Blogging, doing the things, and starting over from Crested Butte, Colorado

Oh boy oh boy. I'm pretty jazzed up about this new little website I've made in about one day. I typically drag out things for my business like this, but today I felt like sitting down- and making a fresh website. I've been a photographer taking photos and making some side hustle money for over six years now. I've been apart of weddings of all sorts, family sessions big and small, surprise engagements, and new lil babes- just to name some of my work. I've also taken photos of houses, a ranch, a baseball bat business, and a puppy's first birthday. My secret passion is my outdoor and astrophotography, which I usually share on my personal Instagram (@danyellsloudly). I think telling my secrets makes you feel more connected to me, and that's kind of my point with this blog post. :)

I recently moved to Crested Butte, Colorado, and that means starting my business over from scratch again. I have done this before when I moved to Franklin, North Carolina from my hometown Cherokee, Iowa in 2018. It takes time, but I'm hoping with some hard work, dedication, and fire under my booty, that this time it won't take as long to get a business up and going. And keep it sustainable. That's where you come into play...

If you're new to me, Dani, well hey there. I hail from a small town in the Midwest, but my heart feels most welcomed in the mountains. I've spent a lot of my life traveling to alpine lakes, tall peaks, and some foreign countries. Expanding the views I get to travel to in my mind brings me a sense of gratitude beyond words. I've experienced moments in nature alone, or with friends, that have healed me. And I truly feel that my love for the outdoors has made me a better photographer.

My mind is full of what I call "my secret places," and I feel very lucky to have so many. I recently found a new love, skiing, and this winter I am ski instructing at Crested Butte. I recently turned 30, but feel young in my desires and hopes. I believe in my wildest dreams, but I also believe in yours. That's why working with me is fun, because from the beginning, I recognize that you're a human. You're not a business transaction- or content for my portfolio. You're a beautiful person, with a story all your own. And that's what I love about this job. I make my photo session simple, and I try to learn what I can about my people while I'm with them.

Photography is pure art to me. The realness of a moment in time cannot be taken for granted as life is so precious. I view myself as an artist. I now realize that's partially why I've felt the call to live life differently, dare I say, more passionately, because I only want to be an artist. And all those wild experiences I've had, have stacked up to make me one. My brain doesn't shut off, I can find beauty in just about any activity I'm doing.

For instance, I love rundown buildings. The long forgotten story and dream that sits dilapidated along side the highway or country road, brings me so much inspiration. I get to be the storyteller of that forgotten dream. What a job. Oh and gas stations, love 'em. America's backbone. The old ones especially, but usually it's the people inside. When you travel in your truck across the country, you learn sooo much about the people in this country. And those gas station employees are some of my favorites. Take some time to learn from someone new, or even engage with someone to make them smile. Ahh, there's one of my favorite pastimes. I'll make your face hurt from smiling so much :)

I have profound respect for other artists, and creative minds in general. Living your days with a creative mind will bring you so much joy, but I do feel very tied to the work I'm passing off to you, and that comes with its own battles of the mind. Our time together, it means so much to me too... because what truly adds value to my human experience is the connections and wisdom I gain from others. I know this as best as anyone at age 30 can.

So while being an artist is something I am so proud of, it has had its brutal moments. Pursuing a creative passion for a career will have you question your entire being quite often, honestly, but the results, aka the photos, that get to be made from my fingertips and from your vulnerability always make the pursuit worth the chase. Let's make some magic together. Don't make it weird. I probably will say something awkward though, happens every. time.

Okay enough rambling!

There's a little about me...

I hope to continue sharing.

Welcome to Dani Hansen Photography - new and improved

P.S. here's some old buildings and rundown dreams for your viewing sensation: