We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dana Hanley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dana, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Photography is a creative endeavor. Like any job, however it can get stagnant and repetitive. January and February typically are slower months for family photographers and I love to use that time to keep my creativity alive and evolving. As a photographer, I search pinterest, and photographer instagram accounts that showcase all types of photographers work in my genre and I get inspired to create my own styled shoots. A styled shoot is where I choose a model family, or a maternity model and pick a concept that I would love to try with them. For example, shooting in full sun, renting a rain room, going out of my comfort zone, like boudoir, etc. All of this allows me to stretch myself as an artist and gives me an opportunity to create work that makes my heart full, and attract clients that want to shoot the kind of work I am putting out there.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My journey into photography is deeply personal and rooted in motherhood. During the pandemic, I found myself at home with my 12-month-old son and pregnant with my daughter. It was a time of stillness and reflection, but also one of simple, fleeting moments. To fill my days, I picked up a camera and started capturing those ordinary moments—the way my son played, the quiet pauses in our routine, the joy and exhaustion of those days.
What started as a personal outlet quickly turned into a passion. Friends began asking me to photograph birthday parties, and before I knew it, I was getting inquiries for family sessions. That’s how Dana Hanley Photography was born, and I haven’t looked back since.
February 2025 will mark three years in business, and I’m beyond grateful for how much my photography has flourished. I’ve honed my craft and found my niche in capturing family, maternity, and lifestyle newborn photography, always through the lens of motherhood.
I’m a storytelling photographer with a lifestyle, documentary approach. While I ensure every client receives the classic “everyone smiling at the camera” shot, my focus is on capturing the authentic dynamics of a family. My work is candid, vivid, and rich—filled with soulful, intimate moments that tell a family’s unique story. During sessions, I encourage my clients to play, dance, cry, laugh—whatever feels real to them. The result is a gallery of images that feels true to life, preserving memories they’ll cherish forever.
The most rewarding part is knowing that I’m creating something timeless for my clients. My photographs become treasured heirlooms—moments that families can look back on for years to come. Seeing the joy and sometimes even tears when clients view their galleries reminds me why I do this. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about preserving a family’s story.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would say the three qualities that have had the most impact on my photography journey are my background in professional musical theatre, my love for connecting with people, and my determination to pursue my goals wholeheartedly.
First, my experience as a former performer in the highly competitive field of musical theatre taught me the value of constructive criticism and resilience. Constantly receiving feedback and dealing with rejection—sometimes coming so close to landing a role but not quite getting it—helped me develop a thick skin. This resilience has been invaluable when receiving feedback from both mentors and clients, allowing me to continuously grow and improve.
Second, I’m a natural extrovert, and I genuinely enjoy meeting new people. This helps me break the ice with clients and create a warm, welcoming environment. I often end sessions with goodbye hugs because I want my clients to feel seen, valued, and cared for. I also prioritize personal communication—I handle all client emails myself rather than using an automated booking system. I believe this personal touch reassures clients that they’re in good hands and receiving dedicated attention.
Lastly, I’m a go-getter. When I’m passionate about something, I give it my all. This has been true in every career path I’ve pursued, and it’s a mindset I’ve fully embraced while building my business. I believe that when you’re starting something you love, giving 100% is the only way to achieve success.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who wants more than just photos—they want moments captured that truly feel like them. You value the little details: the laughter, the quiet glances, the messy, beautiful realness of life.
You don’t need everything to be perfect; you just want it to be meaningful. You trust me to bring out your story, and you’re excited to show up as you are—because that’s where the magic happens.
If you’re looking for a photographer who will laugh with you, guide you, and capture the moments that matter most, I’d love to work with you. Let’s create something real and unforgettable together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danahanleyphotography.com
- Instagram: danahanleyphotography
- Facebook: Dana Hanley Photography
Image Credits
All photo credits are mine except my own photo. Photography credit for bio pic is Billye Donya Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
