We recently had the chance to connect with Heather Donlan and have shared our conversation below.
Heather, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
If I had to choose between intelligence, energy, and integrity, I would choose integrity—every time. Intelligence can solve problems, and energy can see you through to the finish line, but without integrity, neither holds lasting value. For me, integrity means being proud not only of what I’ve accomplished, but of how I’ve accomplished it. It’s quality of character—owning my mistakes, learning from them, and improving from those lessons . Who we are means so much more than what we have achieved.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Heather. I’ve been working as a professional photographer in Naples, Florida, for over 25 years. While my career began in portrait and commercial photography, for the past few years, I’ve been steadily building a line of fine art for the home.
In the span of just a few years, life shifted in ways I never could have imagined. Hurricane Ian swept away my brick-and-mortar studio. Not long after, my marriage ended, and I faced the unimaginable heartache of losing both my brothers. Those experiences left me reflecting deeply on my life and asking myself: What truly makes me happy? How am I inspired? And how can I give back?
That period of quiet reflection led me to spend more time immersed in nature, especially along the shoreline and in the Everglades. I began to photograph these landscapes not for clients, but for myself. And slowly, those moments became a body of work: seascapes and nature studies that carry the essence of coastal living, rooted in beauty, resilience, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Today, my art is both a reflection of where I’ve been and a reminder of what matters most: finding light, even in the hardest seasons, and sharing that beauty with others.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was 19 years old, I hitchhiked nearly 4,000 miles from Namibia to Tanzania, alone. The lessons I learned during those few months were some of the most poignant of my life. There was immense beauty along that road: the vast, open landscapes, the laughter of children playing along the roadsides of remote villages, and the quiet power of connecting with people whose lives looked very different from mine. There were strangers who took me in, offered food, shared shelter, and wished me well with nothing to gain.
That journey opened my eyes in a way nothing else could. It taught me about trust, vulnerability, resilience, intuition, kindness, independence, and above all, the importance of leading with love. It’s a principle that has stayed with me ever since, guiding not only how I move through the world but also how I approach my work and my business.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain when I realized it was the very thing that could connect me to others on the deepest level. For years, I kept grief and hardship tucked neatly out of sight, believing vulnerability might be seen as weakness. But loss has a way of breaking you open, and in the span of just a few years, I lost both my brothers, my marriage and the brick-and-mortar studio I had built over decades. I found that when I shared my story, it created a space where others felt safe to share theirs. Grief, loss and pain became a bridge to empathy and compassion.
That shift also turned my work into something far more meaningful than simply creating beautiful images. Some of my best pieces were born from those dark moments of grief, proof that even on our darkest days, we always hold the power to look for the light.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. Inauthenticity can be spotted a mile away. There are always red flags when someone is not being real and honest. Long ago I learned that it’s so much easier to be true to myself and show up authentically. Life is messy. Life can get complicated. But if you are brave enough to show the world all the bits and pieces of who you are, then you create a safe space to invite others to do the same, and the reward is almost always deeper connections, stronger bonds, and trust that lasts, in both personal and professional relationships.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
I regret not investing in and buying my own building for a studio years ago. Twenty-five years ago, when my business was brand new, the idea felt daunting, and I was afraid to take such a big leap without knowing how my business would grow or whether I could sustain that kind of investment. Looking back, I wish I had believed more in both my business and myself. Had I taken that leap, I would now have a secure asset, a permanent gallery for my work, and the peace of mind that comes from building equity instead of paying rent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heatherdonlanart.com
- Instagram: @heatherdonlan
- Facebook: @HeatherDonlanPhotography
- Youtube: @heatherdonlan
Image Credits
All images ©Heather Donlan
