We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Rosario and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work-life balance has become a crucial part of my craft over the past two years. Although I love photography, turning it into a full-time job can quickly lead to burnout. To keep my creative fire fueled, I make sure to spend quality time with loved ones, indulge in mini hobbies like bowling, read empowerment books, explore coffee shops, binge my favorite shows (guilt-free), and travel. Running your own business often means there’s no off switch; there’s no HR, marketing team, quality control, customer service rep, or any team to handle things while you “log off.” By prioritizing work-life balance, I’ve been able to continue running my business effectively and show up for my clients.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is the genuine passion and love I pour into every project. My work isn’t just a job; it’s a labor of love. I strive to create meaningful and memorable experiences for my clients, turning moments into mini time capsules. The connections I build with my clients and the joy I bring to their lives through my photography are what truly set me apart. I realize anyone can take a picture, but it’s the energy and feeling that I bring to my clients that makes this experience truly different.

While photography is something that everyone can appreciate, there is more depth to it than just being a pretty picture—pun totally intended. I pride myself on creating a safe space for my clients. Many of them are either booking a session for the first time or feel anxious about how the session will go, especially when it involves multiple people or pets! My background in the hospitality industry, working at theme parks, laid the foundation for my customer service skills. So, when past clients reach out to thank me for guiding them through the session and making them feel beautiful, safe, and able to have fun, I know I am heading in the right direction.

I am most proud of the strong, supportive community that has grown around H Rosario Photography. The relationships I’ve built with clients who have become friends, and the camaraderie with fellow creatives in the industry, fill me with immense gratitude and pride. I’m excited about the future and the endless possibilities to continue creating and growing together.

My journey to where I am today has been filled with ups and downs. It certainly wasn’t easy, but every challenge has been a stepping stone to growth. The pandemic was a significant turning point for me. I was already working in the photography industry for a company, but due to layoffs during that time, I saw it as a sign to take the risk and go full-time on my own. Transitioning to running my business full-time wasn’t easy. It made me realize that to make this business work, I wasn’t just showing up to take pictures and then going home to edit. I had to teach myself to wear multiple hats, constantly learning and adding new skills to my repertoire.

I overcame obstacles by leaning on the support of my loved ones, staying resilient, and always believing in my vision. Perseverance, patience, and the willingness to learn have been crucial in overcoming these challenges. Along the way, I’ve learned that passion and dedication are key to success. It’s essential to maintain a balance between work and personal life to keep the creative spark alive. I’ve also learned the importance of community and the incredible value of having a support system.

What I want the world to know about me and H Rosario Photography is that this business is built on love, passion, and community. My story is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to capturing the beauty of life’s moments. Every photograph tells a story, and my goal is to ensure that each one reflects the unique essence of the people and moments it represents.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d ensure their itinerary was packed with fun, interesting, and exciting experiences. We’d explore multiple coffee shops around the area, dine at my favorite restaurants, stroll around Lake Eola, and visit one of the many theme parks that surround the beautiful city. We’d go kayaking at King’s Landing, stroll through historic downtowns like Park Avenue and Winter Garden, and check out the shops and activities at Disney Springs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While the name of the business is H Rosario Photography and I am solely running the business, this business would not have gotten as far as it has without the continues support and pep talks from my family and love, the clients who have become friends and those amazing creative friends I have made within this industry who have really taught me what the word community means.

Website: https://www.hrosariophotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrosariophotography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherrosario/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrosariophotography

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hrosariophotography

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rosariophoto?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
Just my images H Rosario Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.