Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Hanson.
Hi Heather, 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?
Sixteen years ago, in 2009, I was finishing my Journalism degree at the University of Minnesota while quickly preparing to move to San Francisco. I had no idea what kind of work I’d find—so much so that I was literally walking the streets of Oakland looking for job openings. With prior experience in Asset Protection (security) at Saks Off Fifth in Minneapolis, I landed a job working overnight security at the California College of the Arts. My job was simple: walk the (very small) campus, escort students, check the buildings, and make sure everyone on site had a CCA ID.
As I made my nightly rounds on campus, I often found myself daydreaming about creative paths I might take. I’d pause to admire student projects, scan the community board for opportunities, and wonder how I could get closer to the arts. That’s how I eventually connected with Mane, Edme, and the unforgettable crew at the world-famous Supperclub San Francisco. Mane had posted on the board looking for a photo intern to help promote the club, and I was eager to take on the challenge.
Back in Minnesota, I had already been photographing weddings and fashion events, and I knew I loved the craft. But I don’t think I truly blossomed until I started photographing at Supperclub. It was pure culture shock—art and entertainment pushed to the edge. The closest comparison I can make is Christian’s (Ewan McGregor’s) experience in Moulin Rouge! I witnessed everything from fashion drag shows and world-class musicians to avant-garde actors and even body suspension performances.
Supperclub was an experience in itself, but more importantly, it introduced me to an incredible network of Bay Area photographers who deeply influenced me in a short span of time—artists like Jeremy Montemayor, Maria del Rio, Quan Pham, and Kristen Grundy. Those connections and experiences shaped the photographer I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a creative comes with its share of highs and lows—personally and professionally. What I’ve learned is to lean into what feels true and to trust the process. When I stopped chasing traditional standards of storytelling and started embracing a more unfiltered, editorial approach, my work became more alive. Some weeks are structured around weddings and studio sessions, while others unfold spontaneously—a last-minute booking, a shift in the weather, or simply the way light falls on a space. That unpredictability fuels me. I’ve come to see that my drive isn’t about sheer volume or hustle, like many in my field; instead, it’s about depth, intention, and creating work that feels both bold and authentic. My pace may be different, but it allows me to create images that truly resonate and endure.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in creating bold, editorial portraits and wedding stories that feel as though they belong in the pages of Harper’s Bazaar or Vogue. I’m known for combining a fearless, fashion-forward aesthetic with deeply personal storytelling—capturing not just how a moment looks, but how it feels.
What I’m most proud of is that my work remains both timeless and unfiltered. Whether it’s a luxury wedding, a family milestone, or a revealing portrait project at my studio, The Feisty Atelier, I approach each session with the same intention: to create art that is as authentic as it is striking. My clients often tell me they see themselves in my work in a way they never have before—and that, to me, is the highest compliment.
What sets me apart is how I merge worlds: editorial techniques with human connection, modern stories with historical emphasis, and high-end client experiences with a genuine, approachable atmosphere. My career has been built on both versatility and vision, but at its core, my work is about creating images that endure—photographs that speak to who we are now and will still feel powerful decades from today.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My best advice is simple: show up, and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. I wasn’t someone who could naturally walk into a room and chat effortlessly with strangers. In fact, I often felt awkward and out of place. What helped me was what I jokingly call a ‘Jedi mind trick.’ I’d remind myself, ‘this isn’t about me—it’s about the art, the work, the bigger picture.’ That shift in perspective made it easier to approach industry leaders and start conversations. And honestly, there’s truth to the old saying: fake it till you make it. Over time, that practice turned into genuine confidence and authentic connections.
Pricing:
- My wedding packages range from $3600-$1300.
- Portrait pricing starts at $389.
- I have an indoor studio space, The Feisty Atelier, in St. Louis Park, MN.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heatherhanson.photography/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theFeistyPhotog
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherHansonWeddings/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherrudloff/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/heather-hanson-photography-the-feisty-atelier-st-louis-park
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherhansonphotography
