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

Hannah, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

I wish I could go back in time and tell myself that becoming a professional photographer isn’t a pipe dream. In school I was never really interested in any one particular subject so when it came time to decide what I wanted to study in college, I chose Marketing. I chose it because I liked my high school teacher and the class wasn’t terribly boring. Not necessarily the best reason to choose a major but I rolled with it. And I although I don’t regret that decision, I do regret not keeping up with the hobbies that fueled my creative side.

I’ve had different types of cameras almost my entire life (polaroids, disposable, waterproof, DSLR, etc) but I never really pursued it on a deeper level until the pandemic hit. My settings were always on auto and I never really learned how to edit outside of Instagram or VSCO. I didn’t take photography classes in high school or even in college but I was still always the girl taking photos, especially when I traveled.

I think I was too scared to ever ask anyone to model for me, unless they came to me first which happened once or twice with friends for senior photos and such. It wasn’t until I met a friend in college who was doing photography full time, and showed me that it was possible, that I considered starting a business. Even still my idea of who I want to be as a photographer has changed drastically over the years.

Sometimes I think about how much farther along I could be in my skillset if I had taken the time to really learn it at a younger age. But at the same time, photography came back into my life at such an essential time. A time where I needed to escape reality and have something positive to focus on. During the day I was stuck in my room working remotely at a job that didn’t bring me any joy (other than my coworkers, I love y’all). But once I signed off I was free to dive into youtube rabbit holes and take photos just for the sake of practicing and experimenting. It felt good to be behind the lens again.

Although I am not full time yet, I’m doing my best to enjoy the process and not rush through life. It’s short enough as it is.

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.

My name is Hannah and I am the photographer and owner of HS Photography. I do mostly portrait work including engagements, families, seniors, editorial and boudoir. I also do small intimate weddings/elopements and landscape photography. I got into photography when I was a kid but started taking it more seriously when I was stuck inside during the pandemic. Although I still work a 9-5 day job, and often spend way too many hours looking at a computer screen, starting my business was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Travel photography was my first real love because it involves my two favorite things; travel and photography. I have thousands of photos on my computer and phone from all the trips I’ve been lucky enough to take in my life. To this day it’s a dream of mine to live on the road taking photos of all the amazing national parks across the country and beyond and maybe even do some destination elopements while I’m at it.

Once I started photographing people more, it was really important to me to make sure everyone in front of my camera feels comfortable and confident. Almost every person I’ve photographed has come to me before their session convinced that they are the least photogenic and most awkward person I’ll ever work with. And almost every time they receive their gallery they are amazed to see just how stunning they truly are. Hearing that it was less scary or, even better, more fun than they expected is music to my ears. Everyone deserves to have memories captured that will last beyond a lifetime. And they deserve to have fun doing it! I try my best to get a mix of candid and posed photos to ensure that my clients have holiday card worthy photos along with photos that capture the true essence and personality of their family, relationship, or special life moments.

One of my favorite things about being a creative is getting to meet, learn, and be inspired by so many other amazing artists and business owners. Community is everything when you’re your own boss!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Although I’ve had variations of cameras my whole life (simple point and shoots or disposables, etc), my first big upgrade was the summer after college right before I left for a cross-country road trip. I used some money that I made waiting tables in a tourist town and bought a Canon Rebel T6i with the kit lens. Once I started having people reach out to book with me I decided it was time to get a prime lens and I bought the trusty “nifty fifty” and dove right in. These two pieces of equipment cost me less than $1000 total and is still the most used gear in my bag! For a long time I thought gear was everything and I had to spend a bunch of money and have the best gear if I wanted to provide quality work. I quickly realized that quality work was less about what you shoot on and more about how you shoot with what you have. Practice and dedication is a lot more important than the camera you use!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has always been word of mouth. I know it can be intimidating and feel awkward to promote yourself or your business when you’re first starting out but it truly is the most lucrative way to find clients. When someone is looking for a particular vendor and they hear a great review from someone they know or trust it immediately gives you a leg up against your competition. As a photographer, I am always offering my services anytime I hear someone mention needing photos. I also give all my friends and family business cards so they can pass them along to anyone they know who might be ready to book! That being said, the best way to spread the word is when clients post and tag your business in the photos from their session or by writing a review on Google or Facebook.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hsphotography.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.s_photographyy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahsheridanphotography