My name is Thea Heyink, and I was trained to view the world through a lens by artist and naturalist Robert Bateman. I am passionate about photographing children in particular. As well, I enjoy photographing bridal parties and families in natural and relaxed settings.
I use Nikon equipment. My first camera was a D70, which I used for four years before really learning my craft with a professional standard D300. I now use the incomparable Nikon D7000. I recently acquired a dedicated portrait lens, the 24-70mm. As well when circumstances warrant, I will use my 18-200mm zoom lens.
If you have been wondering whether or not to take the time or expense to have family portraits done, I want to share a letter a fellow photographer received from a client in 2011:
Dear J -
Today I am writing for a couple of reasons. I have some quiet time at the moment and need to get a couple of things off my mind. I will leave this for my husband to deliver to you when he is ready.
You photographed my wedding, you photographed my first pregnancy and my first baby. I contacted you awhile back to photograph my 2nd child and family. After getting prices and realizing I would want all of the pictures as we love your work – I decided against spending $500+ – which is what I normally spend for portraits and prints with you.. Please know it is not because I don’t value your amazing eye, or how much we love the experience.
That week that I decided to NOT do a session with you, this is how I spent some money.
On Sunday I called and cancelled our session. Monday I went out and got my hair cut ($39+tip), and colored ($65), Thursday I had my nails done ($24), my family went out to dinner at a somewhat expensive restaurant for no particular reason costing us $79 + tip. This was just 4 days since canceling our session, already totaling over $200 for un necessary things. My nails only lasted about 2 weeks, my hair is gone, and seven weeks passed when I got the phone call from our doctor. It was not something I expected and the cancer has spread very quickly. I will be leaving my husband, my 6 year old girl and my now 2 year old – not by choice. It is very hard for me to talk about it which is why I need to write you.
I watch your Facebook page and your posts about the value of a photo and if I could give back all of those things that I purchased this few weeks after I cancelled my session with you, knowing what I know now, and have that session, well… I would do it in a heartbeat.
Now my time is done and there are no more chances for me. The next time someone cancels a session – my wish is that you forward this letter to them. Time is fragile, it is gone before you know you had it. If you charged $200 for one print it wouldn’t be enough for what it is actually worth. I cringe to think that my priorities were a manicure over a memory to pass onto my children and husband.
My love and thanks for what you have given us from past photos. I am so sorry that I did not see it as more than just paper until now.
K.L.
Here is a small sampling of some of my work:
We are available six days a week, but are closed on Sundays.
To arrange a consultation, please email theaphotography@shaw.ca or message me at my Facebook page. Consultations are no charge. For a pricing schedule please visit our website.
2008-2011 ©Thea Heyink Photography specializes in on location shoots for newborn, children, wedding and families, using natural lighting, or in studio shoots in York ON using studio lighting. Serving Southern Ontario and surrounding areas. All images are copyright Thea Heyink Photography. We reserve the right to use all photos for electronic or published advertising, unless directly advised otherwise by the client at the time of sitting. ©Thea Heyink Photography is not responsible for print quality should third party printing be used.
