THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Heidi Haas

I've been involved in photography since my early childhood. My mother used to set up photo shoots with just a point and shoot, so it was only natural that I took up photography and explored it on my own as well. I bought my first SLR and took a few classes during and just after college. While classes were informational, I preferred traveling around with photo friends expanding my knowledge of photography and locations through workshops and just getting into "Photo Mode" while out and about.

My latest foray has been into fantasy photography such as my new faerie book. I look forward to expanding my collection and offering a wide variety of books as well as prints and cards.

THE SUBJECTS & LOCATIONS:

Much of my photography is done in Illinois, my home state. I frequent Jo Daviess County in the Northwest corner of Illinois as much as I can. I grew up in Elizabeth, IL and always thought that all of Illinois was as beautiful as our little county but found out the truth when I went off to college in central Illinois. I return as often as possible and photograph the area to capture why I love my hometown region. I designed the Jewel of Illinois as a love letter of sorts to always remember my favorite little corner of Illinois.

I currently live in Streamwood, IL and occasionally shoot in the area. I've been going to the area gardens and nature museums to keep shooting, but prefer to travel to scenic places.

Although I love my hometown area and am still getting out in Chicagoland, my favorite subjects are Colorado, Alberta, or really just mountains and water. There is such an abundance of beauty out in the mountains. You will see many of my photos are from my few trips out there, and trust me there will be more!

My next trip will likely take me to the rolling hills of the Palouse in Washington and then on to Alberta in the winter of 2012. Keep watch for more additions throughout the year.