My name is Heather Barlin, a.k.a. Venusgirl. I’ve been in love with capturing the beauty of this world since I got my first camera back when I was 12- a pink and lavender Le Clic that I’d begged my parents for. Around that same time, I started a babysitting club. I’d ride my banana-seat bicycle around the suburbs of New York, where I grew up, dropping flyers in mailboxes. My love of kids started way back then, and has continued to be a beloved thread through my life- from sidelining as a nanny through college to my current speciality photographing newborns and children.

After graduating from NYU's Film & Video School, I found myself so at home in San Francisco. Always in love with the juxtoposiition of nature’s beauty and cityscapes, I was inspired to transfer my film skills to photography to record the beauty of this place. I was a band photographer and wedding photographer for years before retiring so I could focus on that old passion once more- capturing the beautiful authenticity of the child. I continue to be so facsinated and inpsired by the way the camera lens can translate that beauty. I launched Venusgirl Photography in 2007 and took her full time in 2012. My work has been published in numerous publications including Rolling Stone and NBC.

I live on 2 acres in my renovated vintage 1979 airstream with my furry, old husky-mix dog, Stan. I love the outdoors and bringing beautiful flowers from outside for newborn sessions and photographing kids outdoors in luscious surroundings. In my sparetime, I love going to see live music, long hikes in the woods, and anything ocean related. I love sand in my toes, making collages, dancing, wine with friends, antiquing for props, and the color turquoise. Most people say my smile is what they notice first about me. What I notice first in this world is beauty. I hope I get to work with you to capture yours.

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