Conversations with Heather Irwin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Irwin.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
My name is Heather Irwin Wheelock, and I am a portrait photographer specializing in people, pets, and all things great and small. I grew up in Chicago and moved to Arizona in 2005. Having cared for animals my whole life, I started working as a Veterinary Technician, but after 12 years, I felt the creativity missing from my career. I enrolled in the Art Institute of Phoenix for a Bachelor’s in Photography and, in three years, graduated with Honors and Best Portfolio.

During school, I interned for Paul Mobley, a renowned portraiture photographer, and I became a finalist in The Photographer’s Forum Magazine twice for pet and people portraiture. I am also featured in The American Dog Magazine for an adoption article, “Positive & Inspiring Pit Bull Stories.” My love for animals inspired me to start my own business, Feathers and Tails, during my last year of college. Since graduating, I knew I wanted to inspire others to work hard for their dreams, but I needed the experience.

My business, Feathers and Tails, has evolved so much. I have always tried to further my skills and recently started wildlife photography. This has completely changed my world; I can finally relax and enjoy my creative flow. It has its challenges, but I feel at peace when I am out there in nature. Each challenge I encountered in this journey has brought me closer to the teaching world, which I always knew was something I wanted to do.

In January 2022, I was referred to Grand Canyon University as a potential candidate for the adjunct position for their photography course. I was just thrown into it like I already knew how to do it. It was initially intimidating, but I do well when facing a head-on challenge. My students taught me a lot that first semester on what they wanted out of the class, and as each semester comes and goes, I get more acclimated to teaching.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life is not about a smooth road. We really wouldn’t be living if that was the case. No matter your struggles, there is a reason for it, and learning what that is is part of the journey. My biggest struggles since changing careers and starting my path are confidence and self-love. If you have confidence, listening to your voice over the world’s noise will be easier. If you don’t take care of yourself and give yourself the self-love you need, you won’t survive the criticism that comes your way.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work has evolved so much over the last decade. One consistent thing has been animals. They are my world. I may be looking at them through my lens, but their eyes have inspired me to face my fears and see the creativity within me. My specialization is animals, and this is what I am known for. I’m so proud that I kept going through all of it. So many times, I wondered if it was the right thing, if I was any good, or if I would ever be successful. Recently, I looked back at all the challenges that have led me to this moment. A moment where I know I am doing what I love, and that is all that matters. What sets me apart from others is that I don’t give up easily, and I always want to keep learning. Now, it’s my turn to teach others they can be more.

Can you talk to us about the role of luck?
Luck is the love you surround yourself with. I am lucky to have my friends and family who support me. Staying positive is important, but it is only sometimes accomplished 100% of the time, so the people I surround myself with have been the luck I needed to overcome the challenges by facing them head-on.

Pricing:

• Sessions starting at $350
• Artistic Portraits $100
• Workshops $250

Contact Info:

• Website: https://heatherirwinwheelock.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/featherscreativecorner/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeathersCreativeCorner/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-irwin-91280b1b1/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChS9HRldLzyT5w1GRGX1RlA
• Other: https://www.behance.net/heatherirwin1