Q&A With Heather Grimm!

Today we're chatting with Heather from Heather Grimm Photography!

Location: New Orleans, La

www.hgrimm.com

Find her here on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

JLM Couture: When did you get started in photography?

Heather: I bought a basic intro camera from Best Buy at the end of 2012 just for fun! Shortly after, I began taking & posting photos of my little cousins and friends to my Facebook page. A few weeks later, I had strangers emailing me to photograph their families! I still had no idea how to work the camera properly or knew anything about running my own business, but I decided to roll with it! 3 months later, it was my full time job and I was having an absolute blast. So I guess you can say it all unfolded in 2013 :) Was that really only 2 years ago?

JLM Couture: What made you want to get in to wedding photography?

Heather: To me, wedding photography is on such another level that I would have to say my ambitious nature drove me there. I always want to see how far I can push myself in all of my endeavors; how far I can go. When I first began entertaining the idea of wedding photography, I reached out to a handful of local photographers to offer myself up as a volunteer second shooter (for no pay, just the experience). Not a single one of them responded to me. I eventually gave up trying to second shoot with someone and found a craigslist bride who was looking for a last minute photographer for her wedding. I jumped on the opportunity and offered my services to her for free. This was terrifying and exciting all in one! I had only been to 2 weddings in the past 5 years; I could hardly remember how they functioned! But I was determined to learn and was fueled by the disappointing lack of photographers willing to give me the time of day. That wedding ended up being a turning point in my career. I gained so much confidence in my skills, as well as knowledge; I felt ready to take on a larger, more traditional wedding by myself. I think having never been a second shooter or having guidance in any way, I was even prouder of everything I had learned, everything I had achieved, by myself. Before I knew it, I had 5 weddings on the books with dozens of requests coming in. I couldn't believe it! I even had the opportunity to fly to Austin, Texas to photograph one of the most beautiful weddings ever. It was all such a wild learning experience that I ventured into alone. Sometimes you just have to create your own path and make it happen! I will always be proud of that.

JLM Couture: What’s your favorite photo from this shoot and why?

Heather: Oh, that's so hard! This shoot was definitely one of my favorites. I can't pick just one! They are all soft, dreamy, dramatic, romantic. I love these particular close up shots of our gorgeous models because they really provoke emotion. I also LOVE the florals and the greenery. The makeup is flawless. The dresses are stunning! SO many reasons I love these shots :)

To see more of Heather's favorites, visit our Pinterest page!

JLM Couture: We’d ask you to describe your vision of a Tara Keely bride, but luckily for us- you are one! Tell us a few things about why you chose your Tara Keely gown.

Heather: What a great question! I actually found my dress pretty late in my engagement. Having tried on a handful of less-than-exciting-dresses at a few local of boutiques, I was about ready to call it quits! I just couldn't find anything unique enough to suit my style, my budget, and the overall feeling I wanted my dress to have. After a thorough google search of bridal boutiques in a neighboring city, I found one that had quite a variety of designers on hand. However, I decided to go by myself this time. I wanted to look at these dresses without any outside opinion or persuasion (even the good kind!). I wanted to make this decision for myself. I showed up at the adorable shop and was greeted by a kind woman who walked around with me as I selected multiple dresses to try on. Picking out options was easy because I knew the style I wanted… or so I thought. Right when I thought we couldn't carry another trumpet style dress, my hand brushed past a poofy tulle and lace dress. I stalled for 1 second too long and the sweet lady suggested I try it on. I wasn't exactly eager since the style was all wrong, but she convinced me to just give it a shot :) After the fourth dress of twelve was returned to the rack, I slipped on the wild card dress for fun haha. I shuffled out to the floor like a fluffy white cupcake, climbed upon the platform, was zipped and clamped, and when I looked up at the my reflection in the mirror, I started to cry. I couldn't believe what was happening. Crying when you find your dress was supposed to be a myth right?! Isn't that just in the movies? Apparently not because this defeated skeptic just stood there crying, bouncing up and down and shrieking! Refusing to take the dress off, I sat in the pretty velvet boutique chair, in my gorgeous soon-to-be wedding gown, and called my mom and best friends. It was perfect.