It Started with a Snake in a Hat.

This photoshoot started with snakes wearing tiny hats.

I wish I had a more sophisticated explanation, but there it is. I stumbled across some photos, thought they were ridiculously cute, and started talking about them with Hana. Somewhere in that conversation, she mentioned she had a snake.

Well, that seemed like information I should do something with.

I suggested we do a photoshoot with him, and things pretty much rolled from there. A perfectly reasonable progression from admiring reptile headwear to getting the camera out.

Meet Otis. Small snake. Excellent markings. Apparently quite capable of holding his own in a photoshoot.

Working with Hana is lovely because she brings so much of herself into the pictures. Her hair, her tattoos, the way she carries herself, all of it feels distinctly hers. And then there’s the personality behind it. Spend a little time looking through her Instagram and you’ll find playful captions, a healthy amount of attitude, and a whole lot of enthusiasm for the people she creates with.

Her bio says, “just put me on camera.”

Having done exactly that, I can confirm it’s solid advice.

She commands the camera. There’s something about her gaze that makes it difficult to look anywhere else, even with a snake wandering through the frame. A small change in her expression or the position of her hands can change the whole feeling of a photograph. Looking through this set, I kept coming back to her eyes.

Of course, the snake was only the beginning. Once we were taking pictures, there were plenty of reasons to keep going. A green chair, a band shirt, some window light. The setting could change, the outfit could change, and Hana still made each picture feel like her.

It’s been exciting watching her work expand. I’ve seen her in photographs we’ve made together and in the beautiful work of Bohemian Lights Photography. Now I’m seeing her walk in runway fashion shows and appear in music videos. There’s a particular joy in recognizing someone on a bigger stage and thinking, hell yes, there she is.

And seeing how she writes about those experiences, the excitement is clearly hers too. She wants this, and it’s lovely to watch her find more places to bring that energy.

I’m glad I get to be part of it, even if my contribution occasionally begins with talking about a snake in a knitted hat.

Artistic inspiration is a mysterious thing. Apparently, sometimes it has no legs and an excellent wardrobe.

In front of the lens · Hana on Instagram ↗