Meet Heather Hanson | CanvasRebel Interview
A new article is up on CanvasRebel!
We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heather Hanson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heather below.
Heather, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?
Not many people know that before I became a professional photographer, I spent years working in Asset Protection and Loss Prevention for luxury retailers in Minneapolis and San Francisco. While it might seem worlds apart from photography, that experience taught me skills that have profoundly shaped my approach behind the camera.
In that role, I wasn’t just arresting shoplifters—I was analyzing human behavior. Using tools like CCTV, covert surveillance, and a trusty walkee-talkee, I spent countless hours observing people’s body language, micro-expressions, and movements. My job was to notice the unnoticed: subtle shifts in demeanor, fleeting glances, or hesitations that might indicate intent. I learned quickly that shoplifters come from all walks of life—there’s no stereotype. What really sets them apart is their body language, actions, and expressions, not who they are.
At first glance, it may seem like a stretch to connect sitting in a dark room with a wall of monitors to capturing beautiful moments with a camera. But here’s the truth: those years of quietly studying people taught me how to read them on a deeper level. Reading body language has become a superpower that helps me anticipate and capture authentic moments with precision.
As a photographer, this ability to understand people has become one of my greatest assets. Not everyone feels comfortable in front of a camera—it’s a vulnerable place to be. A generic “just look natural” doesn’t work for everyone, and that’s where my skill shines. I focus on reading the room, picking up on subtle cues, and understanding each person’s comfort level and personality. From there, I create a space where they feel safe and at ease, guiding them gently toward genuine, candid moments that reflect who they truly are.
What sets me apart as a photographer is that I don’t just take pictures—I capture the unspoken. Those little smirks, subtle glances, and moments of vulnerability that might otherwise go unnoticed. My background has given me a unique edge: the ability to see what others might miss, to anticipate a fleeting moment before it happens, and to turn those moments into timeless images.
Photography isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about connection. It’s about truly seeing people. My journey, from observing human behavior for security purposes to capturing it through a lens, has given me a perspective that few photographers have. And it’s this perspective that helps me deliver photos that feel authentic, emotional, and real.
Henry Navarro, LensExposure™
🚨 Before the Camera, There Was Asset Protection 🚨
A throwback to my Asset Protection and Loss Prevention days in San Francisco, where I honed my skills in reading body language and human behavior—skills that now shape my editorial and luxury photography at The Feisty Atelier. From catching shoplifters to capturing timeless moments, my journey has been anything but ordinary!
Heather, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, with 15 years of experience in the industry. My work has taken me across the country, capturing weddings in San Francisco, New Orleans, San Diego, and Brooklyn.
I specialize in non-traditional weddings and offbeat couples who embrace authenticity and individuality. Over the years, I’ve refined my style into a blend of modern artistry and photojournalism. Using natural posing, curated details, and candid moments, I craft visual essays that beautifully tell each couple’s unique story.
In addition to weddings, I offer headshots, family portraits, and custom wedding album designs.
What sets me apart is my ability to help people feel at ease in front of the camera, capturing not just stunning photos but also meaningful, authentic moments. For me, photography is about creating a one-of-a-kind experience and timeless art for every client.
🌿 Bold, Vibrant, and Unapologetically You 🌿
A stunning tattooed bride in a floral embroidered Sassi Holford wedding dress embraces her unique style at a golden-hour outdoor wedding. Captured by The Feisty Atelier, this luxury wedding portrait blends editorial elegance with natural beauty.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Motivation can be a daily struggle for a creative, and I think this is something non-creatives might not fully understand. There are days when I don’t feel inspired or confident in my work—when I question if it’s good enough, even after years of experience and building a successful business. These feelings tend to creep in during seasonal lulls, when I’m not behind the camera as often, and it can be challenging to push through them.
Another aspect that’s tough to convey is the constant pressure to stand out. The photography industry, especially in a specific region, is competitive, and I’m always striving to set myself apart. My business isn’t on auto-pilot—I’m continuously looking for new, better, and more creative ways to market myself and connect with clients. Balancing the creative process with the demands of running a business can be exhausting, but it’s also what drives me to keep evolving and improving.
🎂 Let Them Eat Cake! 🎂
This couple’s playful cake smash moment is pure wedding day joy! From Laura’s whimsical blue hair to Joe’s colorful floral shirt, their unique style shines in this fun and candid wedding photography captured by The Feisty Atelier.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
One of my favorite marketing stories happened recently and was a real turning point for me. A client found me through a Google search for a “non-traditional photographer,” specifically looking for someone with an offbeat personality who could make her daughter, Quinn, feel comfortable during her senior portrait session. I had spent a lot of time this year refining my SEO strategy to attract exactly this type of client, so seeing it pay off was incredibly rewarding. She actually told me that when she landed on my homepage she instantly knew I was a perfect fit.
From the start, it felt like the perfect match—Quinn and her mom were my ideal clients. But the process wasn’t without its hiccups. I initially missed two inquiry emails, and the client missed my reply as well. I thought for sure the opportunity was lost. Then, she reached out to me on Facebook Messenger. You usually don’t get second and third chances in this business, but she really wanted to work with me, and I was so grateful she did.
The session itself was everything I could hope for—Quinn was open, genuine, and so much fun to photograph. When I delivered the final gallery, her mom wrote me the most heartfelt review on Google:
“HEATHER!!!! You did such an amazing job with my daughter, Quinn! She felt so comfortable!! You helped her appreciate how beautiful she is on the outside as well as the inside! We all struggle with how we feel about ourselves. And sometimes even though we know we are good, kind people, we don’t always feel beautiful. You captured her beauty inside and out!!”
That review was everything to me. It reinforced why I do what I do and reminded me that the hard work I put into marketing and connecting with my ideal clients is worth it. It’s not just about finding the right clients—it’s about creating an experience that helps them feel seen, appreciated, and confident. This was one of those rare moments where everything clicked, and it reminded me why I love this work so much.
✨ Authentic, Unfiltered, & Beautifully Herself ✨
Quinn’s senior portrait session was all about comfort, confidence, and capturing her true essence. Her mom searched for a non-traditional photographer who could create a space where she felt at ease—and that’s exactly what I did. This session was a reminder that the right photographer-client match makes all the difference. 💛
🌿 Pure Joy Under the Open Sky 🌿
Laughter, love, and a beautiful rooftop ceremony in the heart of the city. This candid wedding moment is all about authentic connection and emotion—a perfect example of my photojournalistic wedding photography style.
🏙️ Bold Lines & Love Stories 🏙️
Blending modern architecture with raw emotion, this engagement session was a dream to capture. The striking composition mirrors the couple’s unique connection—one of the hallmarks of The Feisty Atelier’s editorial approach.
✨ A Love Story Framed in Greenery ✨
This couple’s romantic garden wedding was filled with vibrant colors, lush greenery, and pure joy. Their intimate, editorial-style portrait captures a timeless moment of love. 💛 Photographed by The Feisty Atelier.
🖤 Classic, Confident, & Timeless 🖤
A groom’s quiet moment before the ceremony—captured in bold, cinematic black & white. A touch of old-school elegance meets modern sophistication in this editorial wedding portrait.
Contact Info:
Website: https://heatherhanson.photography
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/heather-hanson-photography-st-louis-park
Image Credits
Headshot of me (with camera) by Evan Sowder
Shoplifting photo (of me making an arrest Winter, 2010) by Henry Navarro, LensExposure™
Everything else ©Heather Hanson Photography LLC
