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Where I am now:
I am currently in Olathe, Kansas. My husband and I moved back here to our home state in May.
Where I am from:
I grew up in Lenexa, Kansas, in a small neighborhood with plenty of land and space to run free and explore. It was just enough country, but close enough to the city to accessibility. I loved it, and will always be more of a country girl at heart.
How it began:
As with many people, photography began as a hobby. I loved taking photos of friends, families, objects, whatever. I took classes, taught myself new things, and slowly got better and better. Eventually I realized that if I went too long without photographing something, I felt a bit empty. It was a part of me. I signed up as a Fine Arts/Photography major at KSU and graduated with a BFA. I still love learning new things and growing my photography.
Photography Style:
My photography is all about capturing the person in front of me, not just their face, but their personality and style. I want to understand a little of who they are and help display that within my work. I don't like forcing posing and placing everyone in the same box. I want to capture those little moments that just happen naturally. I am more than willing to wait and watch patiently until just the right moment when someone's personality peeks out and then I click the shutter. Cookie-cutter photos aren't the kind of images that create memories and emotions.
I am also very relaxed. I love to spend time talking, learning about what makes you tick, and helping you to relax as well. It's my job to capture you, not drill poses into you or make you stand uncomfortably just to get an "awesome" shot. If you are uncomfortable, it will show in the photo. I look at each portrait session or wedding as an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and help create smiles in the lives of others by capturing loved ones and special moments.
Where to find me when I am not working:
I absolutely love to read, though it doesn't happen as much as I'd like. I tend to dive head first into a book and get lost until it's finished. If I start a book I can't put it down until it's done. That can seriously get in the way of other things that need to get done!
I also love to design, well, just about anything. I love designing my blog, random print and web projects, and basically any craft I can get my hands on. I just love creating things. It makes me feel calm and happy. I enjoy sharing the projects with others as well, so you will see many of them on here.
I love hanging out with family and friends. I enjoy getting together and just sitting on a porch chit-chatting and catching up. Laughter is always a great thing and my family has a way of getting me to laugh my head off. :)
My favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon:
Well weekends are the best, and often busiest times for photographers, but mainly I enjoy relaxing with family in my free time. I love nothing more than to get to sit on a couch with my husband and watch a good movie, listen to the rain, or chat about something going on.
What I can't live without:
My camera? Ha, well really art in general. When I get stressed or in a funk, being creative always helps me. It's like therapy to me. The same goes for church. I love my church home, Westside Family Church in Lenexa.
Why someone would not want to work with me:
Hmm, I suppose maybe if you aren't the relaxed type and prefer a drill sergeant as a photographer? Or maybe you'd prefer a photographer that has one set list of photos, goes down the list, and when those are all taken they are done. I'm not that kind of photographer. I am there to aid you and gently direct, not force anything. If you are uncomfortable in a pose, it will show in the photo.
My goal as a photographer:
I want to be remembered as someone who took the time to find out what you wanted from your session and made it happen. Someone who cared enough to get to know you and capture who you are in your photographs. I want to be someone who made your day or shoot upbeat and positive, someone you happily share about with others just because you can, someone you'd love to friend on Facebook and keep in touch with. I want to be that friend of yours that happens to take photos! I love meeting new people and getting to know them. I feel blessed and honored each time I am invited to take part in the lives of the amazing, unique, and wonderful people God has created.
Hopefully this has helped you to know me a little better. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me!
~Holly Hanks
*Photo courtesy of Lyfe Photography
I am currently in Olathe, Kansas. My husband and I moved back here to our home state in May.
Where I am from:
I grew up in Lenexa, Kansas, in a small neighborhood with plenty of land and space to run free and explore. It was just enough country, but close enough to the city to accessibility. I loved it, and will always be more of a country girl at heart.
How it began:
As with many people, photography began as a hobby. I loved taking photos of friends, families, objects, whatever. I took classes, taught myself new things, and slowly got better and better. Eventually I realized that if I went too long without photographing something, I felt a bit empty. It was a part of me. I signed up as a Fine Arts/Photography major at KSU and graduated with a BFA. I still love learning new things and growing my photography.
Photography Style:
My photography is all about capturing the person in front of me, not just their face, but their personality and style. I want to understand a little of who they are and help display that within my work. I don't like forcing posing and placing everyone in the same box. I want to capture those little moments that just happen naturally. I am more than willing to wait and watch patiently until just the right moment when someone's personality peeks out and then I click the shutter. Cookie-cutter photos aren't the kind of images that create memories and emotions.
I am also very relaxed. I love to spend time talking, learning about what makes you tick, and helping you to relax as well. It's my job to capture you, not drill poses into you or make you stand uncomfortably just to get an "awesome" shot. If you are uncomfortable, it will show in the photo. I look at each portrait session or wedding as an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and help create smiles in the lives of others by capturing loved ones and special moments.
Where to find me when I am not working:
I absolutely love to read, though it doesn't happen as much as I'd like. I tend to dive head first into a book and get lost until it's finished. If I start a book I can't put it down until it's done. That can seriously get in the way of other things that need to get done!
I also love to design, well, just about anything. I love designing my blog, random print and web projects, and basically any craft I can get my hands on. I just love creating things. It makes me feel calm and happy. I enjoy sharing the projects with others as well, so you will see many of them on here.
I love hanging out with family and friends. I enjoy getting together and just sitting on a porch chit-chatting and catching up. Laughter is always a great thing and my family has a way of getting me to laugh my head off. :)
My favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon:
Well weekends are the best, and often busiest times for photographers, but mainly I enjoy relaxing with family in my free time. I love nothing more than to get to sit on a couch with my husband and watch a good movie, listen to the rain, or chat about something going on.
What I can't live without:
My camera? Ha, well really art in general. When I get stressed or in a funk, being creative always helps me. It's like therapy to me. The same goes for church. I love my church home, Westside Family Church in Lenexa.
Why someone would not want to work with me:
Hmm, I suppose maybe if you aren't the relaxed type and prefer a drill sergeant as a photographer? Or maybe you'd prefer a photographer that has one set list of photos, goes down the list, and when those are all taken they are done. I'm not that kind of photographer. I am there to aid you and gently direct, not force anything. If you are uncomfortable in a pose, it will show in the photo.
My goal as a photographer:
I want to be remembered as someone who took the time to find out what you wanted from your session and made it happen. Someone who cared enough to get to know you and capture who you are in your photographs. I want to be someone who made your day or shoot upbeat and positive, someone you happily share about with others just because you can, someone you'd love to friend on Facebook and keep in touch with. I want to be that friend of yours that happens to take photos! I love meeting new people and getting to know them. I feel blessed and honored each time I am invited to take part in the lives of the amazing, unique, and wonderful people God has created.
Hopefully this has helped you to know me a little better. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me!
~Holly Hanks
*Photo courtesy of Lyfe Photography
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