Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Shipe.
Hi Hannah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I lived in Hawaii from 2019-2021. I was in an abusive marriage at the time and needed something to get me out of the house as well as do something for myself. Photography did that for me. I had no intention of it becoming my full-time career, especially since I enjoyed working in sports medicine. I used to take my camera with me on hikes, and my friends would “model” for me so I could master the art. Once I moved back to the mainland, I had to wait for my license to transfer over so I could work in Florida. I took that time to set up styled shoots and network with people in the wedding community. Soon after, I decided to go full-time with photography and created Photos By Hann Marie. My work went viral, and I started getting booked out all over the US. I am working out of Jacksonville, FL, and Charleston, SC, and getting booked internationally. I find capturing beautiful moments in another’s story very rewarding, and I am so grateful that what happened in my life brought me here today.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Something about owning and operating your own business is smooth, and at least it isn’t in my experience. It took a while for my name to get out and my work to be noticed. I was working 60-70 hour weeks and then worked on creating this business after hours. It’s an oversaturated market to begin with. I had to learn the ins and outs of owning a business and how much it can cost. I don’t have a business background, so starting from the ground up was tough, especially when some people in the industry only see you as a competition instead of an opportunity to network.
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your work.
I document stories. I approach a photo shoot or wedding less than many do. I want to create art and form a connection with people. Each person has their own story, and I want to showcase it as it’s told and show the raw emotions that can come with it. I am known for connecting emotion through my photos and capturing natural and candid moments without telling someone how they should look in a photo. I shoot in digital and film, and my edits are moodier. I love that I can create what I want without being told limitations. I am proud of stepping outside the norm and sharing my perspective so others might connect with my work.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Please share something that might surprise us.
I started photography. I don’t usually share my personal story in detail because I never want the attention on that or accidentally trigger someone. My drive to create comes from that, though. Everyone needs a reminder of the life they get to live. I want to capture the moments you get to relive forever—showing someone how truly inspiring, blessed, and beautiful they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: photosbyhannmarie.com
- Instagram: @photosbyhannmarie
