We would like to welcome Cathy Heinz to our family of Featured Photographers. We spoke with Cathy about her images and the tools she uses to capture them:
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started in photography?
I was born and raised in Northern Ireland, came to the US when I was 18. It was then that I discovered my love for photography when I was given a Canon AT1 with a 50mm lens. I shot with that camera for approximately 17 years! The only reason it was put on the shelf is because the winder gave out. I switched to digital about 10 years ago, my first camera was the Canon 10D. You’d have thought I’d won a million dollars!
I shot natural light, as I was accustomed too, for the first year or so before I was introduced to strobe lighting. What a drastic change in style, I found what I’d been searching for. I had cheap tethered triggers at the time, they were unreliable and offered no flexibility. I had to always be within a few feet of the light and had to manually change the settings on the light. I was finally able to upgrade about five years ago, my choices were Radio Poppers and [one other brand]. I did extensive research and decided that I loved the Radio Popper feature of being able to change the output of my strobe without moving an inch. Being that I photographed people mostly, being in the moment and not breaking conversation was of the utmost importance. I started with the RP Jrs and recently upgraded to the RP Jr 2’s. I’ve never looked back! They are amazing!
How would you describe your shooting style? Classic, fun and emotional.
What gear are you currently using?
Canon 6D, 24-105 lens, RP 2 triggers and Alien Bees
How long have you been using Radiopoppers? What do you like about them?
I have been using them for approx five years. I love that I can put my strobe anywhere – behind walls, down several flights of stairs, around corners! I also love that they enable me to stay in the moment with the subject, I do not have to worry about changing my output on the lights. My clients don’t even notice me changing settings, they are so simple to use.
What would be one piece of advice to fellow shooters – perhaps to ones starting off in the industry?
Buy RadioPoppers! Shoot every day, shoot everything you see, shoot it every way possible. The best advice I ever read was to find a subject and shoot it as many ways possible with a 5ft by 5ft space. You will find your style and learn so much!
Where can people find out more about you and your work?
You can also see more of Cathy’s work on her featured page.
