Get to Know: Tara Heitmann

Tara Heitmann has lived in Aberdeen for most of her life, attending Central High School before going to South Dakota State University for a year in college. Ultimately, though, she decided that Aberdeen is where she belonged. She returned to Aberdeen and attended Northern State University and graduated with her Business Management degree in 2008.

In August of 2020, Heitmann started her photography business, Emmy Gray Photography.

“I named the business after my two oldest children, Emersyn and Grayson, who go by Emmy and Gray,” she said.

In the beginning, she primarily photographed families and children. As her business evolved, she was able to leave her full-time job and expand her range of services. Now, Heitmann offers newborn, family, senior, and wedding photography.

“I like the variety it gives me, and it makes it fun to always be shooting something different,” she said. //

Q: How does your work reflect your passion?

After years in the traditional workforce, I started Emmy Gray Photography as a side business. I soon realized I had a passion for being creative that wasn’t fulfilled in my regular 8 to 5 job. I remember loving creative classes as a kid: art, pottery, photography, and drawing, but then you grow up and don’t realize you can create a career out of those things. Once I finally followed my passion, I felt happier and more fulfilled in my work than I ever had.

Q: What is something that you love about the Aberdeen community?

I’ve never seen a community so supportive of small businesses like Aberdeen. I don’t know that I would have had the same success in any other community. Aberdeen is one of a kind.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

I like watching my kids’ sports and activities. Their baseball, basketball, and gymnastics keep me busy in my free time.

Q: Where is one of your favorite places to go in Aberdeen?

Does going to Starbucks for coffee count? Just kidding. I really enjoy downtown. I like that it has so much history and beauty, and so many businesses thriving or opening. A personal fave is Three22!  I also enjoy taking pictures in the downtown area with my senior sessions every year. So many of the seniors enjoy capturing their hometown main street for one of their senior locations and that makes me happy.

Q: Why is community involvement important to you?

Community involvement has been important to me since graduating from Northern in 2008. It’s a way to stay connected and also to network and meet new people. So many of the relationships I’ve built in my professional career have been people I’ve met through community involvement: Leadership Aberdeen, The Diplomat committee with the Chamber of Commerce, and Business After Hours to name a few.

Q: What is one word you would use to describe yourself? Why?

Determined. Once I set my mind to something, I don’t back down. My husband might say stubborn is a better fit, but it has served me well in the Entrepreneur aspect. I don’t see failure as an option.

Q: How did you decide to get involved in your line of work?

It started out as documenting my own children. But then after encouragement from my husband, I decided to offer it to others. I had no idea the potential I was unlocking and how big it would become, but I’m sure glad it did!