Check Out Hannah McWhorter’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah McWhorter.

Hi Hannah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been telling stories for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my dad was obsessed with movies—like, the kind of obsessed where every Friday night was a new film and a full-blown analysis afterward. He passed that love on to me, not just for watching movies, but for understanding them—the lighting, the pacing, the emotion. I was always drawn to the way a good story could make you feel something and stay with you.

That naturally turned into me picking up a camera and documenting everything—my friends, little moments, anything I could turn into it’s own little story. Eventually, I went to film school to learn the technical side of storytelling, but it’s always been rooted in emotion for me.

Now, I get to tell stories through photography and filmmaking—whether I’m capturing the energy of a live concert, the raw emotion of a wedding day, or the mood and atmosphere of a hotel or Airbnb. Every project is about making something that feels honest, cinematic, and intentional.

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?
Definitely not a smooth road—but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. There have been plenty of moments of self-doubt, burnout, and comparison, especially in the early days when I was figuring out my style and where I fit in the creative world. Running a creative business means constantly wearing a million hats—artist, marketer, editor, admin—and that can get overwhelming fast.

One of the biggest struggles for me was working for other media companies that didn’t value my time, my vision, or what I brought to the table. There were times I wasn’t paid what I was worth, and I felt more like a content machine than a creative partner. Some companies were more focused on flaunting excessive wealth—especially in the real estate world—than telling meaningful stories. I had experiences where the priority was making things look “expensive” rather than honest, beautiful, or human, and that never sat right with me.

I also had to learn—through experience—who I do and don’t want to work with. Not every client is a good fit, and early on, I said yes to things that didn’t align with my values or creative vision. It was draining, but it taught me a lot about boundaries, and about building a business that actually reflects who I am.

At the end of the day, I feel really confident in who I am and the unique perspective I bring to my work—that’s something I always come back to.

I think a huge part of being in a creative industry is learning to say no. Protecting your energy, your creativity, and your point of view is essential to building something sustainable. Not every opportunity is meant for you—and I really believe the right people, the ones who value your work and your voice, will find you when you’re fully aligned with yourself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in photography and filmmaking, driven by a deep passion for storytelling. My work spans a wide range of creative fields, including weddings, concerts, branding for small businesses, and capturing the essence of hotels and Airbnb spaces. Each project presents a unique opportunity to capture something meaningful, whether it’s the raw emotion of a wedding, the energy of a live concert, or the distinct vibe of a space. I believe that every story is worth telling, and I approach each project with the intent to capture something that resonates deeply.

Right after film school, I dove into a variety of projects, working on sets for home renovation shows, The Voice, random wrestling shows, and a few movie sets. This experience taught me how to thrive under pressure and collaborate with large teams. Along the way, I worked as an in-house video editor in the retail space, editing commercials and promotional content. This role helped sharpen my technical skills and gave me insight into the fast-paced world of commercial production.

From there, I transitioned into luxury real estate photography, showcasing stunning properties and highlighting their design, atmosphere, and character. This shift allowed me to apply my creative eye to an architectural context and capture the essence of each space, revealing what makes it unique.

Currently, alongside running my own business, Hannah Who Media, I’m fortunate to work on MIgardener, a YouTube channel where I use my filmmaking and editing skills to create engaging, informative content. This opportunity has allowed me to blend my love for YouTube and content creation with my passion for storytelling, while helping build a community around informative, engaging videos.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of capturing moments of incredible artists like Stevie Wonder and Harry Styles. But it’s also the small businesses and everyday stories that truly resonate with me. One of my favorite Airbnb projects, for example, became the most saved Airbnb in Michigan after using my photos. It’s a powerful reminder of how impactful visuals can be for businesses.

Travel is a significant part of both my personal life and my work. I love documenting love stories while exploring new places and have had the opportunity to capture hotels and Airbnbs across the country. Some of my most fulfilling projects have involved working with historical bed and breakfasts, where I help bring to life the beauty of these often underappreciated spaces. Each location has its own story, and I’m honored to document it.

Having been trained at Motion Picture Institute, I apply those filmmaking techniques to every project, whether it’s a wedding, a branding shoot, or a real estate listing. The goal is always to create something that feels timeless, immersive, and deeply connected to its subject. My work is about more than just images; it’s about capturing the essence of a moment, a place, or a person in a way that feels part of a larger, meaningful experience.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity in everything I do. I’m not just capturing moments; I’m focused on bringing out the real emotion, atmosphere, and energy that makes each project unique. My clients come to me for more than just beautiful images; they want something that feels personal and true to them. That’s what I’m most proud of: creating work that reflects the unique essence of the people, places, and experiences I’m fortunate enough to capture.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
To me, taking risks is all about dreaming big and seeing what happens when you fully go for something. But it’s not just about jumping in without thinking—it’s about taking the time to really know yourself and what excites you, so you can figure out what risks are worth taking. I’ve always had a creative side, but I’m also someone who values being smart about it. Having your finances in order is key to making those risks a reality, because when everything’s aligned, you’re free to make decisions that truly feel right for you. It’s about being intentional, taking risks that make sense for where you’re at, and trusting that what’s aligned for you will feel clear when the time comes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hannahwho.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah.who
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hannah-who