Interview: Hannah Price
By Lia J. Latty
Published December 1st, 2020
Did you always know you wanted to be a creative and a photographer?
HANNAH: Yes, at a young age I knew I wanted to be a photographer, I believe it was 7th grade when I made the decision. After college I decided to be an artist and realized the consequences of both decisions. To be an artist, you have to be okay with not “making it.”
How do you define your relationship with photography?
HANNAH: I’m not obsessed with photography but I take it seriously. I work intuitively, and I try to recognize what’s in my control and what’s not. For me photography is what I make of it, so if I’m not serious about it then I should move on to something else.
What is your process like when you’re working with people you photograph?
HANNAH: If I’m interested in photographing a stranger on the street, I discreetly watch them to get a sense of their character and slowly approach them saying “excuse me,” and introduce myself etc. I tell them I’m a photographer and why I’m interested in photographing them. However, sometimes people talk to me first and I just continue conversation – eventually asking permission to take their picture.
How do you navigate the world of contemporary photography?
HANNAH: I am very different from most photographers; I don’t intentionally pay attention to what’s going on in contemporary photography. I happen upon it on the internet or occasional museum visits. Unless I’m teaching a class then I inform myself to inform students. For my personal work I do what I feel like expressing and sometimes submit to opportunities and sometimes don’t.
As a young Black creative, what’s your view of the photo world/industry?
HANNAH: I find it best to do what I want and express what I need. If more people respond to my images, then great! If not, then so be it. Now that Magnum has made me more prominent in the industry, I hope I stay true to myself instead of what’s “hot” or what others want.
“I hope my photographs make people think about how they themselves perceive and interact with others in society.”
What does it mean for you to be a Magnum Photos nominee?
HANNAH: I grew up learning about Magnum, so this is a big deal for me. I never considered myself Magnum material however when they asked me to apply, my mind was blown. Truly what this means is now I have the chance to be amongst the legends – I have a lot of work to do, a career of work to do!
Which project(s) of yours has had the biggest impact on you?
HANNAH: I would say City of Brotherly Love had the biggest impact on me. The impact is more from the experience of making the project instead of the actual images. I’m mostly happy with how I approached the social manner I disagreed with at the time. Making the project helped me navigate the world in a way to not be so quick to dismiss people. This project helped me learn to give people a chance and learn more about them despite our initial encounter.
What do you hope people take away from your imagery?
HANNAH: I hope my photographs make people think about how they themselves perceive and interact with others in society.