We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Talbert recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Hannah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
My mission as a photographer is all about capturing moments that truly matter. It’s not just about pretty pictures – it’s about preserving real, authentic memories that tell your story. Whether it’s a quiet glance, a burst of laughter, or the love shared between family members, I want to capture what makes your life special.
This means a lot to me because I’ve always believed that photos aren’t just snapshots; they’re time capsules. I want to help people hold on to the moments that make life meaningful, so they can be shared and remembered for generations.
Why do I do this? Because I know how quickly life moves, and I love being able to freeze those moments that show who we really are. That’s what drives me. I’m not just here to take photos—I’m here to help you hold onto the memories that matter most.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a photographer who fell in love with the power of capturing real moments. What started as a hobby quickly turned into something deeper when I realized how meaningful it is to freeze time and preserve memories. I don’t just take photos—I help tell people’s stories through my lens.
What makes my work unique is the personal approach I take. I’m all about creating a comfortable environment where people can relax and just be themselves. I’m not into stiff poses or forced smiles. The magic happens when people forget the camera is there and simply connect with each other, and that’s what I love capturing. Whether it’s a family session, an anniversary, or a special event, I’m there to make sure those real, unscripted moments are preserved forever.
I offer a variety of services, but what I’m most proud of is the experience I create for my clients. I guide them through every step and make sure they feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. More than anything, I want my clients to walk away with photos that truly reflect who they are.
What I love most about what I do is the connections I’ve made. Being part of someone’s important moments—whether it’s a milestone, a celebration, or just a simple family moment—is such an honor. For me, it’s not just about delivering beautiful photos. It’s about helping people hold on to the memories that matter most to them. That’s what I want potential clients to know: I’m here to honor your story and capture it in a way that feels authentic to you.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that comes to mind happened early on in my photography journey. I was just starting to take on clients, and I had a big family session planned at an outdoor location. Everything seemed perfect until the day of the shoot—a storm rolled in out of nowhere. I was devastated because I had no backup plan, and I felt like I had let my clients down.
Instead of canceling or rescheduling, I quickly shifted gears. We moved the session indoors, using their home as the backdrop. At first, I was worried it wouldn’t have the same magic as the outdoor session we had planned, but something beautiful happened. Being in their home made them more relaxed, and the photos turned out to be some of the most authentic and heartfelt I’d ever captured. It taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through tough situations but adapting to them. That moment really solidified my belief that it’s not about having the perfect setting—it’s about capturing real moments, wherever they happen.
Looking back, I’m so glad things didn’t go as planned that day because it showed me that some of the best results come from embracing the unexpected. That experience helped me become more flexible and confident in my ability to handle whatever comes my way, and it’s something I carry with me in every session now.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I had to unlearn was that every photo needed to be “perfect.” Early in my photography journey, I spent so much time trying to get everything just right—flawless lighting, ideal angles, everyone posed perfectly. I thought that was the only way to create beautiful images. But the more sessions I did, the more I realized that chasing perfection wasn’t what my clients actually wanted or needed.
I remember one particular family session where the kids were just full of energy. No matter what we tried, they didn’t want to sit still or smile for the camera, and I started to feel that familiar stress of trying to control the situation. But in the middle of all the chaos, something clicked for me. Instead of forcing the perfect pose, I let go and just started snapping photos of the family playing and interacting naturally.
When I looked through those photos afterward, they were some of the most genuine and joyful images I had ever taken. The messy hair, the laughter, and the movement told a real story. That was the moment I realized that perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity is. Since then, I’ve embraced the beauty in the imperfect and unplanned moments because that’s where real life happens.
Letting go of the need for perfection not only made my work stronger, but it also helped me connect more deeply with my clients, who appreciate having their real, raw moments captured. Now, I aim to tell the story as it unfolds naturally, rather than trying to craft something that feels artificial.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hannahtalbertphotography.com
- Instagram: @hannahtalbertphotography
- Facebook: @hannahtalbertphotography
