Kelly Heck Photography

07/15/2026

I think I've finally figured out what I've missed so much about being part of the business community.

It's the conversations.

The real ones.

Today was the final planning meeting for the WOW Leading Ladies Summit, an all-day women's event happening exactly one month from today in New Windsor, MD.

And somewhere between conversations about chairs, ticket sale deadlines, breakout sessions, raffle items, signage, food, and the approximately 900 tiny details it takes to put on an event like this... I talked to one woman about struggles in her marriage.

Another told me she's going to be a grandmother for the first time in December.

Someone else told me about the yoga retreat she just returned from.

These aren't the things you learn from exchanging business cards.

They're the things you learn when you give people enough room, space, and safety to just be themselves.

And that is the part of this upcoming Summit that genuinely excites me.

This isn't a giant conference with thousands of people shuffling from ballroom to ballroom. There are about 100 seats. The venue is this wonderfully unusual collection of indoor and outdoor spaces at Sunday Morning at Savannah's. Some of the breakout groups will be as small as 10 women—making power bowls in the kitchen, arranging flowers, learning about Reiki and natural remedies, painting signs, doing yoga and meditation...

There's even going to be a Leading Ladies Marketplace tucked inside Savannah's massage parlor—a beautifully renovated old summer kitchen. 🤩 Just imagine all the goodies these ladies will bring to share!!??

I can already picture women scattered all over this property, talking... connecting... relaxing... growing together.

And I love that.

Event planning, however, is no joke. 😂

There was a little pressure in the room today. Some brainstorming. Some problem solving. A few moments where we probably spent too much time trying to solve one thing when there were 32 other things on the agenda.

And every so often, Savannah or Barbara would bring everyone back to the point:

We're creating a day that sparks joy. ✨

Barbara Ringrose has been creating spaces for women to connect for a very long time. In fact, today she reminded me that when she founded WOW—Women Optimizing Women—back in 2011, I was the one pestering her to give the group a name. 😂

Fifteen years ago, I was squeezing every networking event I could into my calendar. I was building a business, absolutely.

But I was also socializing.

I was finding my people.

And somehow, all these years later, Barbara has pulled me back into another one of her rooms full of women. 💛

She invited me to attend the Summit, asked me to capture one big group photograph, and even invited me to offer mini headshot sessions to the women helping bring this event to life.

Today, after the planning meeting wrapped, Barbara and Sandy wandered the grounds with me for their photo sessions.

Both gave me some version of, “I don't photograph well.”

You know how I feel about that. 😏📸

A couple setups in, I turned my camera around to show Barbara.

“WOW.”

No pun intended. 😂

I went there today to give a couple women a little confidence boost.

And, as so often happens, I got one right back.

We all have a little work to do to get this event across the finish line. Tonight, I'm trading my camera for my keyboard to help with some community calendars and a press release.

Because I can do that.

Because it will take something off their plates.

And because sometimes supporting other women doesn't have to be complicated.

Sometimes you just offer the thing you're good at. 💛

The WOW Leading Ladies Summit is August 13th in New Windsor. There are a limited number of seats, and if what I've described sounds like the kind of day you need right now, I'll be there too.

https://wowwomenus.com/leading-ladies-summit-2026/

Come talk to me. I apparently really missed it.

07/11/2026

📬 KHP inbox goodness is coming Tuesday!

This month's email newsletter is PACKED. We're talking the photo mistake that may be costing your business attention, a throwback client celebrating a BIG new chapter, KHP Client Appreciation Minis, an upcoming women's event I'm genuinely excited about, my latest Chamber Chat interview... and, of course, Charlie & Lyra's very sandy Assateague Island adventure. 🐴🌊📸

If you're not on my email list yet, now's the time! I typically only pop into your inboxes once a month, and I always promise to make it worth the click. 💛

Subscribe now so you don't miss Tuesday's email:
https://www.kellyheckphotography.com/subscribe/

See you in your inbox! ✨

Subscribe to Kelly Heck Photography's Email Newsletter for ally types of photography and marketing tips, updates on photography life, and inspiration.

06/29/2026

I was recently a guest on the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Chamber Chat radio show, and you can listen on demand!!!

Thank you so much for having me on the show!!

This week Mike chats with Photographer Extraordinaire, Kelly Heck, about her services and philosophy regarding photography.

