 How long have you been involved with photography?
This is the first photo I ever took: out of focus, bad composition, yet gives you a nice glimpse of the decade I was born in. I must have been about 5.
I started taking photos in 2002, but didn’t really know what I was doing until I stepped into a darkroom in 2005 and learned traditional methods. I’ve since worked on both sides of the profession: as a photographer/content provider and as a photo editor, buying imagery and hiring other photographers for various magazine assignments. |
How did you first discover your passion for photography?
I was on a speed boat in Belize going up river when we stopped so I could take a photo of a ten foot crocodile that was basking in the sun along the muddy riverbanks. To my delight my guide was more than happy to oblige when I asked him to move in a little closer for the shot. I was so focused on maintaining my balance, keeping my camera still, and adjusting my settings that I didn’t realize just how close we had gotten. Our boat was now so close to the shore that we were breaking the branches of trees that were stretched over the river and the wake from our boat was causing water to splash onto the bank and over my subject, who was opening and closing its jaws at an alarming rate. Because of our proximity, my original full-length shot of the crocodile had now turned into a close-up and I decided to take the opportunity to zero in on its teeth. But we had finally pissed him off enough and just as I was about to take the photo he lunged at me and then jumped into the water. Being that I had been looking through the viewfinder this entire time, my ability to judge whether I was at a safe distance or not was completely thrown off, so when he lunged, I saw giant yellow teeth coming straight at me. Needless to say, I jumped back, tripped, landed on my ass, and gave everyone a good laugh. I missed the shot, but discovered that life is more exciting behind a camera and from that point on, I was hooked. |
How do you choose your subject matter?
It usually starts while I’m traveling. I travel a lot by myself and find that long distances give me plenty of time to think and a lot of opportunity to meet people. So, often my ideas start with a chance meeting or conversation and snowball from there. For my type of photography, being granted access to places that are not typically accessible is critical to the success of the shoot/story, so often what determines what I work on depends on whether the right circumstances present themselves. |
What is your dream photo assignment?
One that’s well-funded. For me, the dream photo assignment is a constantly moving target. Having the time to do the investigative journalism required to tell an in-depth story is what really appeals to me right now. A few months ago, I met a mid-wife in Afghanistan that said two words of English in my presence: “condom” and “thank you”. I would love to follow her around and do a story about her and the women she assists in childbirth. |
How does Camera Armor help you in your work?
When I’m on assignment, I spend a lot of time outdoors in variable conditions. One day I’m in the middle of a desert, the next under a waterfall. With Camera Armor I can concentrate more on the shot than worrying about my equipment. Last summer while I was in Jordan, I was waist deep in water and the spray from the waterfall had saturated the air and all of my belongings, including my camera. I didn’t have the waterproof shell (I had the silicone body armor), but I would have never brought my camera under those conditions without Camera Armor in the first place. |
Has Camera Armor ever saved your life?
During part of the time I was in Afghanistan I was embedded with an Afghani bomb squad. As they were setting the charges for their explosions they explained the sensitivity factor of the blasting caps and the detonation cord. Specifically, how even simple things like static electricity could set them off, which is why they all wear 100% cotton clothing. It took me about two seconds to inventory my outfit: polyester robe, acrylic scarf, some unnatural fiber blend for my pants, my frizzy hair…I was a walking charge! As my hands began to sweat at this possibility I remembered what I had in them: silicone rubber! I can’t say Camera Armor saved my life, but I held it a little closer, I needed all the grounding I could get. |
Has your photography work appeared in any publications/shows?
- The Jordan Times
- Entertainment Weekly
- The Seattle Times
- Seattle Magazine
- Harper Collins Publishing
- Seattle Business Monthly |
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Heather Fassio
Photographer Statement: |
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I like to tell stories, which is why I turned to photojournalism. The realism that this medium provides keeps my over-active imagination in check while at the same time feeds my curiosity and forces me to constantly learn and adapt to the world around me. Plus, I’m always late, so photography is my way of freezing time.
Heather Fassio is a freelance photojournalist focusing on stories and issues which highlight cultural anthropology and humanitarian efforts. Her work has been published in The Seattle Times, The Jordan Times, Entertainment Weekly, Seattle Magazine, Seattle Business Monthly, Yahoo! and she has participated in multiple solo and group art exhibits. Currently based in Paris, France, her latest project involves a theatre adaptation based on her photo documentary coverage of post-conflict clean up efforts in Afghanistan. |
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What Camera Gear do you use?: |
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Canon 5D
Mamiya 7 Rangefinder
Nikkormat |
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Contact:
fas@HFassio.com
www.HFassio.com |
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