Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Greenman.
Hi Hannah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was about 12 or 13. I remember taking a photo one day, my dad mentioned that it was really good, and that simple statement sent me onto this path I’ve found myself for 20 years. I photographed nature and animals as much as I possibly could and learned through trial and error up until I went to college. I ended up taking courses and having a concentration in Photography alongside my Studio Art Degree. My college classes required me to try out film photography (which I fell in love with) and also to start taking portraits of people, something I was absolutely terrified to do! Shortly after I graduated, someone asked me to do their senior photos, then someone asked me to do family photos, engagement photos, and then I got asked to document a wedding. The rest is history!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has not always been a smooth one, and I still have my struggles to this day. I’ve struggled with self-doubt and self-criticism; Am I doing enough? Am I good enough? Are my visions silly? I’ve always had to balance my business alongside other aspects of my life, like part-time and full-time jobs, and now being a stay-at-home (or I guess a work-from-home) mom to a toddler. Finding a good work/life balance so that I can be present for my daughter, my family, and myself, while also giving my little business and clients the attention and care that is so deserved.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My focuses right now are family, motherhood/matrnity, and smaller weddings! My shooting style, my editing process, everything about how I work has changed and evolved over the years. If I had to use 3 words to describe my overall style now, it would be: documentary, filmy, and natural. I’m a sucker for the grittiness and nostalgia of film photography, genuine true to color editing, finding movement and connection in those that I’m photographing. I really strive to create timeless photos that hold emotion in them. The consistent feedback I get from clients is that I’m super laidback and relaxed, and I like to think those qualities really translate in my work.
I’ve always viewed photography as my art; it’s not just something I do for work. I cull through every single photo to pick out the best. I hand edit every photo individually, and I strive to have my galleries tell a story as a whole. I’m finding now that my style is true to me; it genuinely represents who I am as an artist and photographer. That all stands out to the people who choose to work with me!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think going full-time in any artistic field inherently involves some degree of risk. You’re putting your art out there as a representation of you, and you’re betting on people to take a chance on you and to spread the word about you. I dove into this full-time directly after my daughter was born 3 years ago. Before that, I always had another job as a “safety net”. But my husband and I really wanted me to be able to stay home with her and I have always wanted to have the freedom to make my own work schedule. It was terrifying to go full time with a newborn, but it was my dream and I really needed the push to go for it.
It’s also worth mentioning that it is not a consistent income; no matter how important I think it is to have photos taken, it’s not always someone else’s priority to spend their money on a photographer. It’s simply not a necessity. This field is heavily dictated by the economy and costs of basic needs. I love what I do, and the uncertainty and inconsistency behind the work is genuinely worth it year after year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hannahgreenmanphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahgreenmanphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahgreenmanphotography/
