We were lucky to catch up with Dana Hanley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dana , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I think it’s extremely important as a photographer to continue growing. When it’s busy season, we don’t have a lot of time for that, which is why I make it a point to take on a handful of styled sessions during the slow months. Styled shoots with model families is one of my favorite things that I get to do. Every winter, I pick about 4 families to model for me. I create the entire session from beginning to end. I start by having an application process for my families, where I get to find out a little bit about them. I’m looking for families who have a story to tell. I’m looking for families who will allow me to be completely in charge of aesthetics, starting from location, and of course styling every family member. I come up with little underlying themes for each of my sessions. These sessions do three things for me, 1.) They give me an opportunity to create art and tell a story, and 2.) They allow me to have the freedom to play with different editing styles, new prompts, different locations, etc., and 3.) The end results gives me more images that I want to showcase to attract the clients that I want.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a photographer specializing in family, maternity, lifestyle newborn, and milestones. I’m a storytelling photographer. I gravitate to images that evoke emotion. I try to steer clear of posed families all looking at the camera, although I do at least 1 of 2 shots of those for all my clients. My intention is to draw out moments of your family in their natural state, doing what they do best, love each other. That’s what excites me about family photography. As a mother myself I just want to capture your love for your children and your children’s love for you. If I were to choose adjectives for my style of work, I would say, intimate, playful, emotional, loving, vibrant, and connection.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In reflecting on my journey as a photographer, I’ve found that cultivating resilience is key. Constructive criticism from respected mentors has been invaluable for growth. Embracing feedback, even when challenging, opens the door to significant improvement.
Setting boundaries has become a vital skill. Balancing work and family requires effective time management. Learning to say no to projects that don’t align with my passion has created space for meaningful work.
Understanding my artistic identity is paramount. It takes time to discover what resonates with you. Personally, capturing the raw moments between mothers and children is my passion. I offer not just photography but a curated styling experience, leveraging my eye and a diverse client closet. My advice to those starting: be resilient, manage your time wisely, and stay true to your artistic vision.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I would say my mentor Billye Donya, of Billye Donya Photography. She has been my go to family photographer since my son was born, and when I started dabbling in photography, I debated asking her to mentor me, and thankfully I got over my fear and I did. She said yes. That was a game changer for me.
Billye and I meet twice a month to look over my work, discuss editing styles, business sense, and other conundrums that come up for me as I embark on this business full time. She’s been an amazing teacher, and I’m so thankful. I feel comfortable going to her about anything and everything.
What I think is extra special, is that over time, I’ve grown into my editing style, which is different from hers, and she still can give me constructive feedback on it that is accurate and helpful. I appreciate the space she gives me to grow and be myself as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danahanleyphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/danahanleyphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088773594311
Image Credits
Dana Hanley Photography
