We recently connected with Hannah Rozelle and have shared our conversation below.

Hannah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My mom is my hero. Growing up in the Philippines, we were constantly encouraged to study and finish school. Life was simple but it had its challenges. My parents worked hard to ensure that we were accepted to prestigious schools and graduated with degrees. I was fortunate to have a supportive family who let us pursue what we wanted to do in life. My dad always encouraged my mom’s career goals. He became a self-employed businessman, while my mom became a banker, which is her passion. It has always been an inspiration to me to see her succeed at a job she enjoyed. Having three kids while working a full-time job as a mother was not easy. She has taught me that hard work and dedication can lead to success.

My mom valued her career as well as her time. To maintain a balance between work and family life, she meticulously planned her schedule and prioritized her tasks. Even after long hours at work, spending time with us was a priority. Her example of commitment and love became the foundation for our own values and work ethic. She is truly committed and that’s why throughout her career she created innovative strategies, that increased the bank’s revenue significantly, eventually making her the top executive. Several prestigious awards were also earned for her exceptional performance. These awards included multiple Banker of the Year titles. Being able to see that as a young girl made it possible for me to believe that I could accomplish anything I put my heart in to. Watching her navigate challenges with grace has been a guiding force, inspiring me to approach challenges with the same resilience and determination she instilled in us. She truly left a lasting impression that shaped me into the person I am today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Hannah Rozelle. I’m a Filipino-born freelance photographer from Queens, New York. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts specializing in advertising arts. When I was in my early 20s, I always thought success would come from working in an office with a great title. My mindset changed when I moved to New York and experienced the city’s vibrant energy and diverse culture. It was during this time that I discovered many opportunities and career options for myself, including my love of photography. So as soon as I started working, I saved up and purchased my own professional DSLR camera.

The creative side of me always intrigued me, so I embarked on a journey to discover this craft. Every weekend after work, I collaborated with different artists and models I found on Instagram which made me explore conceptual photography and creative portraiture. As a result of all the practice, constant collaboration, and shooting, I got the opportunity to be a part of a few independent art exhibits in New York. Having this support in the art community has greatly contributed to my desire to pursue photography as a career.

I was always motivated to find my path in this industry, so the process of discovery never stopped. Eventually, I landed a position to work in the jewelry industry as a lifestyle photographer. At that time, the job made me feel fulfilled even if it wasn’t entirely my goal. It opened new doors for me to learn product photography. When I found this creative outlet, I practiced and learned the ropes, so I could take on different clients. To avoid becoming mired in my 9-5 job, I worked on personal projects and gigs on weekends. I’ve always felt that photography was my true calling, which is why I kept looking for what it truly means to me.

After exploring various avenues and working for a stable job with consistent pay, I felt exhausted and burned out. My true passion lies in capturing moments and telling stories through my lens. In 2023, while still employed, I took on more gigs and gradually gained the confidence to open a small business. And while the stability of a regular paycheck was comforting, the freedom to set my schedule and choose projects truly inspired me. I worked in my small home studio creating product shots for small brands while still doing creative work and fashion photography.

This year has opened up so many opportunities for me to explore my passion for fashion photography. I have collaborated with a variety of brands and worked on projects I never imagined I could do 5 years ago. I also created personal projects that helped me improve my skills. Through these experiences, I’ve honed my ability to conceptualize and execute creative visions, adapting to different styles and themes. Each project has pushed me to refine my technical skills and explore innovative approaches, making me more confident in my artistic journey.

