Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hannah Gentiles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hannah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is an ongoing creation called Texture Presidio. This project, a messy photo essay and storytelling endeavor, is a celebration of what makes Presidio, Texas, a unique border town in Far West Texas. It’s a reflection of the diverse ‘textures’ of the community, from its people to its landscapes, and aims to share the beauty of this often overlooked border community. Having lived in the Big Bend Region for over a decade, I moved to my husband’s hometown of Presidio (pop. 3,047) from Marfa (pop. 1,641), Texas, a small but popular tourist destination one hour north on a gorgeous drive through the West Texas Mountains. I sought a way to share what I found special about this community, one very different than where I grew up in the suburbs outside of Austin, Texas, or from my decade in Nashville in my 20s.
What began, in part, as an outlet to practice my new interest in photojournalism, drawing from my background in Social Work & long-standing desire to use photography to reveal the beauty in the ordinary, has transformed into a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, and frankly jump-started my return to photography professionally. It provided an opportunity to meet new people and learn about the region’s rich history from those at the center of it, while also serving as a mirror reflecting my own evolution.
Each feature in the project is born from sitting down with different community members in relevant locations. There are no specific questions or goals—just a long conversation in chairs, on foot, or riding along with a new friend, allowing them to share their story in their way. Each chat, typically lasting a few hours, as we walk through spaces that hold great significance, without fail, leaves me feeling intense gratitude and honor for the privilege. These interactions are not solely about storytelling; they foster understanding and curiosity, connecting people outside the community to the Presidio I had fallen in love with (and in).
One purpose of each feature is to offer familiarity with the town to help welcome and guide visitors interested in a more authentic trip experience. Something many other places in the region have successfully done through the more robust social media presence of those who travel through their respective area. Living in Marfa, working at a popular Glamping Hotel, I witnessed the sheer ripple effect and power of word of mouth via social media posts. We had visitors from across the globe and of varying degrees of connectedness.
Presidio had as much to offer, yet it wasn’t on their radar – a fact I wondered might be due to my unique access, thanks to my now husband’s guidance. Off roadin’ in the dunes, late nights dancing and listening to corridos at the local bar, trips to Ojinaga for al pastor and decked out micheladas, quiet star-filled nights around a fire, and helping to make homemade empanadas & tamales in his mom’s kitchen. All things someone simply driving through would miss. At first, I thought these were all things that needed to be kept secret, appreciating the place to escape the busy feeling of Marfa tourism, and the choice of the local community to keep things quiet and slow. I always felt clear that I was getting experiences rooted in the region’s culture that others didn’t have access to. In contrast, in Marfa, I often feel like a fish in a fishbowl or working at an amusement park. I could be easily overwhelmed trying to keep up appearances (although small, it would triple in size on the weekends) – and no one wants Presidio to mirror the often overwhelming and divided Marfa.
However, after making a full-time move and experiencing the reality & struggle of lacking growth opportunities, both financially and otherwise, I hoped to find a way to share the authenticity Presidio had preserved, honoring its stories and extending a hand out to others in a way that also feeds it. Quiet & slow & safe are wonderful, but having extremely limited access to resources and not being able to work sustainably isn’t.
Knowing I couldn’t be the voice, I hoped that by sitting with community members, I might find a way to use my skills in conversation & photography to reach the few outside people I’m privileged to be connected to through other channels. Personally, it felt like a massive departure from what I was comfortable with, I’d typically taken a back stage role to such endeavors or talked myself out of them all together – but this time I felt like the culmination of my life experiences, the years I had the privilige of building relationships with people and conversations I’d had locally where people voiced wanting to grow and be seen & highlight their beloved city, but didn’t know how -that led me to that moment – were telling me I had a responsibility to at least try despite the risk it felt.
It felt important, and even though I had no idea what I was doing – for the first time, maybe ever – I just began.
This collection of conversations has guided my journey while living in Presidio, offering opportunities to connect with people I might not have otherwise spent such intimate time with, and the platform to push me towards initiating them. This experience has had a ripple effect, linking me to other stories and places in the community and ultimately shaping my narrative. It’s led to candid conversations in the grocery store & at the Holiday parades, and in people’s kitchens in a community that is primarily filled with families connected to this land for generations.
These conversations helped me understand and navigate the unique place my husband comes from, challenging my perceptions, experiences, and assumptions. My curiosity and willingness to be present have granted me the opportunity to learn how much everyone wants to be seen and heard, and the truest gift of being present with another person. Something I’d always valued, but struggled to put into practice, this project helped me do that.
