We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Carr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Hannah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

I launched my business in 2019, inspired by a heartfelt gift from my husband — a camera for our first Christmas as a married couple. His encouragement fueled my passion to create a profession I truly loved. After dedicating time to learning how to use my camera and developing my editing style, I began offering my services to my neighbors, particularly families with high school-aged children, to gain experience and refine my craft.

My first paying client was the sister of a friend, for a family portrait session. That experience was incredibly meaningful — it marked a milestone in my entrepreneurial journey. To grow my presence, I started engaging with local Facebook groups and hosted mini photo sessions at a nearby park, which helped me build confidence and portfolio pieces.

The real turning point came when I received my first inquiry from a high school senior who was completely outside of my personal network or initial outreach efforts. This moment felt like a tipping point — proof that my work was resonating beyond my immediate circle. From that point onward, my senior photography business truly began to flourish, driven by authentic connections and a passion for capturing meaningful moments.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Hannah Carr, the owner and lead photographer behind Hannah Carr Photography, based in Ash Flat, Arkansas, and serving all of North Central Arkansas and beyond. I specialize in wedding photography, engagement sessions, high school senior portraits, and family portraits — with a focus on creating images that feel timeless, true to color, and full of real emotion.

My journey into photography began with a love for storytelling and connection, but it truly took shape thanks to my husband’s encouragement. He’s one of the hardest-working people I know, and he pushed me to pursue something I loved — something that would allow me to stay home with our kids while contributing to our family income in a meaningful way. I’ve always been drawn to capturing life as it happens — the laughter between newlyweds, the quiet confidence of a high school senior about to step into a new season, and the sweet chaos of families in their most genuine moments. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a business built on passion, purpose, and people.

When clients come to me, they’re not just looking for photos — they’re looking for someone who will make them feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, who will help them enjoy the experience as much as they’ll love the final images. That’s the problem I love solving most: turning what can sometimes feel awkward or stressful into something easy, fun, and unforgettable.

What sets me apart is my approach to authenticity and detail. I’m a firm believer that photography should be about more than perfectly posed smiles. I blend classic, traditionally posed portraits with candid, in-between moments that tell the real story. My editing style stays true-to-color, allowing the natural beauty of the day — the warm tones of a sunset, the soft greens of an Arkansas field, or the glow of wedding candlelight — to shine through.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built through my work. Many of my clients become repeat clients and even friends — couples who return for anniversary sessions, seniors who come back years later for engagement photos. It’s a reminder that what I’m creating isn’t just images; it’s a visual legacy of some of life’s most important seasons.

For anyone just discovering my work, I want them to know that I approach every session with intentionality, warmth, and professionalism. My goal is to make people feel genuinely seen — and to deliver photographs that will still make them smile 30 years from now. Whether I’m capturing a wedding day or a senior’s final year before graduation, I strive to create a photography experience that’s as meaningful as the images themselves.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of authentic word-of-mouth referrals and targeted local outreach. I focus on providing high-quality, personalized experiences to each client, which encourages them to share their positive experiences with friends and family. Additionally, I actively engage with local community groups and social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, to showcase my work and connect with potential clients. Hosting mini sessions and seasonal promotions has also helped attract new business and build my portfolio wider. By consistently delivering exceptional service and leveraging community trust, I’ve been able to steadily expand my client base organically.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creator is transforming something simple or ordinary into something extraordinary. I love capturing genuine moments and helping everyday people look and feel exceptional. Often, when I take initial photos, they are quite plain and flat, but through my editing process, I bring colors to life, making them pop and shine with a true wow factor. This creative process allows my artistry to flourish and serves as a wonderful outlet for stress. I cherish those moments—spending an hour or two with a client exploring nature or downtown areas—where I can craft epic shots that will stand the test of time and evoke lasting memories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hannahcarrphotography.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/hannahcarrphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahcarrphotography

Image Credits

(c) Hannah Carr Photography