This week on our “Feature Friday” we’re highlighting fellow mom, Heather Booysen of Movement in Motion Photography and Heather Booysen Photography. In addition to being a mom and photographer, Heather started her career as a dancer and can now add author to her list of many talents. Her new book, “Marley Takes the Stage,” was inspired by one of her projects, Dance Knows No Boundaries, that marries her passion for inclusion and dance. “Dance is for everyone, no matter your dance style, ability, gender, body shape, ethnicity, or age. Movement is a language we can all understand and an art we can all create.”

Tell us a bit about yourself before you became a mom, and also how you changed when you had kids.

Before I became a mom I was focused on building my career as a professional dancer and dance teacher, also while adjusting to becoming a military spouse. After having children, my performing career slowed, and I focused more on teaching. I also delved into my love for photography and it developed into a strong business for family and dance photography.

How would you describe what you do and what inspired you?

Dance has always been a part of my life as long as I can remember. Many core memories I have involve dance in some way or another. Being able to combine my two passions, dance and photography, has made me so happy. I love being able to create work that I am proud of and to work with and teach dancers through my style of photography, which is to capture movement as it happens. Movement inspires every image I take.

What has been a highlight of your business/project? What’s been a highlight of being a mom?

For my work, a highlight has been creating and developing my book for the last year and a half, and seeing it come to fruition. Being a mom, I love each and every day that I see my sons grow, learn, and change. I love the time we spend together and that they still choose to snuggle up to me each day.

How do you take time to focus on yourself while balancing parenting?

For myself, I make sure to take time to do things that fill my cup. I take hot yoga twice a week, teach challenging dance classes, and I get to create/choreograph dance pieces that allow me to fully express myself through movement. I also take time to experiment with photography and learn new techniques. Of course it’s all scheduled around the kids’ schedules.

What tips would you give to other moms to feel successful or empowered?

Always take time to focus on yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for help. Allow yourself to be inspired and create from that inspiration.

How can people learn more about you & what you do?

You can find me on social media at @movementinmotionphotography, @danceknowsnoboundaries, and @heatherbooysenphotography and at www.movementinmotionphotography.com and www.heatherbooysenphotography.com .