"We are only given a certain amount of time in this world and I want to make a difference.  In my life I have but one goal…that is to affect the lives and touch the hearts of those I come in  contact with.  Whether it be by helping a young photographer in quest of a dream, making tangible the love a family shares for each other, or bringing a mother to tears as she clutches a photograph of her child, I want to make a difference.  These moments are precious to me and that is what we human beings live for."

                                                                                           Michael Ask, Photographer/Artist

These are the words of an artist with a vision.  A vision guided by creative expression and realized by the knowledge acquired from a quarter of a century’s devotion to the art of portraiture.

JUST WHAT DOES THE NAME HEARTSCAPE MEAN?
I knew from the very beginning of my career I wanted to become a photographer unlike any other, specializing in custom portraiture created through a photographic experience that touches the lives and hearts of my clients.  I have tried to dream, adapt, invent, and adopt any and every possible thing that would benefit my clients experience.  It happens more than you might think...people come in and cry when they see their portraits.  Why?  The reason, I believe, is two-fold...they love their family and the results from their portrait session are beyond what they expected.  A journey is how I describe my style of creating a portrait.  I want my clients journey to be an experience that touches their heart in moments... deep enough to last a lifetime.
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HISTORY

Michael was born and raised in Cedar Rapids and joined the Air Force right after graduating from Kennedy high school.  Although he served nearly thirteen years in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, it was in the very first year that a neighbor introduced him to photography.  He was instantly hooked and Michael's new passion instilled an unquenchable desire to understand and improve his new hobby.  Five years later, after a couple of moves, Michael was assigned to a base in Omaha.  It was then that Michael started to realize his true passion was to become a professional photographer.  

In an effort to learn anything he could, Michael contacted several photographers offering to work in their studios for free.  Each one declining his offer.  In 1980, a friend well acquainted with Michael's love for photography asked him to photograph her wedding.  Uncertain about taking on the responsibility of photographing a wedding, Michael turned to the only photographer he knew.  Tom had photographed Michael and his wife and he knew Tom would do a great job for his friend.  When Michael called him to see if he would be available, Tom explained that the wedding was still six months away and that all Michael had to do was start going with him to his weddings.  "I'll teach you how to photograph weddings" explained Tom.  Michael couldn't believe it.  This was the big break he'd been looking for!  Tom's graciousness was Michael's first lesson in making a difference. 

A new career was born as Michael began providing wedding and portrait photography.  Tom helped Michael become involved in professional organizations and it was at his very first convention in 1981 that Michael saw Charles J. Lewis' program on photography.  Charles had a profound impact on Michael's philosophy about what it meant to be a photographer.  For the first time, Michael finally realized exactly the effect he could have on peoples lives through his photography and the experience he shared with his clients.  Michael studied Charles' teachings relentlessly while also learning from some of the nation's best photographers.  In 1987 Michael left the Air Force to pursue photography full time and in 1989 Michael earned recognition as one of Nebraska's "Top Ten Photographers".  Returning in 1992 to his home town Cedar Rapids, Michael started Heartscape Studios through which he continues his life goal to make a difference.

PRESENT

Today, Michael is a portrait photographer specializing in low volume, high service, fine custom portraiture.  The get-em-in, get-em-out mentality is totally foreign to his philosophy.  Michael has no restrictions on the amount of time spent with his clients in creating their portraits.  Sessions are well planned, and clothing, timing, and location are determined in advance of the session.  Michael believes his creative talent lies in his love for people and the ability to help them feel comfortable.  To not just get through their photographic experience, but make it fun.  A "Journey" is how Michael often describes his process for creating a portrait. 

Whether your portrait includes your entire family, a graduating high school senior, a young son or daughter, or perhaps you... be assured of a portrait you will love.  I GUARANTEE IT!

If you haven't read my guarantee yet read it now so you know it's the real thing.

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