Heidi Ritter Photography

With the unfortunate news about my mom's recent diagnosis of lobular carcinoma (aggressive breast cancer), my daughter and I were able to fly home to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to visit for seven days. I guess the whole situation made me feel particularly nostalgic. I couldn't get enough pictures of what used to bore me! Now that my visits to the UP are so few and I was feeling super reflective about life, I think I captured some great images.

After a week up north, we headed down to North Carolina and spent some time at the beach and one day with Jeff's grandma in her garden. The second leg of my trip apparently didn't yield as many photo op moments. However, I know I'll be down there again soon and I'll have you know, my next obsession is going to be taking pictures of dilapidated houses and barns. If NC had a nickel for every one of those, they'd be a rich state! Lucky for me, I'm fascinated with them! Stay tuned.

Well, please enjoy some images from the Great Lakes to the Outer Banks... I like the sound of that! It could be the title of the story of my life!

© Heidi Ritter Photography
An exciting find while driving the streets of Escanaba, MI after landing at the tiny speck of an airport.

This is indeed the place that the Coast Guard named the USCGC Escanaba(s) after. Fun USCG fact of the day!

© Heidi Ritter Photography
A railroad track somewhere between Esky and Ish. My parents were so patient with me and my need to stop the car to take random pictures.

Echinacea in Mom's garden.

© Heidi Ritter Photography
A once hopping town that had a booming undergarment factory. There was even an academy award winning movie filmed here during it's glory days.

Let's head south, shall we?

I have been known to wear many hats - wife, mother, friend, volunteer, teacher, soldier, traveler, dreamer... and on and on. I have recently become fascinated with another calling and thus, this page is born! I've discovered many hobbies and talents (I use that word loosely) through the years.  My passion is art. Painting, building, creating. This time, I think I could be onto something. Photography is something I really LOVE doing and am so proud of myself when I capture an awesome moment.

As a military wife, I am shuffled across the country from year to year and moments are so fleeting. When I can have permanent evidence of the images in my head, it really helps me reflect on my life experiences. I'd like to help others treasure those special moments in their lives...

Now, I know very well that having a camera does not make me a photographer. I've always felt like I have been blessed with the artistic gene that runs in my dad's family. I have MANY exceptional artists in my family.  In fact, I am kin to a famous sculptor, many painters, and fabulous creators of different mediums.   I don't claim to be up to par with any of them, but I am learning my craft and hope to really become a true photographer. This will be a place for me to share my work with the world and hopefully build a portfolio worth showing off.

Until next time...

                                                                              Your friend,

                                                                              Heidi Ritter

Friday, August 24, 2012

From the Great Lakes to the Outer Banks...

Let's head south, shall we?

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Now presenting...