This journey has served as a crash course in humility, intentionality, authentic storytelling, listening, being present, challenging, and being challenged by both personal and cultural biases. It has also bolstered my self-worth. It confronted my imposter syndrome, prompting essential questions that helped define who I am and who I aspire to be as a photographer, community member, and friend—truly pushing me headfirst. It’s helped me shift my perspective from viewing photography as a competitive sport to an art form that’s enriched by the inspiration and support of fellow artists – and that starts with me, encouraging others first. I have been so grateful for the support of other photographers.
However, the journey was not without challenges. There were profound moments of self-doubt when I questioned my ability to do justice to the stories entrusted to me, always doubting my right to even be in the room in the first place. But these challenges were integral to my growth, shaping my work and me as an individual; teaching me the beauty in trusting myself and being willing to learn from any mistakes made. As a wise friend advised during a particularly doubtful period – “All you can do is ask yourself the hard questions and get right with yourself.” Words that ring in my ear often.
But each conversation would affirm my initial instinct towards the goal of some sort of…goodness.
Texture Presidio has led to a series of other projects and influenced how I approach new opportunities. It transformed a doubtful photographer who struggled to find purpose and intention into someone who appreciates the importance of highlighting other people’s voices. In time, this has helped me discover my voice, and the ongoing process of capturing this region continues to teach me valuable lessons and introduce me to people from all walks of life. This project has not only shaped my past work but also inspired and informed my approach to future creative endeavors, igniting a passion for storytelling and social impact that continues to drive me that started as an outlet for practicing my new interest in photojournalism, calling upon a long-standing interest in using photography to help share beauty in the ordinary, became a transformative journey of personal growth and self-discovery. It was a way to meet new people and learn about the rich history of the region, but it also became a mirror reflecting my own evolution.
One of my favorite stories comes from a chance meeting at the opening of Presidio’s first art gallery, which featured some of my photography. Another artist was displaying her gorgeous embroidery work, which she had sewn onto various dresses. I had a big party for my first wedding anniversary coming up, and had been looking for something special to wear. In a swift moment, I approached the maker, Aymee—Her daughter translated for us as we all grew increasingly excited about the prospect of Aymee designing something special for my dress.
What began as a timid conversation ended with an invitation to see Aymee’s childhood adobe home across the river in Ojinaga, Mexico – where she lives and often does her best work. Several days later, I traveled with her whole family to their small ranch and spent the afternoon eating homemade burritos, drinking coffee, and being walked through the kaleidoscopic space, with every intimate detail explained. Down to the bright green front door painted by her grandfather (who helped raise her) decades ago – a fact shared by Aymee with tears in her eyes as she sweetly laid her palm on the wood. The day culminated in the grand presentation of my newly embroidered dress, adorned with flowers and cacti in stunning colors across the chest. It was a day filled with tears and laughter and Spanish poetry, and it will forever be one of the highlights of my time living on the border. Aymee’s sweet husband, Vicente, present on our day together and a massive part of her story and life, would tragically pass a few weeks later. Aymee and her daughter Aileen allowed me to share a little bit about his story too, sharing old photos and stories of his time. Written with streaming tears in my eyes, thinking of my own father who’d passed in my early twenties. The opportunity to help honor him and even hug them during his wake, after only knowing them a mere couple of months – there are no words for that sort of honor.
While I’ve been a photographer for over 2 decades, my late entry into photojournalism has come at a significant disadvantage in a world run by connections and experience. Texture Presidio has served as an unintentional self-created educational experience. Helping me sharpen my tools and demonstrate to myself and potential future entities what I’m capable of. While my most significant gift will always be getting to sit down with so many people and hear their stories, the ability to create a path for myself is another gift I will always be grateful to Presidio for. It wouldn’t have been possible in the same way, in any other place. Presidio is just a place, one that has meant a lot to me and, in turn, taught me a lot about myself. I aim to carry that curiosity and observation wherever my feet land.
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?
I am a freelance photographer living in Far West Texas. I studied photography and Social Work at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Working primarily in the field of Social Work during my ten years, using photography as a creative outlet to balance the heaviness of day-to-day work. I dabbled in portrait and wedding photography, working for other photographers and selling prints of images of my travels.
In 2015, after a decade in Nashville, I moved to Marfa, Texas, where my older sister had been living for several years. I had visited a few times and always felt drawn to its unmatched magic desert energy. Still, frankly, I didn’t think it was for me until I realized it was exactly what I was seeking. A town of fewer than 2,000 that draws tourists from across the globe because of its art galleries, restaurants, and festivals, all under the vast desert landscape and clear skies – hours from the next big city. An experience that can only be truly understood through living it, creating a uniquely connected community. You rely on each other and share a bond in ways you don’t in bigger cities, out of necessity. I spent the first few years exploring internally and externally – meeting my now husband in the first few months. Ubaldo grew up on the border in Presidio, the next town an hour south, and gave me access to some of the region’s most magical, quiet, and loud spaces. During these adventures, I used photography as my primary tool for exploration and a resource for curiosity and processing a whole heap of new things.
