Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Merino.
Hi Heather, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My family was always taking pictures growing up and capturing all those special moments in our lives , which gave me a love for photography and capturing all the beauty in life. As I got older and life went on I did not take a lot of pictures , but when I started a family of my own I remembered family always taking pictures and I wanted to make sure I did the same for my family and for my children to always have for years to come. Around 17 years ago when we were on a family vacation in Colorado with our children and taking all the pictures we could, I decided it was time for me to get that professional camera, take the classes and get my business degree along the way. I was done paying for my children’s school pictures that were always so basic and did all of them myself. For 16 years now I have been running my own photography business, which has come with many challenges along the way , running a business is not for the faint of heart. I have had wonderful support from my family and friends all these years that keep me going daily. Now I get the absolute joy of capturing all of those special pictures of my grandson as he grows. I now have a my own beautiful studio on my property, which is something I always dreamed of having.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was not a smooth road to get here. There were a lot of late nights taking classes online to learn all that I needed to get my business up and running and all of the different photography styles. Trying to raise my four amazing boys , run a home , take them to all of their games, programs and where ever they needed to be always came first, but I always managed to pull myself through those late nights studying, so I could be there for my boys when they needed me. I have always had an amazing support system to help me along the way and push me when I wanted to stop . Sometimes it was a juggling act , but we made it through it all to get me where I am today .
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about LillieBelle Photography ?
I am the owner and single photographer of LillieBelle Photography in southeast Kansas. I travel back and forth between Kansas and Missouri for photo sessions and weddings. I have also traveled out of state for weddings and certain photo sessions. I don’t know that I specialize in mainly one type of session. I do however do a lot of family ,kids, high school seniors and weddings. I am always up for any type of session that someone is looking to have done. I love to capture all that I can for my clients.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories really have nothing to do with my photography . I spent all of my summers as a kid with my grandparents in the country playing in nature, helping my grandpa with his garden and my grandma bake in the kitchen. Those memories gave me my love for baking and growing my own garden for my family . I do not think there are many pictures from those times on film or printed, but those are the images I always have to carry in my head and my heart .
Pricing:
- $1500-$3500 Wedding Packages
- $300 Family and Children Package
- $200-300 Watch Me Grow Packages
- $350-$400 High School Senior Packages
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilliebellephotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: @lilliebelle_photography1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merinophoto
