Hannah Day Photography

About the Artist… August 8, 2007

“I don’t make perfect little portraits. I capture true moments in a person’s life – moments they can relive each time they glance at their living room wall, or dust the frame on the bedside table, or flip through their photo album with friends.”
- Hannah Day

Hannah Day’s passion for photography is matched only by her passion for people. Frustrated with the stale state of modern portraiture – the uncomfortable Christmas card – the stiff family photo framed in the entryway – Hannah made it her mission to put the pulse back in the portrait. Life happens in three-dimensions. To capture that life, Hannah welcomes all the joy, movement and chaos that makes us human. Her style is personal and empathic. She takes the time to listen to the “voices” on the other side of the camera and shoots in a way which translates the message of the moment – the eyes – the smile – the way a child laughs – the gentleness with which an expectant mother caresses her belly. It is this personal approach that ultimately allows people – even people who normally cringe when they see themselves in photos – to smile and nod and know themselves.

Life Meets Art

Hannah mastered her craft at the prestigious School of the Art Institute, in Chicago, where her love of fine arts photography gelled seamlessly with her love of portraiture. It wasn’t until she returned to her hometown of Austin that she realized she was onto something truly unique. Other photographers were doing things in the same old way – putting clients through awkward, overly posed sessions, and obsessing over getting the “pretty shot.” They relied so heavily on Photoshop that they were losing their grasp of the art. Hannah felt obliged to preserve the integrity of the photograph, and create an experience that not only captured life, but the art of life as well. To that end, she made it a priority to meet her clients inside their lives, to let them move and interact naturally, while making her camera all but invisible.

The Process

Hannah’s process is as personal as her photographs. Before her clients ever meet the dreaded camera, they meet a warm, nurturing, passionate woman who wants to listen to them. She takes the time to know her clients, and to really hear what they want, what their aspirations are for the shoot, and what insecurities or body issues have held them back from taking great photographs in the past. Hannah’s compassion, honesty and bright spirit make her clients feel secure with her – safe in a way that the camera becomes almost invisible, and that real, beautiful, three-dimensional life comes through in every shot. The personal attention doesn’t end when the shoot is over. It carries through the editing process, as Hannah works tirelessly choosing the photographs that best capture the client, the occasion and the moment. She edits and re-edits, making smart, meticulous decisions regarding the photographs and presentation.

Integrity

Hannah’s passion for photography, and for capturing life, is just that – a passion. When clients make bizarre requests to have body parts erased or replaced through the use of modern technology, she isn’t afraid to point out the true beauty she sees in both the person and the image. Allowing her clients to see themselves through Hannah’s eyes has not only created some stunning photographs, but often, a stunning new sense of confidence as well. Integrity, the ability to take a great shot, and the careful balance of talent and technology, sets Hannah apart from other photographers. Her sense of honor and honesty extends to every part of her business. She treats her clients fairly, meets the agreed budget and delivers what she promises every time, without exception.

Philanthropy

Hannah feels strongly about giving back to her community and using her talent to contribute to causes she believes in. She has donated sessions to silent auctions for the Lake Travis Education Foundation, The Human Rights Campaign of Austin and Communities in Schools. In addition, Hannah was a longtime volunteer photographer for the Badgerdog publication, “Youth Voices in Ink.” She’s always on the lookout for great causes to support and ways to improve the world through photography.

Thanks for spending some time with me!

Cheers, Hannah