06/27/2026

I don't know why I get so nervous before photo shoots.

After all these years... after hundreds (maybe thousands?) of sessions... I still catch myself wondering, "Did they hire the right photographer?"

Today's client is launching a brand-new membership-based healthcare practice, and their website is literally waiting on photographs to bring it to life. No pressure, right? 😅

The fun part? They didn't even have a permanent office yet.

Instead, they trusted me to help find a location that felt like them. Once I saw their branding packet, one place immediately came to mind—a beautiful local college campus. On a quiet summer weekend, it had the perfect architecture, colors, and atmosphere without crowds getting in our way. It was exactly what we needed.

And then... we just clicked.

The jokes started almost immediately and never stopped. One client's eyebrows earned the names Igor and Eye-gor. Someone else got lovingly teased about his "chicken wing arms." And somehow I spent half the afternoon calling Jacob..."Alex."

"Nope... wait... that's right. His name is actually Jacob." 😂

For four hours, the three founders, four wonderful friends and family members standing in as patients, and I worked together like we'd known each other forever. We hauled furniture. We rolled carts full of camera gear, wardrobe, and props all over campus. We sweated. We laughed. We created.

Halfway through the day, I did something I almost never do—I asked everyone for a selfie while we were piled into the elevator.

Do you see those smiles?

That's after two hours of hard work.

And I'm not just talking about me.

My clients had been posing, smiling, thinking creatively, changing outfits, moving furniture, and trusting me for two straight hours. That's exhausting work.

But look at those grins.

Can you feel the friend energy packed into that tiny little elevator?

This is what it feels like when a photo shoot becomes more than just taking pictures.

And behind the scenes, I see everything the client never does. The blurry frames. The missed focus. The awkward expressions. The bad poses. The test shots. The images that will never see the light of day.

But I also see something else.

I see exactly when someone relaxes.

I see the split second they forget they're being photographed.

I see the version of them they've probably never seen before.

People tell me all the time they're "not photogenic."

I don't believe that for a second.

Maybe you've just been in the wrong light. Maybe the wrong angle. Maybe the wrong lens. Maybe the wrong mindset. Maybe you simply needed someone who knew how to help you feel like yourself.

Nobody looks incredible all the time.

But nearly everyone can look incredible, at least for a moment.

And I think that's what I love most about what I do.

We're making art out of ordinary moments, one frame at a time.

And somehow... I fall in love with it all over again after every single shoot. 💛

06/26/2026

Three months ago, Google disabled my business profile.

Not just any profile... the one I'd spent years building, with 80+ five-star reviews from incredible clients like you.

Despite countless attempts to get it restored, every response I've received has been automated, AI-generated, or otherwise completely unhelpful. At this point, I've accepted that my old profile may be gone for good. (Cue dramatic sigh... and a healthy dose of "well, I guess we're doing this the hard way." 😂)

If you've ever worked with me, would you be willing to spend 3 minutes leaving a review on my new Google Business profile?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Leave a review here: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://g.page/r/Ceo6cZP20fkpEAE/review

Already wrote me a review years ago? First, thank you! 😍 I always saved every single testimonial on my website, so you don't have to start from scratch. Just search your name here and you can copy and paste your previous review:

https://www.kellyheckphotography.com/happiness/

This truly makes a huge difference for small businesses. Google Business profiles are one of the first things people see in search results, and losing mine has absolutely affected my visibility and my business. It's time to rebuild.

And while you're in a review-writing mood, do one more thing: pick two other local businesses you love and leave them a five-star review, too. It's free, it only takes a few minutes, and it helps far more than most people realize. We're all in this together. 💛

06/20/2026

Some jobs feel a little like coming home.

I've been working with this client on the 5th floor here for close to 10 years now, and they bring me in a few times each year for team headshots, leadership portraits, and whatever new creative project is on the horizon. This visit included a last-minute assignment that I'm genuinely excited about... but I can't talk about it quite yet. 🤫

What I can say is that this is one of those photo days I really enjoy.

I know exactly where I'm driving. I know where I'm parking. I know my gear cart will fit in the elevator. I know which floor I'm headed to (after I mistakenly rode to the 9th for, lol - I'm hopeless). And when those elevator doors open, I'm greeted with warm smiles, familiar faces, and usually a hug or two.

