Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Barthelme.
Hi Heidi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Photography became part of my life after I had our second baby. We had hired a private photographer for our family and first birthday photos, and during that session I completely fell in love with what she did plus it was done on her schedule.
At the time, I wanted to stay home with my kids while still helping contribute to our family. I’ve always been very independent, so while I loved being a mom, I also wanted something that was creative and fulfilling. So I bought a camera and started dabbling in everything photography, learning as I went and discovering what truly inspired me.
By God’s grace and direction, doors began to open that I never expected. Along the way, I found myself completely drawn to newborn photography. There is something incredibly special about capturing those first tiny details and moments for families.
Newborn photography is definitely a unique niche in the photography world. It requires a tremendous amount of training, patience, safety knowledge, and continual learning, but it quickly became something I was deeply passionate about.
What started as a dream has now grown into a business I’m incredibly thankful for. Building relationships within my community, meeting so many wonderful families, and having clients and friends continue to share my name with others has meant everything to me. Word of mouth and support from the people around me have helped grow this small business into something far beyond what I imagined when I first picked up a camera.
I’m forever grateful that what began as a simple desire to stay home with my boys turned into a calling I truly love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been easy. In the beginning, I followed so many photographers and constantly found myself wishing I was as talented or successful as they were. Over time, I’ve learned how important it is to stop comparing yourself to everyone else and trust the path God has placed in front of you.
I truly believe God gave me this gift, and there have been so many moments where I prayed for the right clients to find me and for this hobby to become something more. Little by little, He continued opening doors.
There will always be valleys ahead, hard seasons, and moments of doubt, but there is also so much growth in those seasons. I’ve learned to celebrate both the highs and the lows because each one shapes us, strengthens us, and reminds us why we started in the first place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a newborn and family photographer, specializing in newborn photography. Over the years, newborn sessions have become where my heart and knowledge truly shine. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come and the time, training, and dedication I’ve invested into perfecting this craft.
There is so much more that goes into a newborn session than most people realize. From carefully styling each setup to understanding lighting, safely posing babies, and learning to work around each baby’s unique needs and temperament, every session requires patience, flexibility, and experience. No two babies are ever the same, which is part of what makes newborn photography so special to me.
Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to continue growing my business, connecting with more families in my community, and having the honor of watching my clients continue to grow their own families over the years. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been building lasting relationships with the people I photograph.
I would also love to begin offering workshops for photographers who are interested in learning more about newborn photography. Being able to share the knowledge, experience, and techniques I’ve learned throughout the years would be such a meaningful next step in this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heidimphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidi_m_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidimphotography
