Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah DeHart.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The beginning of my photography journey sounds a little cliche, but it’s truly the path that led me to where I am today. When I was a younger child, I would carry around my Aunt’s Polaroid camera at every family gathering and that’s when I got hooked. I took photos of everyone and everything. As I grew up, I continued with my interest by mostly using digital cameras. Whether it be the sunset, dogs, nature, people in a special moment, etc., I loved having a camera in my hand. I remember looking at the print that would come out of the Polaroid or at the back of the camera smiling as it was something that brought me instant joy. I think that when I first picked up a camera, it was fascinating to me that you could freeze a moment in time. Fast forward to now, I cherish photos just as much as I did back then because of the sentiment they hold. You can’t get that moment back, but you can freeze it and reflect on it through an image that was taken.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Chasing after my dreams of pursuing photography has been a journey full of ups and downs. Before learning how to use a camera or run a business, I clung tight to the quote, “Be brave enough to suck at something new.” I grew up in a competitive family and along with that have always been a perfectionist, so “sucking” at something wasn’t always on my agenda. It is in my nature to work HARD until I get where I want to be, but the process of starting my own business has helped me remember that beautiful and good things don’t always bloom overnight. Growing a business reminds me of taking care of flowers, it takes time and lots of nurturing. Walking through my first official year of business has taken just that, lots of nurturing.
The name Amato is an Italian word for beloved. In the past, I was petrified to take a risk at something I haven’t exactly mastered just yet. I allowed that fear to lead to lies that negatively affected my value. As I prayed through feeling not equipped enough, not skilled enough, or not outgoing enough, God gave me the strength to remember what truly defines me. I am HIS beloved, not the world’s, not my works. My passion for remembering my value and for making my clients feel valued is exactly why I chose the name Amato. My faith in God is what drives my business, my purpose, and my worth. He equips me to be the best I can be through the highs and lows, the self-doubt, AND the joys I get to experience while being a photographer.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Houston based photographer and I specialize in weddings and lifestyle sessions for families and newborns. I am known for my true to color, vivid, and authentic photos.
For weddings and newborn sessions, I have the privilege of walking alongside my clients for monumental, intimate moments of their lives. It allows me to me love on my clients, hear their vision/needs, and to befriend them in a special way. These interactions lead to clients feeling comfortable with me to be themselves in front of the camera and to loosen up. When I walk away from a wedding or session, I walk away with joy feeling like I just made some amazing friends all while taking their images.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am where I am because of my faith and because of God. I pray daily that he gives me the vision for my business and grace to sustain me.
My husband, family, and friends have also played a huge role as they have encouraged me to take risks and to not be afraid to fail. In the beginning, there were many times where I wanted to stop because of comparison, struggle to know my style, etc., but my people saw something bigger in me and helped me have the endurance to keep chasing my goals.
I owe a huge thanks to a friend, Bethany, from Sweet Nest Photography. Bethany is an incredible photographer and although I was just beginning with professional photography, I asked her (maybe a few too many times) to allow me to shoot with her at weddings. She eventually said yes and I believe she is one of the reasons I grew so fast and had such a passion stir inside of me. She opened a door for me and I will forever be grateful for the experience she gave me!
Lastly, my clients are INCREDIBLE. I adore each of them so much and am grateful for the opportunities I have been given. They make my job easy and so fulfilling. Walking alongside them as they say I do, hold their newborn baby, or simply chase their children around at the park is a blessing I hope to never take for granted.
Pricing:
- Sessions starting at $400
- Weddings starting at $3,800
Contact Info:
- Website: amatophotography.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amatophotographyhou/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amatophotography.hannahdehart
Image Credits
Amato Photography
