ABOUT ME

I am a Maine-based photographer working primarily with natural light. My work has been described as quiet and sensitive, with ethereal qualities. Whether I am photographing for an editorial piece or creating portraits, I often feel a photograph before I frame it—drawn to private moments, to experiences that might otherwise go unnoticed. The resulting images tend to feel dreamlike, evoking intimacy, stillness, and presence.

I grew up on Monhegan Island and now call Peaks Island home, where I live with my partner and our mostly launched blended family of children and assorted critters. Let’s connect!

Testimonials

vibe & vision |

Heather's vision is enviably eccentric. I suspect if you saw her taking a picture of something, you'd ask "now why would she take a picture of THAT, of all things?" and then you see her beautiful photograph of a dead crow or a dusty leaf or a prosthetic leg, and say, "Ah! THAT's why she took a photograph of that!" In Heather's world, it all makes perfect sense. -Scott Kelley, Artist | Author 

"As a fellow photographer, avid stroller and Peaks Island resident, Heather and I cover a lot of the same ground. Whether minutes, hours, days or weeks apart, we often traverse the same dirt roads, trails and beaches, witnessing the same sights within the narrow confines of Peaks' coastline. What sets Heather's work so far apart from mine, is her ability to see beauty every step along the way. Every leaf, every shadow, every puddle becomes an opportunity for a unique, authentic and bedazzling composition. These moments of captured light and mood are gifts for the viewer to behold, but also serve as reminders that beauty is as abundant as the air we breathe. Beauty is there, directly underfoot, on the way to some other destination, so tread carefully and stay wide-eyed along the way. Heather's photographs are not just images, but a philosophy and a challenge: Look and you shall see." - Ben McCanna, editor-in-chief of Peaks Island News, former staff photographer at Portland Press Herald

Heather has an ability to capture images that are intimately personal and inspire in us an emotional connection with our humanity. She allows us to witness private moments of contemplation and fleeting experiences of beauty. Heather’s enthusiasm for her work is infectious. She brings a lightness to the profound experience of everyday life. Thank you Heather! - Daphne Pulsifer, Artist | Edison Studio 04852I have gotten to know Heather as a contributor to Lipstick Rodeo Magazine, formerly a literary-art publication for women creatives. In Taos, New Mexico, USA, we met in person as she wrote and photographed for her project “Love Lowers the Sky”. What I humbly began to understand was that this soft spoken, reflective woman, actually possessed the creative force of a tornado. Heather captures her subjects (often people) at that moment as they stand on the precipice of being. From a teenage woman standing in white nightgown in a military fort, to a young man holding a dog with same complexity of emotions at Michelangelo’s Pieta, she fiercely goes the formulaic and even the “art world” to create a space where viewers/readers can feel held and vulnerable at the same time. As a professional creative, Heather’s lens is unique and rare: her work not only explores the human experience, but transforms it. - Anee Ward, Artist | Magazine Editor

Heather has an eye. She has an eye for unexpected compelling composition, for form, line, contrast and detail. She especially has an eye for mood, from playful and reflective to somber. - Jane Banquer, Artist

As a fellow visual artist, Heather’s work is inspiring. Gravitational, often unpredictable and intelligent, her imagery skillfully embraces the full spectrum, both breathing life into the mundane and sanctifying the strange. As a fan of Heather’s work, I have been excited to show her work at the gallery these past few summers.. Her images of the island and people are gemlike- rare and complex. I was lucky to have her photograph me. Additionally, as someone who historically has an intense aversion to being photographed, I would highly suggest working with Heather as her gentle approach creates a relaxed atmosphere and enjoyable experience. - Danielle Madore, Artist | Author | Owner, The Crow’s Nest Gallery

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Heather Wasklewicz. I have known Heather since she was a child on Monhegan Island, ME. The island is located 10 miles off the coast of Maine, the remote and rustic island of Monhegan has drawn artists from around the world for over 150 years. Monhegan is known as “The Artist’s Island”. It has become the home of one of America’s best-known and enduring art colonies. Heather emerged into the art-world at a young age, she grew up in a diverse environment surrounded by several of the country’s most distinguished artists and experimentalists. She was fortunate to have experienced art first hand and have had incredible mentors from the art world, not found in a typical art school environment. I am the executive director of Emerge Contemporary Art, Boston. In 2023 I had the lead curator role in a juried show at the Institute of Contemporary Art, ICA Boston. The emphasis of the exhibit was on new, emerging artists and cutting edge work. I had been following Heathers photography career for the past few years, and her work immediately came to mind. I contacted Heather and told her about the show, and suggested that she apply.

