Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Savannah Warner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Savannah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Ever since my sisters and I were little, our Dad has always made sure music was a big part of our lives. His favorite game to play with us growing up was: “Hey, who sings this song?” and I remember always feeling so proud when I’d get it right. Music was constantly on in our house growing up and if you ask what kind of music I listen to, my answer is going to be, “Literally everything!” It is a big part of who I am now and has gotten me through some really, really hard times. I like to think my love for music and photography go hand in hand. If you’ve ever done a session with me, you know my phone is out and my first question is: “What kind of music do you want to listen to?” It’s helped with connecting me to my clients in so many ways. Whether it’s been bonding over an artist we both love or just hearing the stories of songs that mean a lot to them. Music is an essential part of my business This summer I launched what my cousin has coined my “passion project”! The Resilient Hearts Photography Lovers Playlist is a series I’ve been working on for a little while now. The inspiration struck when I was driving home from a shoot one night and I was listening to Memory Lane by Old Dominion. I remember feeling like I could see the song play out in my head. Two people running through a neighborhood at sunset. Nostalgic, playful, romantic. All of the fun things! I knew I had to create that feeling. My dream for this series is to create beautiful and fun photos based off of songs that make me feel something. Songs I can feel in my chest when I listen to them. I released the first set of photos this summer, based off of the song Memory Lane by Old Dominion. This series is fun for me because it’s a chance to really just have fun with my work with no pressure and no rules! I have had so much fun exploring how different songs make me feel and getting inspiration for my next set of photos, which will be coming out soon!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Sure! I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based out of Louisville, Kentucky. I love to travel, though, and have photographed all over the world from Milwaukee, Italy, Panama City Beach, Houston, Denver, and Paris to name a few! The joy of my heart really is photographing weddings. When I first started photography back in 2020, weddings scared me to death and I swore I’d only ever photograph families and seniors. That was until I was a second shooter at a wedding and fell in love with it. Since 2021, I’ve worked hard to find my place in the wedding industry. I’ve found that so much of being successful in this industry all comes down to believing in yourself. Believe in your talent and your work. Put yourself out there. It’s amazing how God has used my business to grow my confidence and to heal my heart in so many ways. Photography isn’t something I grew up doing, like many people who are professionals in this industry, but it’s something that has radically changed my life for the better. I feel like my photos, editing, and brand all encompass who I am as a person: Bright, bold, fun-loving and warm! I love for my photos to exude joy and that “warm fuzzy” feeling! I am proud of my recently publications in British Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Kentucky Bride Magazine. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be where I am, but I feel so blessed that this is what I get to do for a living.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I truly think that the relationships I build with my clients has had the biggest influence on my reputation in the wedding industry. When it comes down to it, Brides want a photographer that they can trust. I spend more time with my brides than anyone else does during the wedding day. Since the beginning, I’ve wanted my brides to see me as a friend. I want them to be excited when I get to their venue, like another bridesmaid has just shown up, and most importantly, I want them to have full confidence in my abilities and my care for their photos. It makes a huge difference for both my and my clients when there is a friendship there!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Just show up! Show your face, your everyday life, your dog, your family, something fun you’re working on. People like following people they can relate to. Once I stopped taking social media so seriously and started posting for fun, that’s when I felt like I truly started to gain a following. Post what you feel like your followers care about and can relate to. I may be a business owner, but I’m also a 27 year old who loves to travel, hangout with friends, go to concerts, etc. Behind the business I truly am just like every other 27 year old girl. Don’t be so serious with it, have fun! Once it becomes a chore, that’s when you really need to step back and take a look at your processes!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.resilientheartsphotography.com
• Instagram: @resilientheartsphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resilientheartsphotography/
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/resilientheartsphotography/

Image Credits

Photo of Savannah: Madison Renee Photography