We recently connected with Hope Schumacker and have shared our conversation below.

Hope, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was during my senior year of high school. Up until that point, I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation. I had always admired my dad, who started his own business, and I dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur someday, but I didn’t know what that would look like for me.

Photography has always been a part of my life. Since I was six, I loved taking pictures and documenting moments. I was that friend who’d always say, “Wait, just one more!” But it never crossed my mind that it could be more than just a hobby until I signed up for a basic photography class in high school.

I’ll never forget my first creative photoshoot. My best friend and I grabbed white t-shirts, some paint, and had a blast. I submitted those final images to a high school photography competition, and when I found out I placed in the top 10, it was a defining moment. For the first time, I realized I could turn my passion into a career.

From that moment, I threw myself into exploring what it would take to make it a reality. I started touring colleges with photography programs and imagining what my life could look like in a creative career.

Hope, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When people ask how I became a photographer, I always say, “That’s a great question!” because it has been a journey. Growing up in a small rural town in North Dakota, where there wasn’t much to do, I had to get creative to keep myself busy. At six years old, I picked up a camera and started taking pictures. I didn’t think much of it at the time; I just knew I loved capturing moments.

Photography became a natural part of my life, but it wasn’t until high school that it started to evolve into something more. I borrowed a friend’s Canon Rebel to shoot the girls’ hockey games, and that’s when I realized I loved telling stories through photography, but I still viewed it as just a hobby until my senior year when I took a basic photography class and realized photography could be my career.

From that point on, I knew I wanted to pursue photography professionally. I toured colleges with photography programs, determined to leave my small town and explore the world. Although I was initially set on Montana State University, I decided to visit one last school in Spearfish, South Dakota. At first, I thought, Another small town? No way! But as soon as I stepped onto the Black Hills State University campus, it felt like home. Meeting the professors gave me a sense of peace, and I knew that was where I was meant to spend the next four years pursuing my photography degree.

My time at BHSU was a journey of highs and lows, but it ultimately shaped me into the photographer and person I am today. I’m incredibly grateful for the support system I gained during my time there, knowing I’ll always have it.

While at BHSU, I had the opportunity to work in both the photography and marketing departments, and I’m truly so thankful for those experiences. If you ever get the chance to do work-study, take it! Working in the photography department taught me invaluable skills, from managing equipment to mentoring younger students, which became one of my favorite parts.

So, how did a small-town girl from North Dakota who was going to college in South Dakota end up in Atlanta? During my junior year of college, I needed to complete an internship, so I sent out many cold emails, but one email truly changed my life. I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Lauren Hubbard (Lauren Liz Photo), a commercial and editorial photographer in Atlanta, during the summer of 2023. I gained valuable experience in photography and business operations, and I fell in love with the city’s vibrant lifestyle.

After graduating in May 2024, I set my sights on moving back to Atlanta, though I wasn’t sure when it would happen. Just a couple of months later, in July, I made the big move across the country! Now, I’m living my dream of being a commercial photographer, assisting and shooting full-time. My work is all about creating vibrant, authentic imagery that brings each brand’s vision to life. From stunning headshots to mouth-watering food photography or building a versatile content library, I’m passionate about delivering visuals that leave a lasting impression.

But for me, the relationship doesn’t end once I send you your beautiful final gallery. I’m here to support you long after the shoot—whether it’s brainstorming content ideas, planning your social media, or selecting the best images for your website. My goal is to help your business grow by ensuring the visuals we create truly reflect your brand and resonate with your audience. Whether it’s for your next event, product launch, or ongoing content needs, I’m always just a text or phone call away.

What drives me most is my love for storytelling and the meaningful relationships I build with my clients. I genuinely enjoy learning about how people started their businesses and what fuels their passion for what they do. It means the world to me that my clients trust me to capture stunning visuals that represent their brand and mission.

This journey has shown me that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. At 22, I’m living in Atlanta, pursuing the dream God placed in my heart, and I couldn’t be more thankful. My work is about more than just photography; it’s about celebrating stories, empowering brands, and bringing creative visions to life.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to take the vision I see in my mind and bring it to life through photography. There’s something truly magical about transforming an idea or feeling into a stunning image that resonates with others. Whether it’s a business or a personal project, I love having the opportunity to express my unique perspective and create something meaningful. The trust my clients place in me to capture their vision alongside my own makes this journey even more rewarding.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There is incredible power in the community, and I didn’t know there were organizations like American Photographic Artists and Focus on Women in my earlier years. These organizations offer everything from networking events and hands-on workshops to simply supporting you as a creative. When you’re starting out, the industry can feel intimidating, but having a community makes all the difference. Remember, you’re not alone; there’s a space for your unique perspective and plenty of people eager to help. I also recommend reaching out to professionals in the field, whether it’s for a call or coffee, and asking all the questions you have. Remember that they were once where you are and are often more than happy to offer guidance and help!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hopenicole.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopenicole_photo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hope-schumacker/