This fall, after 10 years in Chicago, it will be time for us to move forward and make the move back home to Detroit, Michigan. Anyone who knows me well knows that this has been a long time coming and is something I have very much been looking forward to. It is time to lay down roots and contribute to a communities I plan to inhabit for the long haul – not just as a temporary passenger – and Chicago has never been that place for us. Detroit as a city has always been crucial to my identity as a person, the history of my family, and my creativity on the whole: my interest in photography blossomed as a direct result of the many people and unique places that only Detroit had (and still has) to offer. I’m pleased to say that, even all these years later, Detroit still inspires me more than anywhere else. My attachment to the Mitten state is as strong as ever (I’m ‘statriotic’, as a former bride once coined it; thanks, Ally!) and I could not be more excited for this next chapter, even if much of it is all too familiar.
I wish I could wax philosophical about the whys and wherefores of leaving, but the reality is, it’s much more complicated. Although I wouldn’t change a thing about my first few years here (including surviving on Kraft singles, living paycheck to paycheck, and working stressful service jobs for minimum wage – basically the ‘I’m 19 and broke’ starter pack), the last few years have fared differently. A city that once excited me began to tire me. I was no longer feeling inspired. Add in the bad politics, police brutality, absurd taxes, and so much more, and the place I’ve called home for my entire adult life began to lose its appeal. Chicago: no hard feelings, buddy. I’ve always known we weren’t forever. This city has and will continue to do amazing things for many people. But you were never my permanent home. My time here has run its course, and it’s time to move onward and upward. It’s not you, it’s me.
Young Heidi had a lot more courage than adult Heidi does now. When you’re 19 and in love (married him in 2015, hell yeah) and life is on the horizon, you aren’t concerned with the meager $300 to your name and moving to a huge city with no financial security or safety nets. The idea of that gives almost-29-year-old-Heidi a damn panic attack. Truthfully though, I’m proud of that stupid idiot. Carelessly taking the biggest risk of her life with hugely high stakes is admirable to adult me. The risks paid off and things worked out. Good job, you gigantic young idiot: you did it. Seriously though, what were you thinking?!
I still plan to shoot weddings here as fortune allows. As a matter of fact, I will not be charging travel fees for any weddings I shoot in Chicago post-move. Why? A couple of reasons. First of all, staying in touch with my Chicago base of photographers, past clients, and creative community is of paramount importance. Additionally, I still have many friends and family here, so having a place to lay my head when in town shooting weddings not only gives me an opportunity to continually visit my loved ones, but it will allow me to continue to serve the greater Chicago area as I have. So, if you are considering me as your photographer and your wedding will be here in Chicago, fear not. What can I say? I guess I can never fully let go of anything.
‘Detroit wedding photographer’ has always sounded so right to me. I am thrilled I get to make it a reality.
This has been a break in your regularly scheduled programming. Enjoy a few of my favorite shots of Chicago on Fuji film.
