Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Hanna
Hi Jenn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a creative spirit, even though my primary career path has been in corporate law. For years, I channeled my creativity into things like makeup artistry and party planning. I’ve always had a love for making things beautiful, whether it was organizing an event or experimenting with different artistic mediums. Photography, for me, was a fun hobby that I never took too seriously—until I started combining it with my other interests.
When I’d have photos taken of my kids, I would often go above and beyond, creating my own handmade props and full set designs. My kids’ photographer would often encourage me to pursue photography professionally because of my natural eye for creating visually striking setups. But at the time, I didn’t think I could step into it as a career—I was focused on my passion for corporate law, which I had been working hard to build.
But over time, I realized I could no longer ignore this creative pull. I’ve always been someone who, once I make a decision, I’m all in—150%. So I took the leap. I invested in new gear, built my social media presence, and immersed myself in learning the craft. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m now living in a space where I can merge both my love for creativity and my drive for excellence, and it’s incredibly fulfilling.
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 definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road. Just a week after starting my business, my mom was diagnosed with brain cancer. That was a devastating moment, and there were many difficult times that followed. I had to make sacrifices in my business to be there for her, which I would do again without hesitation. It wasn’t easy balancing the demands of a new career with the emotional and physical demands of caregiving.
However, I have a strong faith in God, and I’m naturally a positive person, so I always try to find the silver lining, even in the hardest situations. Photography became a source of joy and creativity that helped bring me happiness during some very tough times. I truly believe that I was meant to start my business at that exact moment, even though it came with challenges.
On top of personal struggles, I also dealt with my own perfectionism. It can be hard not to compare yourself to others, especially when you’re just starting out and see so many talented photographers who have been in the game much longer. I’ve had to remind myself not to get caught up in comparisons, but, in hindsight, I think it was a good thing—it pushed me to constantly learn, grow, and improve my skills for my clients. In a way, those challenges made me a stronger photographer and business owner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a luxury photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and milestone photography, with a particular focus on newborn photography. It’s what I’m most known for, and I truly have a passion for capturing those early, fleeting moments that parents will treasure forever.
What sets me apart from other photographers is a combination of factors. First, it’s my dedication to customer service. Many of my clients tell me how much they loved their photoshoot experience, which is something I’m incredibly proud of. I aim to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere for both the parents and the baby. My studio is designed to be a peaceful environment where parents can unwind while I focus on capturing beautiful moments. I want parents to walk in, sit down with a coffee or snack, and simply relax while I take care of everything. I’m very empathetic to the needs of new parents—whether it’s their first child or not—knowing that they’re often running on little sleep and stretching themselves thin. I’ve even had parents take a nap during their baby’s shoot, which I fully encourage!
Secondly, my creativity sets me apart. I approach each session with a vision, carefully planning and composing every detail. From selecting the right props and backdrops to envisioning the final edit, I create each setup with intention and precision. My attention to detail is something I’ve always prided myself on, and I believe it’s a big part of what makes my work stand out. Every shot is thoughtfully composed to ensure it’s not just a photo, but a work of art that tells a story.
What I’m most proud of is the connection I build with my clients and the lasting memories I help create. It’s such an honor to be part of their journey and to capture the pure joy of their growing families. The relationships I’ve built with clients over the years have been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Honestly, I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a supportive community of fellow photographers from the very beginning. When I first launched my business, so many photographers in my area reached out to congratulate me and offer advice. They answered all my questions, shared their experiences, and genuinely wanted me to succeed. I’m beyond grateful for the photographers who embrace the philosophy of community over competition. Their kindness and encouragement played a huge role in my confidence and growth as a photographer.
I also owe a great deal of thanks to my clients, especially those early clients who took a chance on me when my portfolio was still in its infancy. They put their trust in me, allowing me to capture such important moments in their lives, and that trust means the world to me. They gave me the freedom to express my authentic creative self, and I’ll always be thankful for that. I never take the responsibility of documenting these precious milestones lightly. To those clients who were there from the start, I hope they know just how deeply grateful I am for their belief in me. I truly couldn’t have reached this point without their support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://book.usesession.com/i/KU-bgzORK
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennhannaphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082678244410
