Carlisle woman switches careers to embrace photography

Hannah Vandegrift

Business Name: Hannah Vandegrift Photography

Years in business: 1 year

Location: Carlisle

Contact: hvandegriftphotography.com

Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?

A: I really wanted to turn my passion and creativity into something meaningful and lucrative.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: My parents bought me my first DSLR camera back in 2011 and I started doing my classmates’ senior pictures. After I graduated high school, I decided to go to college for psychology instead of photography. Fast forward to 2023, I finally decided to turn my hobby into a business and transition careers at the age of 30.

Q: What does your business sell or provide?

A: Portrait photography services.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?

A: An oversaturated market and a dwindling economy. With so many people struggling financially right now, less and less people want to spend money on themselves right now.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?

A: My favorite thing to do in Cumberland County is find all the hidden gems. I love finding new coffee shops, boutiques and other unique stores that aren’t big chains/box stores.