Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Sowder.
Hi Hannah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For sure! I didnt have a ground breaking start into photography, it was something I always enjoyed growing up. However, I didnt really pursue more in depth opportunities with it until my mid-twenties.
I grew up with a family that loved documenting everything with photos and videos. This has been amazing to look back on and remember trips, birthdays, holidays, random events and fun things we did with each other over the years. I remember getting ready to go on my 8th grade Washington D.C. trip and I was mowing lawns saving up for the trip for spending money and I got a hot pink digital camera to take with me. I took pictures of everything while I was there! I feel that was probably a real start to the journey. I took pictures of different milestones and events over the years and when I was in college I got connected with the Miss America Organization and had another peaking moment with photography.
Being in pageants, you have your photo taken a lot. Photos are captured on stage, at events, professional headshots, awards, all kinds of things and for a variety of reasons! I loved getting dolled up and going to my headshot sessions but so often my favorite photos from the pageants where the candid ones where you could see my excitement, emotion, and true joy through the phases. It made me want to convey more of that in the images I take too versus focusing on posing the perfect image. That is one of my philosophies today with my business… you cant pose a perfect image. A perfect image is made when you can feel a laugh that was taking place, a tear from the heartfelt vows being read, or the warmth of a hug from your toddler. That is what feels “perfect” to me and I try to embody that with every session I do.
In 2020 I was working at a job I didn’t totally love while waiting on other doors to open. I decided I wanted to make my own door and open it and officially launched Hannah Danielle Photography, LLC. While COVID shut a lot of the world down, the outside was definitely our sanctuary for activity and photos could take place anywhere. I was able to secure some sessions even during a global shutdown and business started to take off. Now I specialize in lifestyle sessions and weddings looking to capture all the memories and milestones I can for my clients. It brings me so much joy that as of this year I have stepped away from my 7 year career in higher education to pursue photography full time! That is something I had no idea I would be able to do when I first started thinking about starting my business but boy am I so grateful!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has had its bumps along the way for sure! Taking a chance on something like photography comes with peaks and valleys. You have busy seasons and slow seasons. You have lots of interest and then you get ghosted and you are praying for bookings because you have a life that needs sustaining. You have obstacles you have to encounter with trends, establishing your brand, learning numerous aspects of business beyond just your craft. Its a lot! I have felt overwhelmed PLENTY of times and questioned if I am capable of what I have dreamt this business can be. But, my husband is a huge supporter of this business, my family and friends offer endless support, and I believe in my abilities. I am 5 years in and still continuing to learn and evolve the business with each year I get to do this. Plus, I have the best clients in the city that help keep this dream alive and flourishing!
I think one of my biggest struggles has been imposter syndrome. I feel that a lot of photographers, and other creatives, feel this way and it can be crippling sometimes. I have worked so hard on my brand, education around the craft, spent tons of money and hours investing in my skill set and gear and you want people to see that and trust you with their precious moments. However, when you are beginning and you see so many others in the place you hope to be it can be really intimidating. I had moments where I contemplated quitting, stepping away from certain kinds of sessions, and would get in my head about my abilities. However, I have a handful of returning clients that have turned into friends, I am recommended to others by word of mouth often, and the connections I have made through this business with other creatives have helped remind me that I am enough just as I am to make an impact in this industry.
Being an entrepreneur isnt easy, I think any business owner will tell you that. There are always struggles along the way, but how you handle those struggles and use them as motivation in the journey will continue to offer your business success. I know for me it has and I try to keep grinding through whatever the road may bring!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work a lot in Weddings and Lifestyle photography. I have attempted to focus on one or the other earlier on in my career but I missed being apart of both. So often when you become a photographer for a couple on their wedding day you have the chance to be invited back in as their family grows over the years. That is one of the absolute best compliments in my opinion!
I am so proud of the relationships I have made with people through this business. It has allowed me to document couples at the start of their love story, becoming a married couple, adding a new baby to the mix and watching that baby grow. I love it so much! I have been apart of senior sessions both for high school students and college graduates. I have captured family reunions, pregnancy announcements, first birthdays, celebrating a new home, surprise proposals, welcoming a new pet into the family, and so much more. Photography doesnt have to be stuck to moments that are the typical items you would like to have captured, its a way to preserve any moment you wish to cherish for years to come allowing you to be fully present while I preserve it. That is one of the most rewarding parts of this career!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can work with me in several ways but it starts by connecting! Reach out to me on my website, message me on socials, or send me an email. I am all ears when it comes to an idea and love being apart of the planning process on bringing that idea to life. If you are interested in something, just reach out!
As a local business owner, social media is a great way to collaborate and support me. Like my facebook page, follow me on instagram, like and share posts… all of these are free ways to support me and help increase my reach to others that might want to book for a session!
Pricing:
- – Weddings start at $2800 for 6hrs of coverage and go up from there.
- – One hour session is $350.
- – Minis are something I offer and share on my socials and are $200 at different times in the year.
- – Flexibility is available for different needs and session ideas!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hannahdaniellephotography.com
- Instagram: @hannahdaniellephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahdphotography
