Who

Q: Who is Shartreuse Studio?

A: That one’s easy…I am! My name is Shar Heist and I am a professional portrait photographer living and working in beautiful Western New York. I am passionate about living a creative life and thus have many interests and hobbies to support this! Some of which at the moment include, crochet, knitting, flea marketing and antiquing, traveling and of course photography!

In my household you will find two lazy cats who kindly allow us to live with them, two extremely creative and talented children who obviously take after their mother, and one husband who doesn’t always understand why his wife does what she does, but loves me enough to let me do it anyways!

Photography has been a creative outlet for me over the last ten years while raising my two children. Now that they’re a little older, I’ve been able to make the jump and “go pro”. My approach to photography is to keep things simple. My goal is to capture relaxed, natural and fun images that tell the story of you and who you are at this very moment in time. Often referred to as a photo journalistic approach…meaning no awkward forced poses while saying “cheese” here! My style is a reflection of me and that which inspires me.  Since I am most inspired by nature and vintage items, you will find my images to be warm in color and tone and rich in texture. A nod to the past, but with a modern feel. I like to call it “modern vintage”!

Q: Who are my clients?

A: My clients are those looking for more than an over-priced snap shot of what they or their loved ones simply look like. My clients want professional images that tell the story of who they are and what they are experiencing in their lives!

My clients are parents. Expecting parents looking to capture the excitement and anticipation of bringing a new bundle of joy into their lives. New parents who want to capture the preciousness of their newborn forever. Seasoned parents who may want to forget that their two year-old gives new definition to the term “terrible two’s” and instead remember when he/she gave the best bear hugs and butterfly kisses ever!

My clients are young adults. High school seniors wanting images that not only capture who they are, but who they are becoming. Newly engaged couples who want to tell the story of their love for one another. A story they will one day share with their children and grandchildren.

My clients are professionals. Those in creative fields who need images that capture who and what they are all about as an artist or musician. Those in the corporate world who need a professional image or avatar but are looking for something a little beyond the standard headshot.

My clients are sometimes not human…but are always loved by humans! Those of you who have a cherished pet know the desire to want beautiful images that capture the unique personality of your best friend…even if he/she is of the canine, feline or any other kind of species!

Are you my client? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Please use the contact form to let me know so we can start telling your story!