There is something special about long-term client relationships. We trust each other. We know how each other works. The logistics are easy, which leaves more room for creativity and collaboration.

Of course, this session had a few unexpected extras thrown into the mix (because it wouldn't be a photo day without at least a little adventure 😂), but we got everything we needed and had fun doing it.

One of the things I appreciate most about being based in Carroll County is how many incredible businesses are within reach. In about an hour, I can be in Timonium, Baltimore, Towson, Columbia, Ellicott City, Frederick, or Southern Pennsylvania.

I'm always grateful for the clients who continue to invite me back year after year, and I'm always excited to meet new businesses and leaders who value authentic, professional imagery that helps tell their story.

📸 Here's to the next project (brand new client next week!!! 🥳)... and eventually being allowed to share a little more about this one.

06/19/2026

Earlier this week, I photographed a real estate listing for the first time in several years.

I don't do much real estate photography anymore. In fact, Phil is the only realtor I still work with, and it's been quite a while since we've had a property to photograph together.

And friends, you know I'm not cheap. 😂

If you're looking for a realtor who's willing to invest in his clients and put their best foot forward, Phil is your guy.

This charming home on the east side of Westminster officially hit the market today, and it was such a fun property to photograph. The house is full of character—beautiful woodwork, vintage door k***s, original details, and the kinds of craftsmanship you just don't find in many newer homes.

The homeowner was wonderful, too. He had the house ready when I arrived, welcomed me in, and let me do my thing. We chatted briefly about the next chapter of his life, and as always, I found myself enjoying the story behind the home as much as the home itself.

When people think about real estate photography, they often imagine taking a photo from every corner of every room—and yes, that's part of the job. My goal is always to make spaces feel bright, inviting, and true to life. (And maybe just a little bit bigger.)

But what keeps it interesting for me is looking beyond the expected. I'm always searching for the details, the light, the lines, and the little moments of composition that help a property stand out from the dozens of listings buyers scroll past every day.

Going into this assignment, I thought, "I'll get it done, put a little money in my pocket, and move on with my week."

Instead, I was reminded that I genuinely enjoy finding the creativity in almost any subject.

At the end of the session, both Phil and the homeowner were thrilled with the images.

And really, that's the goal: that the images lead to more eyes on the listing, more people through the front door, and hopefully a stronger sale when it's all said and done.

I'd call that a pretty good day's work.

This 1344 square feet Single Family home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It is located at 515 Locust Ave, Westminster, MD.

06/17/2026

Sunday's photo session was an extended family of 28 people spanning four generations.

It had been so long since they had gathered for a family portrait that they brought large printouts of Sears style portraits from decades ago. I couldn't help but photograph those too. Family photographs become treasures in a way few other things do, and these portraits had clearly stood the test of time.

Blake is the family member who hired me. Blake and I first met a few years ago when I provided event coverage for his nonprofit's inaugural event at Outtatherabbithole.

I approach extended family sessions differently than any other type of photography job.

As families were arriving, I noticed a young boy named Ryan walking toward us with his parents. Something had clearly happened. Mom and Dad were trying to talk him through it, but you could tell he was upset. You could tell he was heading toward a full-on sulk for the photo session.

So I snatched that kid up.

"Hey Ryan, can you help me out?"

I told him I needed a model.

Truthfully, I didn't need a test shot. I was ready to go. What I needed was an excuse to get him out of that headspace for a few minutes.

Once we were away from the crowd, Ryan filled me in. He wanted to play a game with JUST his cousin, but his dad had insisted that his little brother be included too.

If you've ever been six years old, you know that's a legitimate tragedy.

I told him how much his little brother must love him if he wanted to do everything alongside him. But I also told him that it's really hard when you have a plan and someone changes it.

I sat him in a chair right where the family would eventually gather and asked if he'd rather be photographed or if he'd rather take a picture of me.

To my surprise, he chose to be photographed.

Most kids want the camera.

Ryan wanted to be in front of it.

We took a nice portrait. Then a goofy one. And from that point forward, he was all in.

His was one of the few names I remembered throughout the entire session. I called him out constantly. Gave him thumbs-ups. High fives. Took photos he specifically requested. By the end of the evening, the boy who arrived looking like he planned to sulk through family pictures was smiling from ear to ear. And his Mom thanked me.

That chair would later have another important job.

