Heather Hughes documents the little moments behind the big ones with her lens – engagements, weddings, graduations and firsts.
The photographer cherishes capturing expectant moms and their “baby bump,” among the reasons she’s excited to be part of a fundraising raffle for a free Maternity Portrait Session. All proceeds will benefit the House That Small Business Built, a Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg home under construction in Charles City that will be purchased by a widowed father of six. Read about the family that will live there here.
Starting with $10,000 seeded by Consociate Media, the House That Small Business Built is a small business initiative to raise $125,000, the cost of building one Habitat house. Several local small businesses have funded the home in increments, one donation at a time.
“It’s a great cause and I like to give back to help people in the local community,” said Heather, a resident here since 2002 and former staff photographer at the Daily Press. She started snapping candid shots as young as 7 and honed her skills as a photojournalism major at Ohio University, where she met her husband, Rob Ostermaier, lead photographer at Consociate Media.
Both are multiple award winners. Heather’s list includes Virginia Living Magazine’s “Top Wedding Vendor,” Virginia Small Newspaper Photographer of the Year and the Blue Medallion (Wedding) Award from the Wedding Photojournalist Association.
“Stylistically, I’m a little different,” says Heather, who prefers a softer feel with her light and poses while also showcasing the surrounding environment.
The Maternity Portrait Session fundraiser begins Jan. 14 and concludes on Valentine’s Day. The winner will be announced on Feb. 15. The prize package valued at more than $500 includes:
- -A one-hour session with Heather Hughes Photography and an 11×14 print. Session may include immediate family and pets and can be in Heather’s studio at 716 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Suite C in Newport News or at a location within 15 miles.
- -The expectant mom can choose to wear one of 25 gowns Heather has available.
- -A one-hour airbrush makeup session at About Face Makeup Artistry in Seaford.
A baby bump is a precious moment in time and treasured not just by the new parents and extended family. “One day you can show it to your child, too,” Heather says.
Individual raffle tickets that can be bought online are $10 apiece or 10 for $75 and 20 for $125.