Of over 400 artists, Heathers work was selected to be exhibited at the ICA show. Her work was well received by critics, other artists and the public. It transcended culture and language, effecting many who saw and experienced the work. The photography work series she exhibited is innately human. It showcased portraits of individuals, living in remote areas, mainly of Peaks Island, Maine. Of these people, typically stereotyped, she successfully showcased her subjects and undermining the typical stereotyped understanding, gave them depth and intrigue as well as a much more complicated reality. While working with Heather on a professional level, her work spoke for itself, but it was her professionalism, respect and support of the other artists and ICA Museum staff that separated her from other artists. She is an excellent photographer with an eye for detail, the creative power of imagination, and has exceptional interpersonal skills. For over 30 years I have worked with many emerging artists, in museums, art galleries and universities. I am currently working at Tufts University, with students in the SMFA School of the Museum of Fine Arts program in Boston. Amongst all the students and emerging artists. I've worked with, Heather is a complete professional.

Heather is one of the most pleasant people you'll ever meet or work with. She is forthright, but neither intimidates nor intrudes. She is genuinely friendly as well as honest. You will also be impressed with her authentic and competent manner. I enthusiastically recommend her. -Holland Tredwell, Executive Director, Emerge Contemporary Art

What gorgeous photos you've taken. Your show is stunning, and I love the picture I put the red dot on! Congratulations on your beautiful work. And thank you for making the world a lovelier and more awake place! With much admiration -  Eleanor Morse, Author

In design school, we were taught about and taught by great designers who worked in paper, glue, tape, photos and paint to produce fantastic posters that occupied a unique place in perception, being both physical and abstract. And then we all jumped on computers, and have never really achieved that level of duality in our work. Even with fake shadows and infinite fonts, moving things around on a screen with a mouse sucks the life out of the creative process. I watched Heather Wasklewicz and Harvey Johnson construct this beauty on their kitchen table and it proved what I've known since 1990, but haven't much practiced: design with your hands. Design with stuff. Plus a new conclusion: Heather should have a Design studio, and everyone should hire her. - Eric Eaton, Designer | Artist  I am Without Purpose

editorial |

If you are looking for a photographer that can help tell the story of your business, Heather is wonderful at capturing the personalities and ethos of a company – what makes it stand out.She is easy to work with, takes direction, and makes everyone feel at ease... and it comes through in her photography. - Michelle Morel, President Confocal Communications

Your photos are beautiful, Heather. You have such an artistic eye. It'll be great to get some of your photos on the website and social media. Thank you! - Megan Woolsey, Joyce Maynard Writing Workshop Retreat Coordinator

Heather Wasklewicz has a rare gift of an eagle eye for details coupled with a sensitive touch. Her style is unobtrusive and comfortable, she is able to capture her subjects genuine vibe. Not only is she reliable and easy to work with, she is thoughtful and imaginative. We are lucky to have her in our Illustration Institute orbit for a variety of photographic projects as well as her creative input. - Scott Nash Executive Director, Illustration Institute | Nancy Gibson-Nash, Program Director, Illustration Institute

Heather truly does beautiful work. She moves in and out of our classes seamlessly, often without notice, capturing moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. The space she works in is particularly challenging — small classrooms, with limited to no natural light — yet she has a remarkable ability to find the perfect angle and create stunning images that genuinely capture emotion and tell a story.

She has a magical ability to find the right angle to create a quality image that captures genuine emotion, telling a story.  All while remaining unobtrusive to both the students and the teachers, which is a delicate balance. She is sensitive to the vibe within the space and is able to quickly pivot when necessary.  Heather is such a wonderful person to work with.  Having her capture our program through her artistry is truly a blessing. - Wendy Sawicki, Director, New England Suzuki Institute

As a fellow photographer, I’m fascinated by how people see others. Heather’s work truly shines because she has this amazing knack for capturing portraits that feel both purposeful and personal. The subjects seem to be completely themselves, alone, and blissfully unaware of the camera. Her editorial work is just as impressive: it’s thoughtful, visually unified, and has a clear message. I can sense the trust she establishes with her subjects, and that trust is beautifully reflected in the images. But it’s not just about the final photos; she’s a detail-oriented person who truly understands light, composition, and storytelling. It’s evident in every single frame. - Ella Hudson, Photographer | Portland Camera Club