Meet Hannah Midkiff | Photographer + Venue Owner

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

Hi Hannah, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I used to be afraid to set boundaries. I would book shoots any day of the week and often work myself into exhaustion. On top of that, I never gave myself a stopping point—I’d sit at my computer well into the evening, not allowing my brain time to shut off.
Over the last year, I’ve been intentional about changing that. I’ve learned to pour back into myself, spending time outside, winding down in the evenings, and making sure I’m not always “on.” I also started protecting time when my kids have activities. If I can help it, I don’t book during those hours so I can be present for them instead of distracted by work.
One of the biggest shifts has been getting into reading. It lets me fully immerse myself in something that isn’t work, and it forces my brain to finally rest from work mode. Always happy to share my Goodreads list with anyone!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Photography has been a part of my life since high school, but what sets me apart is the way I approach it. I don’t just take pictures, I focus on capturing emotions, those candid moments, and the eyes that tell the real story. Whether it’s live theatre, weddings, families, or headshots, my goal is always the same: to create images that feel alive and authentic, not staged or stiff. Theatre photography, in particular, is one of my greatest passions. There’s something magical about freezing a fleeting moment on stage. The raw emotion in a performer’s face, the energy of a big dance number, or the subtle details that help tell the story. Each show is unique, and I love the challenge of preserving it in a way that allows people to relive the performance long after the curtain falls. For me, it’s about honoring the hard work and artistry that go into every production and giving both the performers and audiences a way to remember the story forever. Getting to where I am today has been a gradual journey. In the beginning, I did a lot of work for free simply because I loved it and wanted to learn. It started with one theatre company where I shot just for fun, and from there it grew. Each opportunity led to new connections, and over time I was able to build steady contracts and eventually turn this into a full-time career.
The hardest part has been trusting the process, especially during the slow seasons. There are moments when it would be easier to throw in the towel and choose a path with a steady paycheck. But I’ve learned that pressing on, staying consistent, and believing in the work I’m called to do always pays off. I want people to know that when you’re meant for something, the doors will open for you. My journey in photography is proof of that. What started as small opportunities has grown into a career I love, and I am deeply thankful for every theatre, school, and client who has trusted me along the way. Each of them has not only given me the chance to do what I love, but also helped shape me into the photographer and person I am today.

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?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d definitely want to show them the mix of small-town charm and nearby adventures that make this area special.

In Cleburne, we’d start with coffee downtown and stroll through the local shops, taking in all the small-town charm. Then we’d grab lunch at The Purple Turnip, one of my favorite spots. Afterward, we’d catch a matinee performance at Plaza Theatre Company, because no visit would be complete without experiencing some live theatre. We’d probably finish the day with a girl dinner at my house, chatting on the back patio and just relaxing.

One day, we’d head into Fort Worth. We’d start with breakfast or coffee at Press Cafe, then spend the day exploring museums, catching live music, and heading to the Stockyards including some dancing at Billy Bob’s. It’d be a full day of food, culture, and fun, showing off both the classic Texas vibe and the city’s vibrant arts scene.

If my best friend came with me to Granbury, we’d check out a show at the Granbury Opera House, wander around the square and pop into all the little shops, and spend some time hanging out on the beach at the lake. I love The Filling Station and Brew perfect spots to grab a bite or a drink while soaking up the vibe of the square. It’s just a super chill, fun day with a little bit of everything good food, live music, shopping, and some time outside.

I love living in this area because we’re so close to big cities like Dallas and Fort Worth, while still having that perfect small-town charm.

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?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my brothers. Without their willingness to let me practice photography on them from a young age, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I also have to thank Jaceson Barrus and Plaza Theatre Co., who first trusted me to come in and shoot their shows. That opportunity is the reason I discovered my passion and why I’m where I am today in my career.

Website: https://www.hannahmidkiffphotography.com

Instagram: @hannahmidkiffphotography

Facebook: @hannahmidkiffphotography

Other: second instagram @hannahmidkiffshowphotography

Image Credits
Hannah Midkiff