Heirloom Creatives: Capturing Genuine Moments in Downtown Wenatchee
As you may have noticed, the photos for this month’s blog are top-notch, well that’s because I used photos taken by the inviting photography studio known as Heirloom Creatives in downtown Wenatchee. They have been making waves in the industry for their unique and personal approach to capturing life's most precious moments. Run by the talented trio of Oly Mingo, Nick Dirk, and Brittney Loveall, Heirloom Creatives is not your average photography studio.
The story of Heirloom Creatives began with Oly Mingo, whose journey into the world of photography started back in 2004 when he worked with North 40 Productions. It wasn't until his daughter was born in 2016 that he discovered his passion for capturing genuine moments that wouldn't "rot away" like commercial products. Starting off with family portraits and wedding photography, Oly's vision for creating heirlooms in a non-disposable way led him to team up with Nick Dirk after the COVID-19 pandemic left him with an influx of weddings to shoot.
Nick Dirk, a seasoned photographer with a background in cinematography, brought his creative skills to the table and joined Oly in the Heirloom Creatives adventure. Their shared passion for artistry and storytelling has resulted in a unique studio that specializes in flash photography, allowing them to capture rich and deep photos both inside and outdoors.
Joining the team is Brittney Loveall, whose expertise in marketing and social media has added a fresh perspective to their creative endeavors. Together, the trio describes their working dynamic as having "good vibes" and an open communication style that allows for passionate creative discussions. Their shared emotional intelligence ensures that everyone feels heard and understood, resulting in collaboration that produces the best results.
One of the highlights of working with Heirloom Creatives is their love for working with kids and capturing candid moments. Brittney mentions that when kids are having fun, parents are relaxed, which leads to the best pictures. Nick and Oly's background in cinematography brings a unique perspective to their work, creating a blend of artistry and storytelling that sets them apart from the rest.
Despite the challenges of finding parking and securing a shop in downtown Wenatchee, Heirloom Creatives has found the perfect location for their studio. They enjoy being connected to the vibrant community of downtown and have participated in various events, such as the WDA's Trick or Treat on The Ave and the Festival of Trees, where they spread Christmas spirit and joy through their craft.
When it comes to making people feel comfortable in front of the camera, Nick emphasizes the importance of creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere. He encourages clients to let go of their insecurities and just have fun, knowing that the photos will reflect their true selves. Oly, on the other hand, sees himself as a therapist on set, ensuring that everyone feels good about themselves and embraces the moment as a precious memory.
Heirloom Creatives represents more than just a photography studio; it's a place where genuine moments are captured, memories are preserved, and artistry thrives. With their unique perspective and genuine passion for storytelling, Heirloom Creatives is a shining example of how photography can create lasting heirlooms for generations to come.