Embracing the freelance lifestyle has allowed me to express my creativity and connect with an array of clients and communities. People, art, and culture are my main inspirations. I also attribute my style to growing up in the Philippines, which is infused with rich colors and dynamic compositions. With endless inspiration and diverse subjects to capture, living in New York enhances the quality of my work. My experiences have taught me to never stop learning and believing in myself because breaking into the creative industry as a freelancer comes with its own set of challenges. From finding consistent work to building a strong client base, it requires resilience and adaptability. In addition to that, standing out in a crowded market requires constant work and self-promotion, which can be challenging and stressful. Having confidence and a positive mindset will go a long way. It will be hard, but if you have a good head on your shoulders, you will succeed.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I took a leap of faith in August 2023 and followed my dream of working for myself and having flexible hours, something I had aspired of since I started working as a creative. For the past couple of years, I have worked 9-5 and taken product and lifestyle photos in the jewelry industry. I also made some valuable connections along the way that led me to do small events and weekend portrait shoots.
Despite being stable and consistent, my full-time job was exhausting and tiring. My busy schedule and lack of time for myself always make it difficult for me to find a balance between work and life. As a result, I became burnt out and lost confidence in my future. There was always a fear in my mind that I might lose my consistently paying job if I chose my own time and flexibility. But one day, I realized that if I wanted to move forward, I had to change my narrative. The decision to quit my 9-5 job only took a couple of months of overthinking, late-night editing, and motivation from family and friends. At that moment, I felt a sense of freedom I will never forget.
I learned how to be resilient and to trust my instincts on this journey. I worked day and night pitching emails and learning how to run my own business while practicing my skills. I also read books and listened to podcasts that will help my mindset goals. I created a habit that will help me achieve what I want in my business and career. Finding clients and gigs was difficult at the beginning, but eventually, I found my footing. I was able to embrace uncertainty and develop a deeper understanding of my capabilities and desires. As I faced challenges and rejections from clients, I grew more confident in my ability to navigate the unpredictable landscape of self-employment, ultimately finding fulfillment in the freedom I had long desired. Despite the challenges, I am happier now than when I had my full-time job, and appreciate the opportunity to grow and learn. Currently, I have a steady flow of clients who hire me regularly and keep my business afloat which I am very grateful for every day.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Having the opportunity to discover and learn new things is what I find most rewarding about being creative. As a photographer, I get to collaborate with talented individuals in the industry who have so much to teach me. Having new perspectives and exchanging ideas with people I meet fuels my creativity. Each project I create forces me to step outside my comfort zone, which helps me learn and adapt to various skills. Overall, this creative journey has been a rewarding experience that has allowed me to reach my full potential and express myself more authentically.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hannahrozelle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahrozelle_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-rozelle-deveras-5ba1a320a/

Image Credits

1. Editorial for Lo’ammi Magazine
Photographer: Hannah Rozelle
Model – Gillian Ryan
MUA – Raya Griffin
Stylist – Kristen Lamont

2. Spring Day in New York
Photographer – Hannah Rozelle
Model – Aislin Frey Pax
Make-up & hair – Yukiko Fuse

3. Fashion Portraits of Gianna
Photographer- Hannah Rozelle
Model – Gianna Coyne
Make-up & Hair – Pamela Papageorgiou
Stylist – Kristen Lamont

4. Fashion Editorial for Fang Nyc
Photographer – Hannah Rozelle
Model – Gio Rojo
Brand – Fang Nyc

5. Product Photo for Perdiem Nyc
Photography & Direction – Hannah Rozelle
Model – Cecilia Ali
Make-up & Hair – Pamela Papageorgiou
Brand – Perdiem Nyc

6. Sports Day with Mckenna
Photographer – Hannah Rozelle
Model – Mckenna Hiller
Hair – Kaille Mendoza
Stylist – Bella Lagana

7. Fashion Editorial
Photographer – Hannah Rozelle
Model – Liz Reyes
Make-up & Hair – Linda Bee
Stylist – Kerene Graham
Studio Assist – Won Jun Seok

8. Fashion Editorial for Artells Magazine
Photographer – Hannah Rozelle
Makeup-artist – Rio Kinoshita
Stylist – Bella Lagana
Model – Madeline Sawyer
Studio Assistant – Won Jun Seok