Heart and Soul Photography | Peace River
At the heart of Heart and Soul Photography is owner and photographer Amy Plocica, 39. Her dedication to learning and improving her photography skills, especially when it comes to her sports photography, are just a few reasons she is an unique asset to Northwestern Alberta.
Originally from Windsor, ON, Plocica moved to Calgary before landing in Peace River. After arriving, she started looking for a side hustle, working angles as to how she could contribute to her family’s income, and most importantly, how she could bring her six-month-old daughter along for the ride.
“It all started by getting a camera and investing in equipment, and now here I am 15 years later,” said Plocica.
At first, Plocica offered photo sessions out of her home, but then she started chasing her dream of having a studio in a commercial space. Now you can find Heart and Soul Photography in Peace River’s Riverdrive Mall.
“Having a studio has always been a dream of mine,” said Plocica. “It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Offering sessions that range from newborns and couples to school photos and corporate, her services round most of the expected gamut. However, Plocica’s sports photography are a stand out.
“I offer everything except for weddings now,” said Plocica. “My niche is sports photography and that is what I’m trying to focus on.”
Plocica is changing how sports photography is viewed locally, especially after she put into action what she learned from her time working with Rock Town Media and Brad Deel Sports in Chicago.
“I want everyone to feel like they’re getting professional sports photos, even if they’re only five years old,” said Plocica “I want to bring something different and unique.”
By utilizing backdrops, Plocica makes the sessions comfortable, easy and smooth. Her husband Tom works with her behind the scenes and oversees the setup for sessions—and controls the smoke machine.
“No one else in this region does what I do with sports photos,” said Plocica. “I use smoke, lights and different effects to make it a one-of-a-kind experience—my clients always love it!”
Customer care is a top priority for Plocica, so she ensures her clients are comfortable, happy and having fun throughout their entire session. By using a controlled environment, Plocica can maintain a clean and safe space for her clients too.
“Clients can expect photo sessions that flow easily. I guide all my customers from start to finish so they don’t have to worry about posing,” said Plocica. “It’s all very comfortable for everyone involved.”
Plocica says she cannot help but smile when she sees how happy her clients are. She also enjoys the opportunity to travel, especially for sports photoshoots that allow her to capture young athletes in their element.
“I love seeing their confidence,” said Plocica. “The photos make the kids feel like professional athletes. Just because they’re in high school doesn’t mean they can’t have professional, cool photos.”
Plocica says opening her own studio and running her business has made a wonderful impact on her life. She has been able to grow her list of services, reach more clients and travel to customer locations when needed.
“We’ve been traveling all over—doing photos for skate clubs and all other sports,” said Plocica, “It’s been great. We are always more than willing to travel and to expand.”
Looking ahead, Plocica would like to focus on photography lessons for children. Teaching the younger generation about photography is a goal of hers and something she looks forward to doing more often.
“They get to bring their own cameras, so they can learn on a camera they will be using at home,” said Plocica, “We take pictures inside and outside and they also get take-home material.”
Plocica also plans to offer studio rentals to other photographers who will have access to a range of photography equipment and backdrops.
“Offering this is important to me because when I first started, I would have given anything to access backdrops and all the different equipment I have now,” said Plocica.
Always hungry for more knowledge, Plocica looks forward to attending more courses and programs, and she plans to head back to the United States for more mentorship opportunities later this year.
“I love learning and investing in my skills and in my business,” said Plocica. “I’m really excited to work on perfecting my dance photography next.”
You can book a session through email or social media or on the Heart and Soul Photography website.
10122 100 St., Peace River, AB
West Entrance of the Riverdrive Mall
Facebook: Heart & Soul Photography
Instagram: heartandsoulphotographypr
Words by Siobhan Kennedy | Heart & Soul Photography
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