Meet Hannah: The Girl Behind The Camera

Since middle school I have always been behind a camera. I’d beg my mom to use her film camera and go on walks to take photos. Eventually, my amazing and generous parents gave me a Nikon D40 for Christmas my sophomore year of high school. I took photos of landscapes on my family’s summer vacations, and shot my willing friends (and honestly, what high school girl isn’t willing to add more photo to her Facebook page). Senior year rolled around and a few of my friends asked me to take their senior photos. They turned out great and I had such a fun time.

This was one of the first moments I decided I wanted to be a photographer. I continued getting better and took photography classes at school as elective credits. I even got the chance to take photography classes in Italy during my study abroad experience. Amazing is an understatement.

It wasn’t until I was in graduate school for environmental science that I started, at the time, Hannah Hoglund Photography. I asked my engaged friends if they would hire me to film or photograph their weddings. Most said no, or they already had photographers and videographers, but a few said heck yeah! So, I started off charging very little for my inexperienced eyes and ended up with beautiful photos and videos for my friends.

I learned soo much from those first few weddings and it only fueled my passion for creating beautiful photos and video and also making my clients happy. Happiness is contagious and I think deep down that’s why I love being a wedding photographer. Selfishly, I love shooting people in love because at the end of the day I come home with the biggest smile on my face. Sore feet, but the biggest smile! It is so uplifting and inspiring to see my beautiful clients having fun and engaging with their partners. I frequently come home to my husband and give him a huge hug. SO MUCH LOVE!!

Being a wedding photographer has taught me to always cherish the little moments, communication is key, and love always wins :) Three years later, I launched Hannah Ampe Photography and I can honestly say, as much as I have learned, I still have so much more to go!

If I am ever your wedding photographer, I will usually tear up at the ceremony, especially if you write your own vows, frequently tell a terrible joke while shooting, and always always capture your love and the moments that make your heart skip a beat. My end goal is to always make my clients feel special and give you spectacular photos that you can cherish forever.

So that’s my story. My journey hasn’t been simple, but doing what I love everyday is always a blessing :)

Intimate Iowa Summer Wedding | The Morks

Courtney and Patrick met at Iowa State University. Courtney was hooked as soon as she saw Pat's red hair at a sorority/fraternity event. They bonded over their faith, love of outdoors, and loving personalities.  Here are a few words from their hearts:

From Patrick

So fast and so unexpected- it was my freshmen year at Iowa State University and the girl of my dreams somehow stumbled into my life! She took my breath away. Her red hair glistened in the sun, she made me feel so loved, and her genuine kindness and gratitude beamed from her every day. We first met at my fraternity social and ever since, our relationship has bloomed into a strong selfless bond of love and friendship. 

Courtney has been by my side for 3 years and I couldn’t ask for a better best friend. I can’t wait to get married to this smart, beautiful woman, and I am excited for what lies ahead in our lives!

From Courtney

When I first met Patrick, it was attraction at first sight, at least on my part. He was wearing a tight t-shirt that showed all his muscles and what I noticed next drew me in completely—the red hair. Finally, someone who understood me! As I got to know him, everything from first impression began to rang true. He is smart, driven, goofy, thoughtful, and completely extraordinary.  

We had been dating about three years when he popped the question in December. Little did I know, he had the whole proposal planned out for a year—what a romantic! He had made me a book of dates for my 2014 Christmas present that was filled with creative ideas that would lead us on an adventure each month. As it turns out, each month’s date was strategically titled so that the beginning letter would eventually spell out “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” (Technically we were short an “L” and “R”, but I got the bigger picture). After all that planning and patience of waiting a whole year, how I could I say no? For real though, it was the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me, and I appreciate the effort he puts into our relationship. I know, I got a great one!

As we plan for our wedding and future together, I feel jittery and anxious. I can’t wait to marry my best friend, and I can’t wait for you all to be a part of our big day!

How sweet is that ??

So on their last date of 2015, on a cold winter night, Pat took Courtney to the Campanile at Iowa State (Peter and I were hiding in the bushes to take photos). Not only did Pat create this book to plan dates a year in advance, but Pat knew he wanted to marry Courtney and waited a year to make it the most memorable and romantic proposal EVER. 

Courtney and Pat have been friends of mine since college and bravely chose me as their wedding photographer for their outdoor summer wedding. I was so honored and so nervous, as it was my first solo wedding, but it was everything I dreamed about and it was even better being able to capture my own friends wedding day. They had a small intimate wedding in Hampton, Iowa at a cute BnB. The corn was high, the air was moist, and the sky was a perfect overcast. Looking back, it is all a beautiful blur. It went by so fast, but what I do remember is a lot of love, wonderful friends, and small thoughtful touches. Pat wrote a song for Courtney and performed it at the ceremony. I definitely cried... It was so beautiful and is such a testament to their love. 

Please enjoy a few photos from their wedding day.

Sarah + Blake | Minnesota Winter Wedding

Where to start.. Well, I am finally getting around to blogging about Sarah and Blake's wedding. Currently writing in Puerto Varas, Chile where it is 75 and sunny. Much needed warmth after the windy chills from Southern Patagonia. I have loved traveling, but I am missing my clients and shooting weddings like Sarah and Blake's!! I cannot wait to see what this year brings for weddings and engagements for Hannah Ampe Photography :)

Okay, now on to the happy couple;

Sarah and Blake had an amazing wedding on November 24th, 2017. It was 50 degrees... so not the snow we were hoping for, but The Grands at Mulligans made up for it with their beautiful venue! The pops of red and plaid were perfect against the deep colored woods of the venue. LOVED IT!

It was an emotional day for everyone. Not only was Sarah getting married and going through all the normal emotions of a wedding day, but she had to go through it without her father, who had recently passed away from cancer. I was very impressed and admired Sarah's courage and tenacity during the day and in her life. Her and her family are truly an inspiration to look up to. And then there is Blake, the most caring and laid back groom I've ever worked with. His reaction when he turned around to Sarah for their first look was something I will never forget, and neither will they.

All in all it was a beautiful day, full of love and joy. I feel so grateful to have worked with Sarah and Blake and their families :)  Also, I don't think anyone has ever had a better cake cutting before these two!

Here are my favorite photos of the day.

Enjoy :) 

Hansen Tree Farm Family Photography Session | The Branhams

Please enjoy this chilly session with the Branham family :)
 

kristy + rogan | A Non-Traditional Engagement

My goal is always to create an experience as well as pretty photos, to make my clients feel uplifted and energized, and always always capture their love and the moments that make their hearts skip a beat. I am always looking for unique shoots to do with my clients and one of my favorite shoots was with Kristy & Rogan in Ames, Iowa.

Kristy wanted a non-traditional engagement shoot, so I asked her if she would want to take photos by a lake... in the water… I was so ecstatic when I got her email saying, “water, water, water!!!” She was thrilled.

We met up at Peterson Pits (a small swimming hole in Ames, Iowa) and made our way towards the water. We took some more traditional engagement photos for the parents, but then made our way to the beach. We waded into the water and had so much fun shooting the evening away!

While this shoot was one of my favorites, it also challenged me. Kristy & Rogan only could stand in the water, and I could only see half of their bodies. I had to switch up my posing a lot and come up with new angles and shots.

I loved getting out of my comfort zone for this shoot and finally getting to check off a shoot on my bucket list! I truly believe my job is the best is gets! I get to see happiness and love everyday and enjoy my passion as a job :)

Enjoy some of my favorites from their shoot!

Grundy Center, IA | Karissa & Grant

Cheers to Karissa & Grant Stein