Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah McEwen.
Hannah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got into photography shortly after my husband and I got married, when we quickly realized how expensive living expenses could be. I had actually just gotten a camera for Christmas, so I decided to start booking sessions around the Jackson, Tennessee, area. When we moved to Memphis, I continued pursuing my love for photography, and that’s really when our focus on the wedding industry took off.
We moved back to Jackson in 2019, just before COVID, and we’ve continued pursuing our passion for capturing families and weddings ever since. We’ve had the opportunity to photograph countless weddings in Nashville and even travel as far as West Palm Beach, Florida, for our work.
Photography has become such a meaningful creative outlet for me, but one of my favorite parts has been the people I’ve met along the way and the stories we’ve gotten to capture. I also hope my three daughters see the passion I have for this and maybe even want to carry it on someday.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the craziest moments we’ve experienced was at a wedding when the mother of the bride “accidentally” cut the bride’s wedding gown. It was definitely a moment of panic, but thankfully, we were able to stay calm, cool, and collected. We grabbed a needle and thread, stitched the dress back together, and got the bride down the aisle without her ever having to shed a tear over it.
That’s just one of the countless moments where we’ve had to come through for a bride. Over the years, we’ve learned that being a wedding photographer is about so much more than taking beautiful pictures. Sometimes you’re a seamstress, sometimes a problem-solver, sometimes a calming presence—and whatever the bride needs in that moment, we’re happy to step in and help make sure her day goes as smoothly as possible.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in wedding and family photography, but one of the things I’ve really become known for is my “Stranger Session series” that I’ve been working on with another local photographer and friend. It’s been such a fun and creative way to step outside of traditional photography and capture genuine connections, personalities, and emotions between people who may have never met before. I love creating images that feel authentic and natural rather than overly posed.
My background as a special education teacher has also had a huge influence on the way I approach photography. Teaching has taught me to be patient, calm, flexible, and creative, and I think those qualities really come through when I’m working with my clients—especially children. I have a real passion for working with kiddos and families with special needs, and I think I’m able to connect with children and bring out genuine smiles and personalities when others might have a harder time.
One of the things I’m most proud of in my career is having my work featured in more than 10 magazines. It still feels surreal to see my artwork in print and know that something I created is being recognized and shared. That’s something I don’t think I’ll ever get over!
But honestly, one of the most rewarding parts of this career has been the relationships I’ve built. So many of my clients have turned into genuine friends, and I feel incredibly lucky that people trust me to capture some of the most important moments in their lives. I think that connection is what sets me apart. I’m not just trying to take a pretty picture—I want people to feel comfortable, have fun, and truly be themselves in front of my camera. Those genuine moments are what I love capturing most.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m completely self-taught, and my photography career really started with me simply taking a chance on myself. I had a camera, YouTube, and a willingness to learn. I also spent a lot of time learning from and being inspired by other mentors and photographers in the industry. I didn’t have everything figured out when I started—I just kept learning, practicing, and pushing myself to get better.
If there’s one thing I hope my story encourages other people to do, it’s to take that first step. **It’s never too late to start something new.** You don’t have to have all the answers or know exactly where something will lead. Sometimes you just have to be willing to start, learn along the way, and believe in yourself enough to see where it takes you.
Looking back, I’m so thankful I took that chance on myself. What started as a camera and a curiosity has turned into a career, a creative outlet, lifelong friendships, and so many incredible opportunities that I never could have imagined when I first began.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mcewenphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannahMcEwenPhotography
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mcewenphotography?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
