Meet Heather Grochowski of Marietta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Grochowski.

Hi Heather, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always loved photography. Growing up it was a hobby, and as an adult I leaned into it more—taking classes at Kennesaw State University like Intro to Photography and Film Development. When I got engaged and started touring wedding venues and meeting photographers, something clicked. I realized how much I adored this world—the emotion, the storytelling, and the joy of capturing it all.

But life got bigger: marriage, kids, and a full-time job. I still picked up my camera whenever I could, but “adulting” definitely got in the way. The last ten years brought even more—divorce, full-time custody of my kiddos, and caring for two terminally ill parents. Through it all, photography stayed with me as a creative outlet and a way to hold onto the good moments.

Meanwhile, my daughter, Maya Cramer, discovered photography in college and started taking photos for friends. That passion quickly grew into second shooting weddings, and eventually photographing weddings on her own. I jumped at every chance to tag along or second shoot with her, and before long we were building something together. Today, Maya has a thriving business, and I’m honored to shoot alongside her. Some of our favorite jobs have been the ones that let us travel and spend meaningful time together—time we missed during the busiest seasons of life.

Now, I’ve launched my own photography business too, and I’m so excited to keep it growing as I head into retirement in about three years. I’m also an ordained minister, and I hope to continue expanding into wedding planning and/or venue coordination as well. I genuinely love this field—there’s nothing like being invited into someone’s happiest day, surrounded by the people they love most. It fills my heart every single time.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a full time mom, a failing marriage, 2 kiddos, and a full-time teaching career. I still picked up my camera whenever I could, but “adulting” definitely got in the way. The last ten years brought even more—a rocky divorce, trying to manage full-time custody of my 2 young kiddos while working 2-3 jobs, and caring for two terminally ill parents. Through it all, photography stayed with me as a creative outlet and a way to hold onto the good moments. I also valued what I was doing more, knowing these moments don’t last forever.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a very fun, sarcastic, hands on high school physics teacher. I am lively, relate to my students so that I can break down hard topics into manageable pieces, while maintaining their attention. I have entered a different phase of teaching in which I now realize i can get my job done while having the most fun possible. My students do very well and they spread the word to get my physics class instead of the other physics teachers. haha I am a great communicator with parents and students. I am able to use these teaching skills in photography by speaking similarly…I can explain quickly the big idea or vision, demonstrate it, have them engage in it, and then let loose and giggle through it all. 🙂 If we’re having fun, they’ll relax and buy in, ask questions, and create beautiful memories. I’m smarter than I look. ha

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve been an extrovert most of my life, but as I age, I enjoy starting the conversation and watching someone else take off with it. Two ears, one mouth for a reason right? I’ve always leaned more toward physical activities than sitting still—I grew up playing softball, volleyball, and tennis. These days, I still play tennis actively and can unwind by getting outside for a walk or jog, or by diving into a building/renovation project at home.

I’m also a bit Type A in the best way: I love organization, a good plan, and a to-do list I can check off. That’s honestly one of the reasons I’m so excited to possibly branch into wedding planning/coordinating as well—because timelines, details, and logistics are where I thrive, and I genuinely enjoy making things run smoothly so couples can stay present and enjoy their day.

Pricing:

• Weddings: $1,800-3,000
• Elopements: $350+
• Engagements/Proposals: $250+
• Couples: $150+
• Seniors: $100+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heatherannphotographyy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherannphotographyy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherannphotographyy
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@heatheranngrochowski