STATEMENT / BIO

Doug Heslep

“With camera in hand, I strive to capture the true essence and energy of each individual, product, and location that I photograph. And even after this far into my career I still approach each assignment and canvas with my passion, anticipation, and motivation still in check. I can honestly say; I truly love what I am doing with my life, and it’s path is going the direction it’s supposed to.”

Doug brings with him over thirty-five years of diverse photographic experience, and is currently based in Winter Park, Florida. His extensive portfolio spans fashion, editorial, modeling, beauty, music, product, advertising, culinary, architectural, and professional portraiture. Also as a passionate fine art photographer, Doug has showcased his work in over forty exhibitions, with more planned for the future. His career is grounded in a solid education, with a foundation built upon undergraduate degree and advanced graduate studies in photography from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.

Doug is a true people person who thrives on interaction with clients and subjects alike. He believes this connection helps him to capture the unique personality, character, and nuances of the talent in front of his lens, regardless of their experience level. In his view, these elements are essential for creating images that are believable, marketable, and successful.

His goal is to produce imagery that is specific and unique to each individual, subject, or brand he works with. No cookie-cutter sessions here! Often described as a perfectionist, he doesn’t settle for “good enough,” consistently striving to exceed expectations.

Engaged in projects for his conceptualization skills, Doug also values collaboration and welcomes partnerships with others committed to excellence. He prioritizes professionalism and respect in all client relationships, ensuring a positive and productive experience.

On a closing note there is one last mention to make not shared above… Doug became a single parent early in his career, actually even before starting his graduate studies in the fall of 1986. His son, Alex, now forty-one and a dad himself, was by his side from the age of fourteen months, dredging along with him thru it all until Doug sent him off to college himself eighteen years later. Throughout the years, as Doug was giving his all to build his photography business, he even managed to coach Alex’s little league baseball team for five seasons, embracing the long days and nights, never giving it a second thought. Then there was the every Thursday night since Alex was eight, and for the following twelve years, playing the team field sport of Ultimate Frisbee together. Doug takes immense pride in being a devoted and loving parent, considering the experience of raising his son the most significant influence on his life, shaping both his personal character and his approach to his career.

As a well-rounded team player, Doug is someone you’d want by your side, bringing his collaborative spirit and commitment to every project.