Hello!

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First, I want to say thank you for visiting Fox Grove Studios and considering me as your photographer. 

 

Second, allow me to begin the introductions. My name is Dana Heidtman. I am a photographer hailing from the city of Lapeer, Michigan. Photography has been my passion for many years. I was given my first digital camera when I graduated high school. I was so excited that I could not put it down! I took photos of everything in sight. 

 

Over the years, I have gained knowledge and experience, as well as an understanding of what I love to photograph most—and that is moments that will be cherished for a lifetime and beyond. 

 

I grew up playing and camping in the woods here in Michigan, as well as traveling to the remote wilderness of Ontario, Canada. My love of the outdoors and nature is woven into my photography. Whatever the occasion, I enjoy a natural-feeling, real-life photograph, and that is what I intend to provide to my clients.  

 

I have a certain philosophy about work. And my philosophy is that one should enjoy it! I've always liked the saying "Find something that you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." For some, that is just a pipe-dream. For me, it's a reality that is achieved when I find myself behind the camera. I am genuinely happier when I photograph. 

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As for my (past) career and education, in 2014, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education with a ZS (special education) endorsement. The day after I graduated, I began working as a science, English, and art teacher. I worked with the most amazing kids and had the opportunity to watch these children grow into beautiful young people.  

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After 3 years, I decided it was time to continue my education. In 2018, I graduated with a Master of Arts degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan. 

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As I completed my education, in addition to photographing, I worked at Baker College and University of Michigan as an English and Language Arts tutor. I worked with people of all ages (elementary students, high school students, college students, young to old). Every day I was able to help people succeed in their academic careers. And I loved it. I was able to form bonds and friendships with students that we still have today. It is amazing to see the confidence that grows out of a student's success! And for a time during my students' careers, I was able to help them achieve that confidence. 

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Despite my deep love for teaching and education, I always felt a longing to focus more on my photography. So after graduating with my MA, I decided to pursue photography full-time. I realized that education is not the only way one can help others build their confidence or see themselves in all their inner and outer beauty. Photography can bring the same results. I once had a client tell me that he hated to have his photo taken because he didn't think he looked good enough in photos. He also told me that he hated photographers because they were all stuffy, demanding, pushy, and believed they were better than everyone else. As we went along, I showed him some of his photos, and to his surprise, he loved them! By the end of our session, our cheeks hurt from all the laughing and smiling we did throughout the shoot. As he was getting ready to leave, he told me that I wasn't like other photographers. I was fun, I made him laugh, and he was excited about the photos I took. 

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I am so grateful for my background in early childhood, elementary, and university education because it has given me a unique understanding and insight into individuals of a variety of ages. I truly believe that my years of teaching have made me a better photographer because having the ability and desire to form a strong rapport and relationship with an individual, to see someone find value, worth, beauty in oneself, to be able to encourage someone and build confidence in them is essential in capturing and creating beautiful and personal photographs. 

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Through a great deal of hard work and dedication over many years, I developed my passion into a business — the business of Fox Grove Studios. What continually sets me apart from other businesses is my desire to serve and connect with others. For me, photography is not just about taking beautiful pictures. It is about providing people and families with tangible, precious memories that will last a lifetime! 

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Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me. I look forward to serving and working with you!