Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Dellenbach.
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?
I first picked up a camera in high school when I bought my first camera for $300 to be able to do student government. Little did I know that would be the start of an incredible journey! What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a passion for capturing life’s most special moments. I became more extroverted and more spontaneous, I began to notice the beauty in the world and the people around me, and before I knew it, I was diving headfirst into the world of wedding and event photography. I remember my first wedding I was so scared that I would mess it all up and ruin the most important day of someone’s life, and then by the end of the day realizing that I got to capture the the pictures that would hang up in their future home. It’s been a thrilling ride—one that’s pushed me to step out of my shell and become more extroverted, especially when meeting new people at every event.
College was a game-changer, offering endless opportunities to get creative and connect with people from all walks of life. It became my side hustle, and then my main hustle. It wasn’t just about snapping pictures; it was about telling stories, building relationships, and sharing in the joy of someone’s big day. Today, I’m grateful that my camera not only lets me unleash my creativity but also allows me to meet amazing people and be a part of the most memorable moments in their lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting out in a saturated market definitely wasn’t easy. Especially in Utah, you can throw a rock and hit a photographer. In the beginning, it felt like I was just one of many photographers trying to make a name for myself, and scaling my business felt like an uphill battle. With so many talented professionals out there, it was tough to stand out and find my unique voice in the crowd. I had to learn the hard way that it wasn’t just about having great photos—it was about creating a brand, a connection with clients, and building a reputation that was all my own.
The struggle was real, but it pushed me to think outside the box, refine my craft, and lean into what made my work and my approach different. Whether it was through personalized experiences, a unique editing style, or connecting with my clients on a deeper level, I learned that success in a crowded market comes from carving out your own space and staying true to what makes you passionate. While the journey wasn’t without its challenges, every step has been worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What truly sets me apart as a photographer is my adventurous spirit and my deep love for people. I’ve always been drawn to new experiences and connecting with others on a meaningful level. It’s not just about taking pictures for me—it’s about capturing the essence of a moment, the unique personalities of the people in front of my camera, and the relationships that make those moments unforgettable. Documentary photography has become a buzzword in the photography community, and it’s not always done well, but when it’s done right, it’s moving and beautiful.
This love for people pushes me to step beyond just the surface level and dive deeper into what makes each person, each couple, each family, so special. I want to know their stories, their dreams, and their quirks. The adventure comes in creating an atmosphere where they feel comfortable enough to be themselves, which lets me capture those raw, genuine moments that other photographers might miss. It’s about telling a story that’s personal, authentic, and true to who they are. I love bringing a speaker to couple sessions and playing their favorite songs while they dance, or inviting them to bring something to the session that represents them as a couple. I love learning about the background of an event and who the important people are so that I capture that essence in the photos I take.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
It’s been interesting to watch how events and weddings have changed with the influence and pressure of social media. I do think that we are starting to shift towards having events that are more meaningful, and less just for the good pictures or Instagram worthy videos, but I think it’s inevitable that social media will continue to influence how couples plan their weddings or companies plan events, or event he way families take their pictures and send out their yearly Christmas cards, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok pushing trends and inspiring aesthetics in real time. I think to lean away from this, personalization will start to become key. Photographers who can do a good job of not just taking the classic, regular pictures (though those are classics for a reason!) but can also create an experience and fully represent their clients will be the ones that will continue to stand out and be trend-setters in the field.
Pricing:
- Event Photography- $125/hour
- Wedding Day Premium Package- $1500
- Wedding Day Customizable- $100 per hour
- Couples/Family Session- $200
- Senior Photos- $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hannahdellphotography.pixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahdell.photos/
