then of course to see myself on television! Some of my pictures were featured in People magazine too. What a fun experience! I will never forget it.
If you had a question you would like to ask another photographer what would it be?
“What is your why?” I always love to hear another photographer’s “why” and listen to what made them pick up a camera for the first time.
Are you currently booking family and wedding clients?
Yes! I do this full-time and am always taking inquiries. I love what I do, so if you know someone looking to update family pictures or a couple recently engaged, send them my way!
Do you sell any of your landscape images?
You bet! I have a link on my website for all of my fine art prints. I can print any size! You can also find some of my work at the Atlantic Beach Art Market as well.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
I love riding my bike to the beach. I don’t think that there is anything in this world that can top that.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
Thank you to anyone who has supported my journey. If it’s from liking a picture, sharing my work or trusting me with their memories, it means so much to me. Your memories are mine too!
How can we see your work?
www.heatherleybloomphotography.com
- About the Author
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
