Rising Stars: Meet Hanna Rain Krueger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanna Rain Krueger.

Hi Hanna Rain, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Hello, I’m Hanna Rain Krueger and I’m 23 years young. I’ve been doing portrait photography since 2019. My photography passion takes me all over Tennessee and North Carolina.

A little bit about me: I was born in Michigan and raised all over for my first decade of life. I have family in Michigan and Florida so my parents settled in a happy medium- Tennessee. I have called Tennessee home sweet home since 2007. I would describe myself as an introvert, Type A personality with a creative side. I never dreamed that I would be a wedding or family photographer, but I have been blessed that my art ventures me to new places and sweet people.

I fell in love with photography as a nature photographer first. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m tending to my bee babies! Some would describe me as a tree hugger and environmental enthusiast. I believe the natural world, specifically the relationship between every biological system in an ecosystem, is the most amazing thing God’s ever created. It’s so timelessly beautiful, complex, and I have an endless fascination because the world and environment is constantly evolving. I met some sweet and talented friends along the way that had a heart and gift for wedding and family photography and I was inspired! With my love for people and the natural world, I feel that I thrive as an artist with natural light and composition combining the two.

Since 2019, I’ve been telling stories and making magic out of moments with living art. In my time as a wedding, couple, and family photographer, I’ve noticed that human connection is so precious and wholesome. To be able to capture those sweet and most treasured moments between sweethearts is an honor. Through portrait photography, I capture modern-day heirlooms that you’ll pass on for generations to come and be valued for a lifetime.

If I can bring any light to this world, it’s to guide people away from the noise and stress and create an everlasting memory with their loved ones. I will go to the moon and back for my clients, who are at the core of what I do. Those moments, milestones, and memories matter deeply to me and I want to tell their story.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Due to the pandemic, weddings, events, and portraits sessions had to be canceled which hurt many photographers. I experienced a few cancellations, but most brides I’ve talked to were financially impacted by COVID and had a difficult time finding the right photographer that could fit their small budget, but still have quality images. For the time of COVID, I made my services budget friendly and I worked as hard as I could to work with these brides while also paying bills. At this time, I also had to find another job to fill in the gaps, go to school, and photograph these weddings in my free time. It was definitely worth the struggle to see how happy these brides were doing the portrait session and after album delivery.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a single photographer production that creates art in natural and studio settings. I specialize in showing off the best parts of my clients and capturing those most treasured moments and interactions between loved ones. I believe that every little thing in life is art – even the unnoticed details. The crinkle of your eyes when you smile at someone you love. The sky shifts towards dusk. The laugh you share with someone you love.

My job is to elevate these everyday moments so that you can treasure your precious and wonderful life. With my background in nature photography, I thrive in nature settings and love showcasing the majesty of the Smoky Mountains. I am proud of the experience and atmosphere that I create in weddings, family, small events, boudoir, and portrait sessions. I am of Christian belief and believe that everyone is fearfully and wonderfully created in His image and I want to show my clients how wonderful and beautiful they are and have a great time! I am honored to have an opportunity to share family’s and couple’s stories, especially through this pandemic.

I think what sets me apart from other photographers is, I don’t see clients as just subjects. Everyone has a unique path that I happened to be on and I want to learn about their journey whether that’s a love story as their wedding or adventurous elopement. I had one of the most memorable elopements which involved myself and this couple hiked up to Laurel Falls in the Smoky Mountains after eloping in a small chapel in Gatlinburg, June 2021. The young couple was from North Carolina and was on active duty in the military. As we hiked two miles up to the waterfall I learned about their story, I found a location along the way where I could pose them in a way that represented their love and their relationship in the spirit of storytelling. The more we talked and walked, the more comfortable they got and the images were breathtaking by the end of the journey.

My favorite part about any kind of photo session is the stories of previous experiences or the most unforgettable memories.  I love the idea of being a part of another unforgettable story in the event that I need to instruct a couple to do a ridiculous prompt or if we go to a new scenery location that none of us have traveled to before. These can be stories that will never be forgotten and that gives me such a purpose.

I recently had a photo session for a family as a gift to honor their lost loved one to COVID in March 2020. One of the family members had neurofibromatosis with facial tumors and I thought it was beautiful. I learned later that they couldn’t find a photographer that would capture their family due to their medical condition so I had the coolest opportunity to share some awareness about the condition through a photoshoot. It was heartbreaking to hear, but I’m thankful I got to be their photographer and now their storyteller. As a photographer, we have the opportunity to share a variety of story types and each one is such a blessing.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan on focusing more on studio photography and Smoky Mountain wedding in 2022. I have a background in teaching high school photography and a heart to continue teaching. I would also love to teach aspiring photographers in the Knoxville area and introduce them to the wonderful world of photography in styled shooting and online courses.

Pricing:

• Elopements starting at $800
• Weddings starting at $1500
• General Sessions starting at $300
• Reference this article and receive a 15% discount on a booking with Hanna Rain Photography!!

Contact Info:

• Email: hannarainphoto@gmail.com
• Website: hannarainphotos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannarainphotos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannarainphotos
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/hannarainphotos/_created/