The matriarch of the family, Marilyn (also dubbed "Grandma-2"), became the center of everything that followed. I had brought a simple lawn chair specifically for her. We placed her in the middle of a beautiful shady spot, and around her we built the family tree. Adult children near their parents. Grandchildren nearby. Great-grandchildren close enough to be scooped into loving arms.

The oldest and youngest family members are always taken care of first, including two infants named Ellie and Sally, and five children ages six and younger.

So we started with what mattered most: the full family photograph of all 28 people, Grandma-2 with all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the individual households with their young children. I made sure every child had their own photograph.

These are the images that we prioritize.

Everything else can happen afterward.

There wasn't a moment where I wasn't having fun.

Everyone was patient and kind. Family members enjoyed watching the process unfold. The children were wonderful. Ellie was not having it, but despite that, the adults were relaxed.

By the end of the session, some of the kids had run off to the playground on the other side of the park. Other family members headed back to the house where everyone was staying and enjoying leftovers.

As I packed up, Blake, his wife Nancy, and Ryan's Mom stayed behind to chat.

Without prompting, they began telling me how much they enjoyed the experience. They mentioned that friends and family had suggested all kinds of photographers while they were planning this gathering.

But Blake and Nancy kept giving the same answer:

"We already found our photographer."

As someone who gets invited into people's milestones, celebrations, businesses, and family histories, that's about the highest compliment I can receive.

And now, somewhere alongside those Sears portraits from decades ago, this family will have a new set of photographs to carry forward.

06/05/2026

Another day. Another law firm. Another client relationship that's nearing the 10-year mark.

Yesterday I photographed a local Carroll County law firm, and once again I found myself thinking about a word that's been coming up a lot lately:

Comfort.

Not the kind of comfort that leads to complacency.

The kind that creates room for creativity.

When you've worked together long enough, everyone relaxes a little. The team trusts the process. They know they're in good hands. I know their personalities. We spend less energy figuring each other out and more energy making something better than last time.

This year, we gave ourselves permission to play a bit.

Of course they'll receive the professional team photos and headshots they need, but we also created some images with a little more personality, movement, and lightness than we've done in years past. And honestly? It was a lot of fun.

We were fortunate to work once again at the Historical Society of Carroll County, making use of their beautiful grounds, gardens, and new library space. They've now hosted two client photo sessions for me this year, and they couldn't be more accommodating.

As I wrapped up and watched the team walk back to their office down the block, I stopped for a quick selfie in one of our outdoor locations and found myself feeling grateful.

Grateful for clients who keep coming back.

Grateful for organizations that open their doors and make creative work possible.

And grateful that after all these years, photography still feels like one of the best jobs in the world.

💛 📸 💛

(Even grateful for the intervalometer timer in the Canon R6 Mark II so I can do a little selfie magic!)

06/04/2026

One of my favorite things about this career isn't photographing someone for the first time.

It's photographing them for the tenth.

This morning I was back with Saiontz & Kirk in downtown Baltimore for another round of staff headshots. We set up in the same spot we've used for years, a simple corner of their waiting area. Same lighting. Same process. Same tile wall backdrop.

Nothing fancy.

And honestly? That's kind of the point.

When you've worked with a client long enough, you stop worrying about the logistics. You already know where to park. You know which elevator to take. You know where the water cooler is. You know how the day will flow.

More importantly, you know each other.

The team knows what to expect from me, and I know what they need from me.

There's a comfort that develops.

Comfort for the people being photographed.
Comfort with the process.
Comfort speaking up if something needs adjusted.
Comfort knowing the job is going to get done well.

Today's assignment even changed on the fly. We started with three headshots, grew to ten, then settled at nine after one team member couldn't make it. No stress. Just a quick adjustment and we kept moving.

My point of contact, who was helping coordinate the day, even offered me half his lunch.

Don't worry, I didn't eat his lunch. 😂

But it's a good example of the kind of people they are. Kind. Thoughtful. Genuine.

That's one of the gifts of long-term client relationships. The trust is already there.

I've been noticing more and more of my clients crossing the 10-year mark with me, and that feels incredibly special. In a world where everything seems temporary, there's something meaningful about working with good people year after year after year.

I'm grateful for every one of those relationships.

And yes, one of my contacts called me "sweetheart" today.

Which made me laugh because I definitely thought I had aged out of that title by now. 💛📸💛