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.

One avenue I absolutely love is fantasy photography. I've been exploring fun mystical shoots including mermaids, faeries, and gnomes and am exploring additional projects like art re-creations. I have a faerie book and am working on another children's book.

THE SUBJECTS & LOCATIONS:

Much of my previous photography was focused on 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 and love sharing those images with current residents as well as the many that have moved away but love to think of home. 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 the front range of Colorado, near Denver and have shot portraits, weddings, landscapes, and wildlife images around this great state since moving here in 2014.

Although I love my hometown area and am still getting out in Chicagoland, my favorite subjects are Colorado, Alberta, the Palouse region and Pacific Northwest 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!

Annual photo trips keep the creative juices flowing and have included New Zealand, Palouse, Columbia River Gorge, Aspen, San Miguel de Allende (Mexico), and I hope to keep adding to that list. Watch my facebook - facebook.com/h2wphoto to explore beautiful places with me!