What follows is an interview with Kelly (so you can get to know her) conducted by my intern Kelsey . . . hope you enjoy it!
1.
What inspired/led
you to your profession?
I had studied photo journalism during my college years and was
extremely passionate about these studies. I felt as though I could make a
difference through photography by telling a story about my clients and the most
important day of their lives thus far.
2.
How long have you
been working in the field?
Hard to believe, but it all adds up to about 24 years!!
3. Did you
always know you wanted to be in that profession? Or did it just happen?
Yes, going to college led me to a degree in communications with
a minor in photography. In the early years of this interest, I kept taking family
photos with my family and realized I really did have some skill and loved
taking pictures! So, I decided to pursue
it as a career. My first job was with a newspaper taking pictures for the
stories.
4. Was anyone from
your family involved in a similar field?
I have a sister who does videography and a brother who creates
animal exhibits, so I would say that we are all in a “creative” career field,
but through different industries and expressions!
5. What are
the best aspects of your job? The worst?
I love the variety in every day -- every client and situation is
different. I get to be a part of weddings and babies, and share in that life experience
with them. All the times are happy
times. With weddings, I can capture the most intense beautiful and happy
emotions all in one afternoon. I’d have to say that photography is never boring
and I get to meet lots of fabulous people. I really am always happy when taking
photographs!
6. What is
your most memorable past event? Was it good or bad?
When I was a
photojournalist for the newspaper, I felt like my mission was to take images
that made a difference, elicit not only thought, but action from the viewers.
So, I was excited to have the chance to be assigned to follow a church
group to Nicaragua where they would be building a clinic and providing medical
assistance to small village near the capital.
Perhaps, by documenting the efforts of the church group, others would be
inspired to action and the lives of these Nicaraguans, who had endured such
poverty and sickness, could change.
Coming close to the end of the trip, a few of us were invited to a villager’s home for tea. Walking inside of what was really a shack, I viewed a room in which there were many people, little furniture and only one decorative item, a pair of brightly painted paper mache birds on a high shelf. Struggling to say something complimentary to the family in my very bad Spanish, I mentioned what beautiful birds they had and how lovely they looked in the room. Immediately, the mother of the family, reached up, took the birds from the shelf and handed them to me with a smile. I shook my head, no. There was no way I was going to take the one beautiful thing they had in that simple shack. Embracing me and pushing the bird into my hand, she smiled again and shook her head yes. It was amazing to me, that someone with so little, wouldn't hesitate to give it to stranger. With tears in my eyes, I accepted
The story and photo essay ran in the newspaper over three days. The clinic was finished, over time, after several other groups contributed their time, money or talents to complete it after learning of the villager's plight. So, yes, I felt like I had some part in creating change for that village of Nicaraguans, but the biggest change ended up being in me, through a kind, selfless gift, given to me with joy. No matter how little they had, they were still willing to share, showing me that things are not nearly as important as people and the relationships, no matter how brief, we share.... what a life lesson to emulate.
7. What
characteristics of a person best fit with your profession?
Hardworking, people person, has to enjoy people. Introverts can
be good photographers. Be prepared for
lots of weekends and nights and lots of behind-the-scenes work. Know a lot of technical
skills to be the best you can, and be sure to understand all photography equipment.
Be an expert in your field!
8. What is
your favorite vacation spot?
I loved to travel and have been fortunate to be able to travel
around the world. Anywhere I can go is a favorite place!
9. If you could go
somewhere you’ve never gone before, where would it be? Why?
I do my travels with a friend and we are going to Peru next
year. There really isn’t anywhere I wouldn’t go!
10. Any
advice for someone interested in entering your field of work?
Make sure that you get as much education as you can -- online
courses and free opportunities to do job well. Offer to catalog a piece of
someone’s life. Work on creating family heirloom and treasures. This job is
more important than people think. It’s an honor to do it. If you want to do this
as your main source of income, be prepared to work hard.
Thank you, Kelly, for the photography work you do!
To find out more about Kelly and her work, please visit her website at Kelly Hahn Photography.
