Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Hanks.
Hi Veronica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Germany as a missionary kid and moved to the states shortly after turning 18. After waitressing, working in retail, and for an Electrophysiologist for a while, I decided to enroll in the “Professional Photography Course” with the New York Institute of Photography in 2014.
My goal was to complete the course and become a professional photographer. However, a few months into the course I was offered a job with a very reputable home inspection company (Hedderman Engineering, Inc.) and decided to join their team. For a while, I offered Photography sessions on the side, while also working a full-time job and was able to gain lots of hands-on experience.
Once I became part of their management team ( and took some detours in my personal life), I decided to take a step away from photography and solely focus on my job with them and raising 2 boys on my own. In 2019 I married my best friend and we now have 4 children ages 1-8. In 2022 I decided it was time to pick up my camera again, I resigned from the inspection Team, re-enrolled in NYIP to complete my course, and formed Sugar + Pines Photography, LLC.
Through the NYIP Course & my experience as part of the management team, I have learned so much and plan to use my knowledge to build S+P into a successful Photography business. I am currently a natural light Family | Couples | Portrait Photographer and I love to capture the emotions we display when naturally engaging with our family and loved ones.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Initially making the plunge to go into Photography full-time was so scary to me. The uncertainty of a steady income and being able to build something from the ground up was overwhelming to think of in the beginning but I love where this journey is headed.
Finding a good way to balance work and family life has been a bit of a challenge, but I am so thankful to have a supportive husband that helps me navigate those challenges and even comes along on Photoshoots to assist me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Sometimes it is hard to see beauty in the hustle and bustle of life, especially living in Houston! But if you look, you can always find something beautiful. I love finding scenery in nature, picturing it as my “frame” and then bringing in families or couples and posing them surrounded by gorgeous trees, lakes, flowers, etc,… and creating art with “Sugar” (people) and “Pines” (nature) AKA Sugar + Pines Photography.
Usually, at least one person feels awkward, uncomfortable, or not excited about “Picture Day” upon the arrival of their session. My goal is to have that person enjoying themselves, laughing, and walking away from the session thinking “that was not so bad” and the best way to get that result is by having them naturally engage with the people they love.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am always interested in forming new relationships and figuring out ways to support each others. The best way to reach me is via email at sugarandpines@gmail.com.
Pricing:
- Pricing starts at $250+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sugarandpines.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarandpines/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duchessphotographybyveronicabaker
Image Credits
Sugar + Pines Photography
