GIVE NEW LIFE TO YOUR MOST VALUED BELONGINGS WITH THE HEIRLOOMIST
So, you inherited your grandmother’s silver but have no use for it; you can’t seem to throw away your child’s first stuffy worn down with snuggles; you’ve been cleaning house during lockdown and discovered a love note your dad wrote your mom when they first met 60 years ago. While these objects hold deep meaning, reminding us of people, places, and times, something feels wrong about them just sitting in a drawer. How about giving your most valued belongings new life and paying tribute to their stories through heirloom photography? Intrigued? Meet Shana Novak, AKA The Heirloomist.
“Objects have personalities and it’s our job to make them shine,” says Shana. And while The Heirloomist is her most recent project, Shana is an established commercial still-life photographer who has collaborated with brands such as Bloomingdale’s, Proctor & Gamble, Rolling Stone, and Time magazine.
A master of visual storytelling, the New York City-based photographer begins each of her commissions with the object’s story. Then through an elaborate photo shoot, using the highest quality cameras, strategic lighting, and inspired positioning, Shana creates a work of fine art that captures the essence of the heirloom and preserves its spirit for generations to come.
I had the great pleasure of asking Shana some questions about her life, photography career, and being The Heirloomist. Read on to learn more about this amazingly talented woman and her beautifully inspired work!
Lh Exclusive Interview with Shana Novak, The Heirloomist
Shana Novak, The Heirloomist
Love Happens: What first sparked your interest in photography?
Shana Novak: It’s genetic—both my grandmother and grandfather were photographers.
Lh: What led up to your career in commercial still-life imagery?
Shana: When I first moved to New York City, I interned and worked at W magazine. Some amazingly generous women there took me under their wing and from them, I learned the landscape of visuals, design, and professionalism.
Read the full interview HERE.