Art & Life with Hannah Latham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Latham.

Hannah, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m not sure of a time when I didn’t have a camera in my hand. I can distinctly remember snagging my parents’ point-and-shoot and getting in trouble when it ran out of memory in the middle of my brother’s guitar concert. When I got to middle school, my mom encouraged me to talk with the art teacher, Chris Vivier, who is a very talented photographer. He then became my advisor and showed me the ins and outs of the school darkroom. By 8th grade I saved up my babysitting money, eventually buying my first DSLR, and it’s been my passion ever since.

During my time in high school I was fortunate enough to attend a number of workshops at Maine Media in Rockport, ME where I learned a lot about editing using the Adobe Suite. I was also introduced to alternative process photography, thanks to Brenton Hamilton, which are a number of antique styles of creating photographs such as tintypes, cyanotypes, and tri-color gum bichromate which date back to the early 19th century.

During the summer in high school I also spent quite a bit of time assisting and mentoring with a number of local photographers who focused in wedding and family portrait photography. It is thanks to them, Jen Bilodeau in particular, that I received incredible firsthand experience watching them interact with clients and make creative decisions.

Today I am currently a student at Rhode Island School of Design in Providence where I major in photography. Over the summer I run my own business where I focus on weddings, family, and senior portrait photography.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a freelance lifestyle and portrait photographer based in North Andover, MA. During the summertime I photograph weddings and portraits for individuals as well as families. I love capturing natural moments between loved ones during the golden hour right before sunset. Little ones (3 years or younger) are definitely my favorite–they are always so lively and full of joy. I set up my sessions so that my clients can be themselves and leave feeling appreciated. I also want them to feel connected with their family members and think fondly of the photos many years from now.

Right now, I also work for Darby Scott, an American luxury fashion brand originally based in New York City and now in North Andover. As their studio photographer, I document their apparel, handbags, and jewelry for use online and am excited to do more creative work with models in the future. Working in a commercial environment has pushed me to problem solve in ways that my freelance work has done differently.

While I have always been drawn to portraiture, I try to branch out and try as many types of photography as I can. In the past I’ve dabbled in sports action shots, street photography, documentary, fashion, event and more. However, as I continue school at RISD, I have begun to try and narrow down my style as I look ahead to employment after college.

Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
My best advice would be to always have a camera in your hand. Wherever you are and no matter what you’re doing, capture the little moments that matter most. Practice really does go a long way. In my experience in becoming a freelance photographer, I recommend finding photographers (or artists) in your area who you look up to. Try to figure out how they work and what you can do to continue improving. When in doubt, just keep shooting. It’s better to take way too many pictures and edit them down then to fall short. And lastly, get to know your clients. There’s nothing more awkward than a silent photoshoot. Make sure they feel comfortable and leave with a sore face from laughing too hard.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work is available to view on my website, www.hannahlatham.com, and on my Hannah Latham Photography Facebook page. I am actually in the process of redesigning my site at the moment, so stay tuned for a new and improved look. You can also follow me on Instagram where you can stay up to date on my current work throughout the busy summer.

If you’re interested in collaborating or hiring me, I offer a few types of sessions which are posted on my website or you can reach out to me by email.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hannahlatham.com
• Email: hlatham@risd.edu
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanlatham/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hannah-Latham-Photography-1638287946217701/

Image Credit:
The portrait of me is by Zachary McCabe. All other images are mine.

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