We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Brawley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Hannah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When considering my optimal career or “dream job,” I envisioned myself doing something that exercised my skillset, added social value, and compensated me enough to meet my cost of living while maintaining a free and flexible lifestyle. Being a self-employed photographer and artist allows me to accomplish all those things; however, it presents challenges and requires hustle.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My photographic artwork communicates the internal psyche through visual poetry. As someone who has an academic background in English and psychology, I’ve always been interested in narrative and psychology, and photography provides a medium to explore these ideas in the universal language of imagery. I spent nearly my whole life taking photographs, but it wasn’t until I began my MFA that I realized the potential my photography had as fine art. My experience as an artist has been difficult because I am constantly battling self-doubt and self-criticism, but I have found that embracing these vulnerabilities and continuing to create work despite them has strengthened my work. The hardest part has been accepting myself as an artist and young professional, but it has revealed itself to be the most rewarding part as well. In addition to my artistic photographic work, I also work as a freelance photographer. I make portraits whether it be for graduation, engagements, or any reason to commemorate the present. It is a joy for me to be able to give my clients photographs that allow them to memorialize a specific moment in time for the rest of their lives. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful for all the support I’ve received throughout my life and journey to becoming a recognized photographer. First of all, my family deserves a shoutout for their endless encouragement. Secondly, I appreciate the multitude of teachers and professors who made me feel seen and supported throughout my creative endeavors.
Website: hannahbrawley.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-brawley-49b12ab6/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbrawleyphotography
Image Credits
All photographs are my own.