Hey, I'm Adam!
I'm passionate about transforming how students, couples, and families see photography by serving them with images that transform how they see themselves.
MY APPROACH
As a portrait photographer of 8+ years, I've learned the importance of creating a straightforward, no-fluff process. While preparing for your photo session, I’ll work closely with you to help you feel comfortable and connected along the way, ensuring that you are the top priority. My step-by-step collaborative planning process will not only give you amazing and meaningful photos, but will take stress away!
During your photo session, my favorite thing to do is make you feel confident and at ease! I think nothing is more important than having a good time during your photos, and I do my best to make clients think of their session as less of a photoshoot and more of a hangout! I move quickly to get all of the angles and poses, and I’ll work with you to make sure I’m incorporating ideas that you want into your photos. Finding great light and making interesting compositions is one of my favorite things, so photo sessions are a blast for me.
I’m currently a third-year Mass Communication student studying in the bear-filled city of Asheville, NC. When I’m not at UNC Asheville, I’m in my hometown of Durham. I enjoy working with clients in both areas, and I travel far and wide to serve clients across NC! Before graduating from Durham School of the Arts in 2023, I took four photography classes and two film classes, and discovered my love of the camera.
Adam hetland
WHO i AM
CHRISTIAN ✝️
STUDENT 💻
RUNNER 🏃➡️
FILMMAKER 🎥
CAMERA NERD 📷
CAT LOVER 🐈
TRAVELER 🌎
BROTHER 🫂
I started taking photos back in middle school with a small point-and-shoot camera my parents had. It wasn’t long before I got my next camera, and then the next. I have always been a sentimental person, so I naturally took lots of photos to preserve fleeting moments. In high school, after having to choose between continuing to pursue music, or dropping that to take photo and film classes, I made the tough decision to take the latter. After taking four years of photography classes in high school, it became clear to me that this is what I want to do. In the future, I want to keep this business as a part-time commitment as I start my career in the film industry.
My personal life now revolves around school, family, photography, and faith. I edit video content for UNCA's newspaper, The Blue Banner. I have a sister and two cats, and I go to church at Seacoast in Asheville and Triangle Grace in Durham. I'm heavily involved in Cru, a campus ministry at UNCA. I also love learning about and buying new camera gear, going to the gym, eating Mexican food, meeting new people, and most of all, serving my clients with stunning imagery and a seamless experience. I'm so glad you're here and I can't wait to be your photographer! Please check out my portfolio and prices and contact me with any questions!
Hear what others have to say about me!
Forest Soleil
family, branding, elopement
“10/10 Highly recommend and I'll be booking more sessions with Adam myself! Quit comparing photographers and go ahead and book him. Adam was excellent for a number of reasons:
- 1st, He has such a kind, friendly, down-to-earth personality that it was easy for myself, my husband, and our young child all to feel comfortable having intimate family moments captured without stress or awkwardness.
- 2nd, Adam was quick to capture funny, unexpected candid moments that happened (toddler vibes, parents you know what I'm talking about) but also knew when to offer guidance for natural-looking poses that would result in the best shots.
- 3rd, The album we received back from Adam is GORGEOUS!! So happy with the end results. I have been a wedding planner for 10+ years and these photos are on par with some of my favorite wedding photographers. And I am very picky when it comes to design aesthetics. He knocked it out of the park.”
Jill Goldberg
family/Event
“Adam was professional, prompt and detailed from the first contact to the delivery of the photos. He was a pleasure to work with. Despite it being a hot, exhausting and emotional day for our family, Adam was able to move fast and efficiently and with calm good humor, to complete the assignment and get all the photos we required organized in a short space of time and with minimal fuss. We love Adam's work and are thrilled with this album for this special day. I recommend Adam without reservation.”
Erin Sebelius
Headshot
“Adam was prompt and professional (but friendly) with communication before and after the shoot, and put me at ease during it. I have never been very photogenic and don't usually like photos of myself, but Adam delivered several different headshots I'm very pleased with. I'll definitely recommend him!”
I'd love to get to know you!
My "Why"
Adam's AI use statement
I pride myself on transparency, and staying ahead of the curve by embracing the future of digital imaging to better serve my clients. While legacy photographers may remain stagnant, I actively adapt to evolving industry norms, utilizing AI advancements that are now embedded into industry-standard editing software. My approach is rooted in a commitment to both efficiency and authenticity: I leverage these tools to subtly enhance my subject's appearance and refine the final output, while strictly ensuring that figures and proportions remain completely true to life. By integrating these high-end AI capabilities into my workflow, I significantly accelerate my turnaround times, ensuring that my clients receive their professional, high-quality images faster than ever before without sacrificing the genuine essence of the moment.
- Adam Hetland 2026
I'm glad you're here. Keep looking around!
Are you another photographer?
I'd love to connect!
Outside of photography, I'm an editor for UNC Asheville's student newspaper, a photobooth host, and a lead camp counselor. Send me a message at adamhetlandproductions@gmail.com, or @adamhetland on Instagram!
