Life & Work with Hannah Hughes of Mar Vista

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Hughes

Hi Hannah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It started when my parents gave me a camera as a kid. By the time I was in fifth grade, my answer to “What do you want to be when you grow up?” was almost always the same: a photographer. Throughout the rest of my school years photography and becoming an artist was always my priority. (If you know me, this becomes obvious when you ask me any math-related question.)

The pinnacle of my early photography days came when I started shooting New York Fashion Week with Milk’s Made Studios while I was still in high school. Those seasons, sitting with the other photographers at the end of the runway, were transformative, turning my dreams into a tangible vision of what my future could be.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path hasn’t always been easy. At times, I’ve felt like I cornered myself into photography, leaving no room for other options. It’s a love I sometimes fall in and out of—balancing passion with work can blur the lines between art as a calling and art as a job. It’s in the moments of doubt that I have to remind myself why I started: the joy of capturing something beautiful in fleeting moments and the magic of creating something that resonates.

I suppose every artist struggles with this at some point. Small breaks are necessary to re-center and then I can pick up my camera again and I always find my way back to why I fell in love with this craft in the first place.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I consider myself a well-rounded photographer, driven by an insatiable curiosity to capture just about everything. I’ve never been able to choose just one subject, and I believe that versatility sets me apart. My work spans a wide range—from interior design and product photography to portraits and travel. No matter the subject, I take pride in finding beauty worth capturing, even in the seemingly mundane.

In recent years, I’ve discovered a deep love for retouching. The process of bringing an image to life through post-processing has become one of my favorite parts of the creative journey. I’m fortunate to have built a solid business as a retoucher, collaborating with various brands to enhance their visual storytelling.

While photography is my primary focus, I do a few other things too. I work as a deckhand and stewardess on yachts, sell my original paintings, and have recently begun exploring graphic design projects. (You can check out my paintings on Instagram: @lipservicestudios !)

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Everyone I know and have met, in one way or another, has inspired me in ways I’ll never fully be able to express. There isn’t enough space to name everyone I’m grateful for, so I’ll keep the list simple.

My family deserves so much credit for encouraging my passion for photography. Their unwavering support and optimism about my future—especially during times when I doubted myself—have meant the world to me.

I’m also deeply thankful for the incredible teachers, professors, and mentors I had throughout school. They taught me invaluable lessons and pushed me to grow into the photographer and artist I aspired to be (even when I was being an incredibly stubborn student).

My friends—from life, work, and school— and my partner, have been some of my loudest and most consistent cheerleaders. Their encouragement, especially during moments of self-doubt, has kept me going and reminded me of my worth.

(If you’re reading this and wondering if I’m talking about you—chances are, I am.)

Even those who have been difficult to work with deserve credit. The challenges they’ve presented have played a significant role in making me a stronger photographer and a more patient, resilient person.

I’m grateful for everyone and the roles that they have played – this is my little “thank you” for being part of my journey.

Pricing:

• Fashion, Beauty and Product Photography (8 hrs): $2,000 + Retouching Cost
• Interiors and Architecture (8hrs): $1,500 + Retouching
• Test Shoots (8hrs): $800
• Portraits (8hrs): $1,500
• Retouching: $10-25/image or $40/hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hannahhughesphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahhughesphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahhughesphoto/
• Other: https://hannahhughesphoto.darkroom.com

Image Credits
Image 2 – Model: Elle LeBlanc @ellelleblanc and MUA: Jackie @jaycee.beauty

Image 3 – Model: Tallulah Bryant @tallulahbryant

Image 5 – Interior Designer: Anna Smith
@anna_smith_interiors

Image 6 – Model: Apollo Mbuki and Arnold

Image 7 – Interior Designer: Lani Neill @lanineill.interiors