I managed to work with Hannah last year - she's a brilliant photographer so I was a little intimidated, but I also really was excited to shoot with her! Hannah is fantastic to work with as she understands both sides of the camera, so know's what I was looking for as well as knowing how and where to be in front of the lens.
As you'll see, she's got wonderful talent and really know's how to get a great shot! (All shots below are Hannah's own work)
Q - How have you been since we last shot?
A - I have been really good. I'm keeping busy, but it's forever changing!
Q - What have you been up to?
A - Well I graduated from University with a photography degree since we shot. Currently I'm doing less modelling and photographing and I'm working as a digital writer for a fashion brand which I am really enjoying! It's keeping me occupied at least but I have modelled for their website on a couple of occasions.
Q - How did you get into the world of photography/modelling/makeup - what was your first shoot?
A - Throughout school it was the one thing I wanted to do. I used to love experimental photography and I just used to take photos of the sky or things around my house. I got an internship at a local photography studio where I started assisting on family and baby portraits, to practise with the lights I invited some close friends and some local bands and got into doing studio portraits realising I enjoyed it. After I ventured into gig photography and then out again, I realised it was Fashion and Beauty I wanted to specialise in. I just love collaborations, I like to be involved with shoots even if I'm not photographing and eventually, I got convinced into modelling for my photographer friends on a couple of occasions and it just stuck! I think my first shoot the other side of the camera was just some profile shots of me and my camera for my website, so nothing crazy there!
Q - What were your first impressions of the industry and how have they changed over the time you’ve been involved in it?
A - My first impression? I don't know, I guess it was so knew and quite big at the time it really excited me. I love network and it's great watching how other people grow over time as well as yourselves. I've seen people turn from social networking sites such as Facebook and Model Mayhem where it started as the only place you could really show off your work to being major published regularly and having brilliant projects and collaborations just from being noticed by the right person. I think it's all about putting yourself out there if you have to. I think people usually fall into two categories, being those who just love to create and those who just want to grow, earn and expand.
Q - How much do you enjoy it?
A - I really enjoy it. I used to run straight home and spend all night editing for the next day or spending all night sorting out lots of outfits to take for the next day. I miss it now I'm not doing it so often but it's kind of nice to clear my head...I'll be back soon with a bang!
Q - How much preparation do you do before a shoot?
A - Honestly, it depends what I'm doing and who I'm working with. Modelling for example, I might have some ideas in my head but generally I'll throw it all into a suitcase until I can't shut it and make sure my make up is immaculate before I leave. For photographing...I spend hours location hunting, deciding on a concept or theme, making a mood board, finding a model, arrange a time and date, arrange transport, arrange make up, hair, clothing and any other elements. I tend to spend longer on my own concepts but it doesn't make it any less fun than working with someone else!
Q - How involved do you like to be in a shoot?
A - If I'm modelling, I'll share my ideas/makeup/wardrobe and ideas to try and create a good concept but take a back seat at the actual shoot. With photographing, I like to know literally everything and I love giving people things to do, but running around trying to help. It's alwaya a group effort and you've got to work well together!
Q - Biggest challenges you've faced on a shoot?
A - Unfortunately the weather a lot of the time. Shooting on location can be absolutely lovely and one of my favourite things to do in the right setting, however if it was raining through the night you don't particularly want to stand someone in a muddy field with a white dress or have someone stood in the middle of the rain with nothing on (If that wasn't already the case, anyway!)
Q - What have been your highlights?
A - Meeting and working with so many amazing people. From other photographers, models, makeup artists and stylists, there have been so many talented people over the years and I'm so glad to have met and worked with them, yet alone being able to say they are my friends! It's just great after a shoot when the group has finished after waking up early and put their all in after weeks of planning and we have amazing photographs on the back of a camera, there's no better feeling!
Q - And the downsides?
A - Constantly doubting yourself, comparing yourself to other photographers or being judged for what you do in camera or post production. I don't as such care for these any more, I think it's important not to think of other artists as competition, but instead to inspire yourself to find more ways to improve in other areas to keep yourself moving forward. It shouldn't be about who's the best at doing what, for me it's about expressing myself through my images and just creating something that will stay with me. It is just extremely positive and encourage when you do get a positive response to your work!
Q - What advice would you give to someone who was following in your footsteps?
A - Take your time, plan and execute. Try and learn and practice, but most of all...Enjoy it! What's the point if you're not having fun? Make the most of the wonderful people you meet along the way and look back on the images after a while and see where you can improve and why!
Q - What would your dream shoot involve?
A - Now you're asking. I don't even know, I have so many ideas in my head but I'm dreaming of an overall portfolio, not just one shoot!
Q - Who or what inspires you?
A - I love just creating mood boards, getting the feel for a theme or a concept in my head and then putting my own twist on it. I spend hours on Pintrest just looking at random things and it's literally just because I love looking at images! For previous sets I've thought of ways to portray certain characters and creating a big idea around that or sometimes I just go with what ideas strike me on the day. It all depends!!
Q - Who are your unsung heroes? (MUA’s, Assistants, Stylists etc)
A - I appreciate so much work, I can't answer that. One of my favourite photographers is perhaps Tim Walker because I can always recognise his work. I recognise photographs more than artist names unfortunately- I could show you photographs I love for hours!
Q - What do you like to do in your free time?
A - Sleep! No, honestly? I just like trying to get out as much as I can. Every day is different, I just want to enjoy it!
Q - What’s next for you; what are your plans for the future?
A - I have some plans for next year with my team already coming together slowly. I have some new shoots booked to get in front of the lens soon which I'm looking forward to- Honestly I'm just taking it in my stride and trying to let things flow! There's loads of people I want to work with so I'll have to start planning for something awesome!
