We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Korte 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. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

The short answer, yes! I am extremely happy doing what I do, but I do wonder if having a regular job might be easier. I often get overwhelmed as a business owner, and I often think it would just be easier to work for someone else so I can clock out at 5pm and not think about anything until the next day. However, any other time I have had a “regular job” all I can think about is how much I would rather have my camera in my hand, photographing life’s milestone and being in the studio. For me, there is no other feeling like it. So even on days when I am ready to throw in the towel, I can’t help but think of all the great opportunities that are still to come. Keeping up with a house, friends, family, pets, and a business that you run completely by yourself is a challenge. Finding balance is the hardest part about all of this. As I write this, it’s in the middle of my busy season and I can’t tell you how many times just today I have thought to myself “Why couldn’t you just pick a normal job? You’d actually have time to go do other things you’d enjoy.” Even with that thought I know a normal job would never bring me the joy this job does. Even on the hardest days!

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

I am a freelance photographer, retoucher, and assistant from southeast Michigan! I got my start taking photos for my high school yearbook and being approached to do some of my classmate’s senior photos. I had never considered it for a career until I started my senior year of high school. I applied to the College for Creative Studies just to see if I could even get it and I did! I visited the school, fell in love with it and that was that! I graduated from there with a bachelor’s degree in photography in 2016 and transitioned to solely freelance work about 6 months later and have been doing that ever sense.

I primarily photograph senior portraits, families, engagements, weddings, etc. I also assist local commercial photographers on set as well as retouch photos for other people! I enjoy doing a lot of different things because it ensures nothing ever gets too boring! There is always something new to do and learn. My goal when you are in front of my camera is to create a fun environment and hopefully create a space where you forget the camera is there. Those are always the best photos because you get the most genuine smiles. It’s a special job to be able to be there and share so many unique and noteworthy moments in people’s lives, It’s one of my favorite parts.

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

The most rewarding aspect of this job has been being able to share such special moments with your clients and give them something that will get potentially passed on to the next generations. Don’t get me wrong, not every moment is sunshine and rainbows but it’s a unique experience I am thankful for. There have been countless moments that I get to share with people and be a part of that I wouldn’t be able to if it weren’t for my job. There have been several clients that I have photographed their engagements, weddings and now I am getting to witness and document their families growing! It’s truly special.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my business have been networking for me and making sure I keep in touch with people whether it’s through social media or in person. For instance, I will volunteer my skills for a charity event or a school event in the area. Not only is rewarding to donate my time, but it also serves as a great way to get to know the community and meet new people! Especially after having 2 years of not really being able to be face to face with people, word of mouth and making a good impression in person are so important.

Contact Info:

• Website: hannahkortephotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah_korte_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannahKortePhotography
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hannah_korte_photo