Meet Hannah Sinclair | Destination Wedding Photographer

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

Hi Hannah, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I can easily say it was deciding to prioritize my mental health above all other factors in my business. As an entrepreneur we are told to base our decisions off of financial stability, flexibility with work life balance and what will contribute to our success. The one thing that is left out and never talked about enough is our mental health. Sure, getting a good paycheck lets you live the lifestyle you want but if you aren’t healthy there is no way to enjoy it. There’s no way to enjoy your business or push yourself to grow at all. Because I chose to prioritize my mental health I was able to push myself to go full time (so I didn’t overwhelm myself), to raise my prices (so I didn’t overwork myself), to set boundaries (so I didn’t disrespect myself)… and all of that? THAT is what ultimately created the success I have now.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a traveling destination wedding photographer, going all over the world for love stories and incredible couples! My art is all about the natural raw emotions between the couple and learning how I can better tell their story. I’m constantly asking myself how can my photography portray this special moment in their lives, this season of joy + love, their relationship? My art truly revolves around my couples that I have the honor of photographing.

What makes me the most proud of my work is how well I get to know each person I photograph. I’m often overwhelmed by the memories that I get to be part of and special moments I’m trusted to photograph. Getting inquiries for wedding days is what truly gets me excited, envisioning the day through their eyes and their vision. Then on top of that, being trusted creatively to make it happen? Such a dream.

To get to where I am now was a lot of perseverance. Not many people understand what entrepreneurship is so trying to get my business started in a community that didn’t see it as “real work” was ultimately the hardest part. I love being able to grow in whatever job I’m doing so with photography that was no different. I absorbed as much knowledge as I could from the start, going to workshops, content days, and shootouts. Then started to network in the industry and gain that support system of other individuals who were going through the same thing as me, which was a huge game changer.

Ultimately I learned that when it comes to pursuing a career you need look at passion over paycheck. Don’t pursue a job because of the salary or the paycheck. Sure that’s nice but you will never truly feel fulfilled when it comes to your work. Choosing to pursue your PASSION is what makes you so dedicated to your own growth. When you make the decision to pursue your passion over a paycheck, that paycheck will eventually follow… and it will be more then worth it.

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?
I currently live in Corvallis Oregon which is a quiet college town know for being beavers fans and beautiful scenery. The best places in town are the breweries (what Oregon is arguably known for) such as Sky High, Four Spirits Brewing, and 2 Towns! We’re also wildly know for all the outdoor activities that you can find any Oregonian enjoying on their day off! From the hikes up to Mary’s Peak, to floating on the willamette river to playing golf at the course in town… never a dull day here!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my parents who never once questioned my choice to pursue a hobby and become an entrepreneur. They are my constant cheerleaders and number one support. While they didn’t know where I was going with creating business or what that future would hold for me, that never once stopped them from encouraging me to pursue it.