Conversations with the Inspiring Hannah Stanley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Stanley.

Hannah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began photographing people in 2010 when I was in high school, but I knew I wanted to be a photographer since I was about 7 years old, with my first camera being a pink Barbie camera! Early on I started shooting seniors, families, models, babies, cars, even dogs. In fact, some of my work was published in few different magazines. I shot my first wedding when I was 16 years old, which was a challenge, because I had never even attended a wedding. After shooting a few more weddings, it became clear to me that weddings were my passion.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being 16 years old, in a competitive field like photography, I had a difficult time getting people’s respect and trust. I didn’t get the support I thought I would from my classmates, and even a professor discouraged me from having my own photography business, telling me that “my business will crash and burn” and that I needed a “real” degree. That just motivated me even more to be a successful wedding photographer.

What should we know about Hannah Way Photography? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a natural light photographer, specializing in weddings and couples. I am confident in my ability to pose and instantly make my couples feel comfortable enough to be themselves. My style is timeless and includes bringing out the best in my couples and capturing genuine, candid moments.

I am proud to have been voted #1 Top wedding photographer in 2017 Dallas A-List in my first professional year of business. Also, I earned the statues as a preferred photographer at many wedding venues, including Hidden Creek and The Springs.

I love to travel and being able to shoot destination weddings is an added bonus. In fact, two of my most recent weddings were Riviera Maya, Mexico and Seattle, Washington, where I was able to showcase my beautiful brides in incredible scenery.

I love taking care of my brides, I like to go above and beyond my brides expectations. For instance, one bride was having a difficult time on her wedding day and I was able to calm her down and make her laugh. Later she shared with me, “The best decision I made about my wedding, was flying you here to Seattle!”

With all the compliments, I am most proud of being able to use the gifts God has giving me. My slogan, “Spreading God’s Word through my work” is my purpose.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Don’t let anyone tell you can’t do something despite your age or challenges. Learn from others, and be willing to help others and always look for ways to do better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hannahwayphotography.com
• Phone: 214-422-8396
• Email: hannah@hannahwayphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahwayphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahwayphoto/

Image Credit:
Carlie Jean Photography

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