In the world of art and storytelling, Heather Raub’s journey began with childhood dreams of becoming an animator for Disney. Fascinated by cartoons and animation, she was drawn to the magic of creating visual narratives. As Heather puts it, “Cartoons and animation were my first gateways into the magical world of storytelling.”

As she grew older, her love for storytelling found a new canvas in the form of photography. From her early days in school, Heather explains, “I would always buy tons of film for the last few days of school and take hundreds of photos. At that time, I thought of photography as a way to connect with friends and family, and it gave me permission to interact with other people on a different level.” Heather was eager to capture any story she could. “Photography found me, and I fell in love with capturing stories through my lens,” she fondly recalls.

The spark that photography ignited within her continued to grow. At the age of 10, Heather had her first glimpse into the fascinating world of a photography darkroom. Guided by a friend's mother, who was a photojournalist, she marveled at the process of image development. This early encounter with the art form left a lasting mark on her creative journey.

Always creating, Heather notes, “There was a natural desire to create something. I didn’t have a necessary method for creation, I just knew I felt my best when I could create. I took pride in showing or giving my art to someone.”

As she pursued her academic studies, Heather's path led her to explore black and white photography while majoring in anthropology. It was during her graduate studies in documentary photography in Portland, ME, that the concept for her business FrontRoom Images took form.

She had quite the journey from student to business owner. Heather retells, “I returned to New Jersey, close to where I grew up, and started working as an assistant to a local wedding photographer. I would change the film backs of his medium format camera and run lenses to him. I got really good at anticipating what he needed during each element of the day. I worked for him for years, even while pregnant with my daughter. At the same time, I was also working for another photography studio, helping out with bookkeeping, editing, and commercial photography. Once my daughter was born, I chose to start picking up weddings for myself. I wasn’t an official business at that time, but I considered myself a business owner anyway.”

“FrontRoom Images started as a seed of passion and blossomed into a full-fledged storytelling venture,” Heather proudly recalls.

Heather's photography, rooted in authentic and aspirational storytelling, became a reflection of her dedication to presenting narratives with sincerity and passion. Her work delves into the lives of individuals, families, and businesses, immortalizing their unique stories through her lens. “Every story is unique and deserves to be told with authenticity and passion,” she firmly believes.

As she embraced the power of documentary photography, Heather's focus shifted towards capturing raw and unfiltered moments. She realized that this approach enabled her to see beyond the pursuit of perfection and present life as it unfolded naturally. As Heather eloquently puts it, “Documentary photography is like peering into the soul of a moment and capturing its essence forever.”

Along her artistic journey, Heather's exploration extended beyond traditional portraiture photography. She ventured into branding and storytelling-style imagery, recognizing the profound impact that storytelling has on individual and business identities. From capturing modeling images to providing whimsical tea time dream experience photography sessions for children, she revels in capturing diverse narratives that touch the hearts of many.

In the course of her career, Heather found a valuable ally in PhotoBiz, both for her own website and to provide services for her clients. After using the PhotoBiz Coaching service, she gained clarity on website optimization, email marketing, and blogging, which now play a pivotal role in their business. “PhotoBiz Coaching has been a game-changer for my business, giving me the tools and support to grow and thrive,” Heather gratefully acknowledges. “I can honestly say that my business has been, and continues to be, transformed because of my coaching experience. I am more confident on the platform and in my business.”

This led to Heather’s work with the PhotoBiz Partners Program which allows her to offer comprehensive packages to her clients, seamlessly combining web design, marketing, and photography services. The ability to build websites for her clients on the PhotoBiz platform added remarkable value to her offerings, leading to substantial growth and expansion of her business. “I value the relationship I have with PhotoBiz, and I would never go anywhere else,” Heather exclaims.

Heather’s business now has two branches: FrontRoom Images (photography) and FrontRoom Creative (visual communication services). As she looks to the future, she envisions herself as the creative director of both. She believes that this role will enable her to infuse her artistic vision and expertise into every aspect of her work, ensuring that every narrative is captured with the utmost authenticity and passion. Her thirst for new skills and values drives her to stay at the forefront of storytelling and creativity, embracing the endless possibilities that lay ahead. “With every click of the shutter, I freeze a moment in time and tell a story that will last a lifetime,” she proclaims with pride.

Heather's photographic journey exemplifies the power of storytelling through a lens. Her art is a testimony to her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to capturing life's most authentic and aspirational moments. With her camera as her guide, she continues to weave captivating narratives, leaving an everlasting impact on the lives of those who encounter her remarkable artistry.

Her vision for the future is bright and brimming with possibilities. Heather dreams of FrontRoom Creative thriving as a larger company, offering exceptional visual communication services to clients seeking to amplify their business's presence. She envisions FrontRoom Images being celebrated as an authentic storytelling hub that caters to both commercial and domestic arenas.

Heather remains open to new challenges and opportunities. She knows that her journey as a photographer is ever-evolving, and she eagerly anticipates the magic and wonders that each new chapter will bring. For Heather, photography is not just a profession; it is a lifelong commitment to storytelling — one that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who experience her art. “I'm excited to see where my passion for storytelling takes me,” she adds with a smile.

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