During the pandemic, an opportunity arose with our local newspaper, offering me the chance to do freelance photography for them on occasion. I’d quickly fall in love with it, questioning my college advisor, never thinking to mention that the perfect marrying of social work and photography could be found in photojournalism. I realized storytelling was the approach I’d been carrying in photography from the beginning – never fully finding my footing because I didn’t fit into more traditional photo careers. This realization opened a whole world of possibilities and inspiration for me. Before this moment, I’d never considered that I could make a living as a photographer. Among my doubts about my abilities, I didn’t see who would want to hire me. It was a slow process, but my perspective changed; the more photojournalism I did, the more I began to see a path towards using my unique voice/vision. As my desire to work as a photojournalist grew, I began to open up to opportunities that started coming my way involving a large variety of photography, because now it had a purpose it didn’t have before. I could develop my authentic style while also helping to pay for more photojournalism opportunities, which typically don’t pay much.
As I began to say yes, my connection to the work grew more and more. Genuinely enjoying portrait, events, and product photography – seeing it all as storytelling and truly feeling like each one was unique.
My whole mentality about photography shifted. I used to doubt the creativity and integrity behind each session. Taking each as an opportunity to spend time with people, hear their stories, and try my best to reflect that in their photos, no matter how much time together we have.
I offer photo sessions in beautiful places in the Big Bend region. One of the privileges of living here full-time is getting to explore and find some stunning and intimate spots. One of my favorite things I offer is adventure elopements. As a certified officiant, I get to provide both roles of photographer and officiant, allowing it to just be the three of us in a location that feels extremely intimate and special. Another unexpected role I’ve found myself in is that of a child of a preacher, who I watched perform countless weddings growing up. These adventure elopements can be as short and sweet or long and intricate as you’d like. As someone who eloped myself, I’m a big fan of anything that helps make your nuptials feel truly special.
As a photographer in this isolated yet massive region, I’ve found myself wearing a myriad of photographer hats. Everything from shooting gallery exhibits, festivals, intimate newborn shoots, quinceneras, live shows, surprise proposals, intimate weddings, authors’ portraits, and the list goes on and on. The variety of work keeps me constantly learning and growing, and never dull. I’ve had the privilege of working with Texas Monthly on several occasions, and each feels like such a massive honor.
As mentioned prior, I’ve had the privilege of navigating life on the border through a local storytelling and photo project called Texture Presidio – which has been the throuline of it all.
I firmly believe that my experiences living in West Texas and along the border have been instrumental in shaping all of the work I do. Because it has taken me so long to get here, I don’t take any opportunity for granted, and I hope I bring that energy with me for every chance I get.
I aim to create a collaborative experience that feels as natural as possible, providing images that are as authentic as the relationships we are celebrating. Our pictures will stand the test of time, leaning into nostalgia and highlighting the best of today, utilizing light and texture to capture the moment in its authenticity.
I specialize in crafting visual stories for all sorts of special occasions. Whether you’re commemorating your nuptials, aiding in your journalistic endeavors, capturing unforgettable moments with your nearest and dearest, or freezing pivotal events, I can uniquely capture those intimate moments & projects.
While I love to traverse the entire Big Bend region, I also love a good road trip and am always open to journeying to you!
I am inspired by the dance between the desert’s harshness & graceful simplicity; I aim to capture the beautiful hues, textures & shapes that result from this relationship– to capture the hearts & bones of the wild west. To capture the truest moments between loved ones and the beauty of ordinary moments.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
In the remote region of Big Bend, the majority of my new clients come from referrals from fellow photographers and industry folks, as well as other community friends & acquaintances. It highlights the beauty in supporting your peers and moving through life with intention and kindness.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to build a business that feels authentic to me and my unique perspective/vision/story. Creating an intimate experience that is sought after based on those qualities is what I dream of. Continuing to hone in on precisely what that style is, what keeps me motivated to keep creating and perfecting the best avenues to create the most fruitful and natural environment, no matter the project or timeframe. Creating the most fertile ground for connection that translates into a truthful and beautiful rendering.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hannahgentiles.com
- Instagram: hannahgentiles; texturepresidio
- Facebook: hannah gentiles photography
Image Credits
All my images.