Finally!

Finally! My first blog post ever, and I'd say it's about time. This year marks the 9th year of Hannah Joy Photography. NINE YEARS. That is unbelievable to me. I am shocked and amazed that I have been able to do what I love, share my passion for capturing moments that will never be again, and get paid to do it. I'm grateful that my husband (then boyfriend) saw my idea for a photography business as something more than another one of my crazy dreams and surprised me with my first DSLR camera. In that 9 years I have tried just about every type of photography there is. Having taught childbirth and been a birth and postpartum doula, I was sure my focus would be newborns. I have to say I was completely surprised at how difficult it was for me. Newborns are 100% in control. I declared very early that I'd be a newborn photographer and that I'd NEVER do a wedding- "don't ask- I'll say no". But, an old friend asked, and I didn't say no, and I realized I actually loved it. Over time I have realized that my passion is capturing genuine, unstaged, full of emotion moments, and weddings are nothing but a day full of that. Newborn photography (at least the way I thought I had to do it) was so much more about me- me setting each pose, me managing to get and keep baby asleep, me finding the "perfect" outfits (me sweating!). I also have found that my favorite, favorite images from family sessions are the "in between" moments. I would love to declare that I will never take another "posed" picture again, but that's not realistic. Posed pictures are important too. But I am super thrilled that I am at a point in my business that I CAN declare that my focus is now on truly DOCUMENTING life. I will continue to shoot weddings, families and even newborns, but I've found my passion in doing these in a way that captures the true essence of each family. 

With my new focus on documentary style photography, I am offering family sessions- Hour In The Life (one hour together) & A Day In The Life (from kids waking up to kids going to bed- about 12 hours). For newborns I am offering Fresh 48- I come to you within 48 hours of baby arriving. I also offer newborn sessions in your home that will include any family that you'd like there, as well as individual pictures of baby. These are in addition to my "normal" on-site (beach, parks, etc) family sessions that I've always offered. 

The session below is my first official "Hour In The Life" session. We had SO much fun. This mama needs to teach classes on prepping for these sessions. She had a game ready and ingredients out for brownie making, so we were able to easily move from one activity to another which meant we got a lot in in just an hour. Also, I love that rather than stressing about wardrobe choices and making sure everyone was matching, she simply instructed the children to "wear something clean. This meant they are wearing clothes that they like and are comfortable in. No one was annoyed! We didn't ever have to say "LOOK AT THE CAMERA AND SMILE!". There was no "cheese"! This was just a sweet family, enjoying an afternoon together, while I quietly observed and captured it. But my favorite, favorite, FAVORITE thing is that I get to capture parents being parents. It's easy to get kids being kids, but what a precious gift to be able to give your children pictures of the love that goes into all that parenting is. 

If you're interested in a session that truly captures your family and would like more information, send me a message through my website (link above), or call me 904-207-2722. I'd LOVE to capture this moment in time for you and future generations.