Meet Hannah Gibson | Photographer & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Gibson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, how do you think about risk?
Risk is complex! It’s both daunting and exciting, confusing and clarifying; it lives out on the skinny branches where both fear and self obligation pull and hang over your inner dialogue until you decide to ease back into the safe zone or take the first little faithful leap toward the quiet dream of, “let’s do it.”

When reflecting on how risk taking factored into my transition from corporate copywriter and content editor to full-time photographer, I think some of the biggest, most game-changing moments have happened where I’ve been able to humble and remove myself—as my own greatest obstacle—from the equation. That is, minimizing the pesky, and often blinding, emotion of self-doubt to then examine what all I’ve got left from a more objective lens.

A quote that helped me think this way is “It’s only a risk if you can lose.” When I was in the middle of making the decision to either work for myself as a full-time photographer or stay at my current job of 4 years, I had a small but mighty handful of consistent clients I was shooting with on weekends, during lunch breaks, and early in the mornings before the hustle and bustle of the 9-6 day ahead.

From a matter-of-fact viewpoint, where only the concrete tangibles were accounted for, it wasn’t enough to validate going completely full-time. However, when I thought about the intangibles—like how badly I wanted to do photography long-term, the encouragement I was receiving from friends, family, and clients, and—most importantly—the rewarding sense purpose I found in the profession, I realized that if I worked hard enough and kept doing what I was doing, I would not lose. Of course, nothing is 100% certain, but by intentionally taking on this mindset, I knew the odds of succeeding were high.

It’s true when people say “it all works out”. However, I think it would be a bit more true to extend the saying to, “It all works out, because everything is figure-out-able.” If you find yourself out on the skinny branches, teetering between one decision or the other, leap towards the work that brings you the most joy because—more often than not—that work will bring joy to others as well. And it’s far easier, not to mention more enjoyable, to take the risk and figure things out when that’s your reward.

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.
Since I was young, I’ve always been into photography; I’d shoot with my dad’s camera and my own beginner Canon Rebel on family trips, and I even participated in a seminar one summer during high school at The Savannah College of Art and Design where photography was a focus. However, it was only just a hobby! Upon graduating from Texas Christian University with degrees in both Journalism and Criminal Justice, alongside a few marketing internships, I went on to take a position at rewardStyle as Content Editor on the Marketing Team. During this time, I was viewing, writing, and editing large volumes of content on a daily basis — for rewardStyle, LIKEtoKNOW.it, influencers, and various brands. One weekend, just for fun, I decided to create an Instagram account to archive my favorite travel photos (@hannahvistaphoto — still my handle today!).

While this was not intended to become a side business, my friends, family, and co-workers took notice and started asking if I could take pictures for them. At first, these were mostly portraits and life events. In fact, my first paid shoot was with rewardStyle’s President and Co-founder, Amber Venz Box, to capture her younger brother’s post-engagement celebration. Slowly, and very organically, the @hannahvistaphoto account’s net began to widen into a full-fledged photography service where I found myself shooting portraits, events, and brand and lifestyle content whenever time would allow — that meant shoots early in the morning before work, during lunch hours, or after work if it was light enough outside. It’s been 2 months now since I took the plunge to pursue Hannah Vista Photography full-time, and each day I think about how wonderfully surprising life can be.

In regard to what sets my work apart, I’d say my background in marketing and ability to be versatile in shoot style have both played dominant roles in my success thus far. Since I’ve worked on the other side of brand shoots (selecting images to include in marketing emails, web design, etc.), I have a deep understanding of the types of imagery my client needs, and what shots might best suit their vision. Before a shoot, I greatly enjoy collaborating and brainstorming with clients to create work that’s captivating and entirely new! During this process, I also try to keep an open mind — if the client has a technical idea or style that I’ve never tried before, I’m always game to give it a go (this is where Google and my wonderful friends at the Competitive Cameras store come in handy).

As my business has grown, there are a few quotes I like to keep in mind. One is “less impressed, more engaged.” While the recent compliments and praise I’ve received from clients and others have been greatly encouraging and affirming, I think it’s very important to remain 100% engaged in my practice. That is, to continuously look for ways to improve and never get too complacent in one style or another. There’s always more to learn. Isn’t that a beautiful thought?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Eat (and drink): When in Texas, do as the Texans do…and that means Mexican food (plus some of the best margaritas you’ll ever have!). A few favorites for beans, rice, and everything nice: Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano for the out-of-this-world margaritas, authentic environment, and must-see bar, Jose On Lovers for patio and deliciously fresh fare, Rafa’s for the Sunday crowd, and Mi Cocina at Highland Park Village for the impeccable vibes and outdoor patio. Non-Tex-Mex notable mentions: Homewood for great everything and a seasonal menu, Hudson House for fresh oysters and colder-than-cold martinis, Honor Bar for the Kale Salad or Ding’s Chicken Sandwich, Shinsei for insane sushi, Bullion if you’re feeling swanky tonight, Faccini if you’re feeling extra swanky tonight (and would pick pasta as your last meal), Il Bracco for perfectly-proportioned shareable plates and supreme cocktails, JuiceLand for the next day when you need some #health, La La Land for coffee and matcha, and Bird Bakery for the California Turkey sandwich during lunch.

Do: Dallas Famer’s Market if you’re there on a weekend, walk the Katy Trail and stop at Ice House, stop by the DMA to see the latest exhibits, the State Fair of Texas if you’re visiting in late September/Early October, the Fort Worth Rodeo if you’re visiting in February, explore Lower Greenville, shop and stroll around Highland Park Village (before or after you stop for lunch/dinner), the Joule for a world-class spa session.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friends, family, clients, Michael (& Hazel!); Amber Venz Box for booking my first paid shoot, the Competitive Cameras store for offering education and guidance.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahvistaphoto/

Image Credits
Hannah Vista Photography