Hannah Richards

On falling in love with photography…
Growing up with a creative mother in the fashion industry as a kid I was always into clothes, hair and makeup. I fell in love with photography as a teen and while I was at art school I shot my first fashion cover story alongside two other colleagues – Amanda Bransgrove was the stylist and all these years later was one of my subjects for the Bum Huggers shoot! 

On finding beauty in everything…
I’m obsessed with capturing beauty through photography. I want to inspire, connect with and empower my subjects and viewers.   

On the benefits of having your own business…
Work life and parenting is a juggle. I’m grateful to have access to shoot within New Zealand’s beautiful environment around precious time with my kids.

On a discipline that’s helped create opportunities…
Working in photo labs throughout all my years at school gave me a huge advantage in the early stages of my career – a technical understanding of analogue (it was the 90’s/early 00’s!), digital post production skills and industry insight.

On how to unwind after a long day of work…
I love seeing my kids but I also like having a debrief with crew and clients over a wine or two! I’m also pretty excited about seeing the day’s fruit so you can also find me with my laptop on the couch till late pouring over images.

On advice for those starting out… 
Stay focused on what you want and where you want to go – and get a mentor.

On an inspiring book….
Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth changed my life.

On contributing to your community…
To me, community is looking out for each other and supporting each other – like a family. Supporting our local and wider New Zealand communities is fundamental to the health of our country. 

On raising children in New Zealand….
My two girls are 3 and 5 years’ old. Our favourite family activity is camping off the grid on  beaches in our caravan whenever we can. A simple life. No screens or stuff, just being present with family and nature. 

On a powerful life lesson…
It’s essential to put your personal life before your work life / career, not the other way around!

On being grateful for family …
My mother has made the most significant impact on my life. She empowered me to be creative, practical, self-sufficient – to work hard and believe I can do anything.

On the value of practicing gratitude…
I try to incorporate gratefulness into my every day. It helps me keep perspective on everything. I’m grateful for my family, friends, opportunity, a beautiful life living in Aotearoa.

By creating imagery for Great Full, I’m able to contribute to an important cause while having creative freedom to help tell these women’s stories.