Heartwork & Empathy

Molly M. Peterson, Photographer

I am a boutique, lifestyle & editorial-style photographer here to photograph your story - the rhythms of your heartbeat - what makes your heart smile - the heart...of, well, life. Ultimately, I want my work to be printed and hanging on a wall (or in an album) - for my images to be something you pass by in your hallway and smile at a memory, clutch when your heart aches with sadness, or speak to for reassurance and courage. That's my Heartwork. That's why I'm here on this spinning, twirling planet in the middle of an infinite universe. I think that's why, anyway...

When you hire me for your photography, you get ME. I am an artist who feels deeply and can see and feel when subjects find it hard to allow those feelings to come out - especially in front of a camera (eek!). My empathetic gifts allow me to also see through the noise of life’s busyness to seek the truth we humans often struggle with: love, joy, fear, softness, acceptance…..and on and on. I’m less concerned with the latest fashion find and more interested in the look your child gave you that made your heart swell with so much love that tears came to your eyes.

So, please, smile from your heart, release the insecurities you may have, and take a deep breath with me. I, too, have had life struggles and obstacles to overcome - that's part of living - and I bring all of that in to my work.

I believe in honesty, integrity, authenticity, and beauty in the essence of the natural world. So. How about you?

I am available for immediate commissions throughout and surrounding the Hudson Valley in New York, Virginia/D.C., Chicago area, and the Roaring Fork/Aspen Valley Colorado. Arrangements can be made for travel worldwide.

I opened my photography business in high school so that means I've been shooting professionally for just shy of 20 years (!), I earned a degree in photography in beautiful Colorado (but the most I learned came from my mentor Alice Koelle Photography in Aspen and her incredible team), I'm married to my high school sweetheart, Mike, and Mom to a charismatic, joy-filled red-headed toddler, Alden. My husband and I had a farm, too, focusing on regenerative agriculture (find us ~here~) and we named it Heritage Hollow Farms. We recently closed the direct food marketing part of our farm and he started farming at Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture. I'm still consulting & supporting farmers with their marketing needs and led the tourism, marketing and fresh branding focus for the 2016 Rappahannock County Farm Tour as it’s Chair. 

My photography has won awards, is currently featured in nine books & cookbooks and even graced the stage of Farm Aid from 2016-2019. (dream come true). Most of my photography clients are repeats and that's pretty amazing and humbling.

Why “Heartwork”?

Because Heart Stones have been finding me for years. When we moved to New York Mike asked if we’re moving all of my rocks." Um.... Yes. Of course!" This one was extra special  - that sweet little girl holding it found it during one of our most recent photo sessions and she knew that I have several - in fact, my Facebook cover shot is also of her hand several years ago with the first one we found together. She thought it was because of me but the secret is that this one found her - I just happened to be there to witness it. This sweet girl has been a regular in front of my camera since she was 3 days new. She and her siblings are a piece of my heart and her finding this stone on this day made my own heart soar. This *is* my life’s journey: behind the camera, documenting the essence of life as it unfolds.