Meet Hannah Warren | Photographer & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Hannah, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up I thought that I had no imagination, really. I thought people created things perfectly the first time they imagined them. But really, I have come to learn I have the wildest imagination and I am overly abundant with creative ideas. It is almost silly to look back and think I wasn’t a creative person; I found ways to express my artistic abilities in all facets of life. Through sports like gymnastics and dance, I spent long hours in the studio perfecting my technique. In video, I made short films and video series about my adventures as a mermaid—yes, you read that right. And in photography, my friends and I would devise concepts and go on photoshoots in the forest. Looking back I am so proud that I never listened to the naysayers who didn’t ‘see’ the vision as I had. There is no such thing as perfection, but there is such thing as progress even if it is incremental. I pursue art because it pursues me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would love to say that art is my passion, but it is not. My art is a direct reflection of me. Who I am, who I was, and who I want to be. I have always been extremely critical of my art not living up to my expectations, but once I took a step back and saw the growth I have achieved over a lifetime I am extremely proud of everything I have put out. Not because it is perfect, but because I tried. This process was not easy, not only is there an internal battle when creating but the external criticism. My art is not going to be everyones favorite flavor just the same that you don’t like every photo you see. I overcome the ‘criticism’ by reminding myself that art is subjective in nature, and unlike high school, no one is giving out A’s or F’s to say what you made was right or wrong. If you enjoy what you made and you had fun making it then it is worth it! In the grand scheme of things what I want the world to know is me authentically and unapologetically me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was coming into town I hope they brought shorts and a swimsuit because WOO is it hot here. I would start off by taking them directly from the airport to my holy grail of a vibe- La Grande Orange in Arcadia. A cafe market style restaurant where people can meet, shop, sip, and eat to their hearts desire. Assuming that it is the first Friday of them month, we would end the day at my favorite street market, First Fridays in Phoenix. First Fridays has something for everyone, whether its some new (old) clothes from the vintage vendors, a bite from the plethora of food trucks along the street, or supporting small businesses you find along the way. Some other things I would recommend checking out would be the wild horses along the salt river (go towards the end of the day for the best sunset of your life). Or some of the many beautiful golf courses in the valley, my favorites are Starfire, Camelback and Silverado.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people that I could credit my success to, I think it is important to highlight the people that inspire me to be a better me everyday. I would like to start off with The Film Photography Club at ASU. This is the raw untouched talent that I get to oversee as a president. Just because I am the president of this club does not mean I think I am the best photographer- quite the opposite in fact. My members create the most beautiful work that I have the pleasure of viewing and learning from them. My executive team and alumni teach me what its like to be apart of something bigger than yourself (even after you graduate). Jordan, Ethan, and Aidan my film club alumni and founders; thank you for giving me an outlet that I never knew of and showing me kindness throughout the learning process.

My second shoutout has to be my creative inspirations at Wilson Camera and Afternoons Studio; Nick Weeber and Tanner Kalin my film guys!! A long time customer to a store that has become more than that. Again I find community and a safe space to create. Tanner thank you for inviting me into your circle and empowering me to keep shooting. I am so lucky to say that I have gotten to shoot with Tanner multiple times and after every session not only do I receive AMAZING photos but a new piece of knowledge. Nick, thank you for creating the coolest collective community in the valley. For believing in me and setting me up with the proper tools and education to create my best work. To my afternoons folk Mante and Sammy; Mante is such an amazing studio owner who has always shown me kindness and taught me professionalism in the studio. Finally Samantha Allen, the definition of a cheer leader. Sammy knows that no idea is too out there and if there is a will, there is a way. After attending multiple of her lighting classes through afternoons I feel more confident as a creative and a professional. I have even been blessed to shoot with her AND tanner to create the most perfect creative trifecta this universe can handle.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey <3

Website: https://photosbyhannahwarren.com

Instagram: @hannahxwarren and @photosbyhannahwarren

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahwarren

Image Credits
Tanner Kalin