We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Rios 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. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

The day I decided to take a risk that would entirely change my career field—and possibly my life—was the day I chose to quit my comfortable job and life to pursue my dream.

Looking back, I realize it was a slow buildup to this moment. I had always been involved in and in love with photography. I captured every moment I could, asked people to pose, and taught myself how to shoot and market my work. The cameras, backpacks, and sceneries changed, but the idea remained constant: I wanted to be a professional photographer, a photojournalist—someone who could preserve memories in physical form.

Watching my grandfather record and photograph his travels, family milestones, and even the things he found beautiful was a constant source of inspiration. Looking back at his photographs and tapes, I could feel and see what he must have felt. In the films of him sitting quietly, capturing a sunset, I sensed his peace as he tried to hold onto that memory. The soft laughs and chatter between him and my grandma behind the camera are moments I cherish deeply.

That inspiration fueled my focus on capturing moments that I could revisit and relive. Even when I decided to put my pursuit on hold, get comfortable, settle down, and relegate my passion to a part-time hobby, the idea never left my mind.

But life didn’t sit well in that comfort zone for long. Things changed rapidly when my grandma became sick and began to struggle with her memory. Toward the end, we spent a lot of time reliving photographs and tapes to feel and see those memories one more time. After she passed, something clicked. Every sign led me back to photography.

So, I took the risk. I bought a camera and poured all my energy into learning again—relearning how to shoot, market, and brand myself as a documentary photographer. But one major obstacle remained: my full-time, demanding job.

The first tough conversation I had to have was with myself. I needed to believe—not just think—I could do this. I promised myself I would never work for anyone else again. I had to make this work. That meant creating business plans, preparing marketing strategies, and finding the drive to build this dream from the ground up—a bold move for someone with zero experience owning their own business.

The second tough conversation was quitting my job. Walking away felt both thrilling and terrifying. I wrestled with thoughts like, “Is this the first step?” “Do I start tomorrow?” “Am I crazy?”

But now, I can confidently say that the person writing this did it. Every single day, I worked harder than the day before, reached out to more potential clients, took on longer gigs, and refused to settle until I achieved my goals. And when I met those goals, they unlocked new levels of creativity, self-belief, and ambition. I went from having zero clients to turning clients away because I was fully booked for the year.

Taking the risk was meant to happen. When you’re passionate about something that constantly calls your name, you need to listen. Now, I spend my days still chasing and loving the dream—capturing every memory I can for others and for myself.

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

For those who may not know me yet, my name is Hannah Rios or Hannah Lynn Photography, and I am a passionate documentary and professional photographer. My journey into photography began as a child, inspired by my grandfather, who always carried a camera on his travels. Watching him capture moments with care and reflecting on his work later gave me a profound appreciation for the power of photography to preserve memories and evoke emotions. Over time, this passion grew into a calling I couldn’t ignore.
Today, I specialize in capturing real, authentic moments for my clients—moments they can look back on and truly feel again. I mainly focus on Weddings, Portraits, Lifestyle and Branding. My services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. I also help individuals and businesses craft visual narratives that resonate with their audiences, building trust and connection through imagery.
I think of myself as more than a photographer—I’m a memory-keeper and storyteller. For anyone considering working with me, I want you to know that my focus is always on understanding your story and helping you tell it in the most meaningful way. Photography, for me, is deeply personal, and I bring that same care and intention to every project I take on.

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

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been rooted in transparency and authenticity. I firmly believe that being extremely transparent about who you are allows potential clients to truly connect with you and your work. People want to know the real you—the person behind the camera, the values you bring, and the passion that drives you. Staying true to your word, being honest, and delivering on promises have helped me build trust and strong relationships with my clients.

Consistency is another critical element. Whether it’s the quality of your work, your communication, or how you show up for your clients, consistency establishes reliability and builds confidence over time.

While aesthetics play a significant role, they’re not about fitting into a box or following trends. Instead, developing a personal style that reflects your creativity and allows you room to grow is key. A unique aesthetic helps you stand out while giving your clients a sense of what they can expect when they work with you.

By staying authentic, consistent, and creative within my style, I’ve been able to connect with clients who resonate with my vision, ensuring that the work we create together is meaningful and impactful.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Losing my grandparents, who were my greatest inspirations, was one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced. They sparked my passion for photography and instilled in me the courage to follow my dreams. After their passing, I felt like I had to navigate my journey alone. I was scared, but deep down, I believed in myself and felt that pursuing this path was my true calling.
Along the way, I encountered many signs that reassured me I was on the right track. Taking a leap of faith, I even moved to a new state—a risk that not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but also allowed my business to grow in ways I never imagined. That experience showed me the power of resilience and trusting yourself, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hlphotography.lightfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hlynn.photographs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannahLynn.Co?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Hannah Lynn Photography