Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillary Deane.
Hi Hillary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was a young child, I have always had an interest in the arts and found enjoyment engaging in creative hobbies.
In my late teens, I started dedicating my artistic energy towards photography. Through taking specialized courses in Advanced Art with a concentration in Commercial Photography throughout high school, I knew I had found my true passion. I soon began freelancing and interning with local professional photographers in my home state of Maine.
To continue my education and strengthen my craft, I moved to Boston to attend The New England Institute of Art, where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Photography.
In 2014, I launched Hillary Deane Photography, where I focused on portrait, wedding and event photography. I also began assisting for other photographers in the Greater Boston area. In the winter of 2023, I moved to Washington, DC.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like for many people, the pandemic of 2020 was a colossal speed bump in career. After dedicating the previous few years to building my business to the point of comfortably supporting myself solely by freelancing, everything suddenly came to a halt. It was disappointing for me because that year was going to be my busiest year-to-date and all of my bookings, including weddings, were cancelled.
Throughout the next 2.5 years, I relocated 3 different times — Nantucket, MA, Washington, DC, and back to Boston, MA — all for 6 to 12 month periods. In January of 2023, I permanently moved back to Washington, DC, which lead me to my second career speed bump… re-establishing myself! Having lived in Boston for 10 years, I had created such an incredible network for myself and suddenly I was in a place where I did not know one single person. It took some time, but slowly and surely, I was able to integrate myself into a new city amongst other creative and talented individuals. Now in 2026, I am back in a professional place that feels familiar which makes me very happy. I look forward to continue expanding in the DMV!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I consider myself a “lifestyle” portrait, wedding and event photographer. I enjoy photographing on-location with as much natural light as possible. My editing style is true-to-color with a touch of vibrancy. I place my client’s comfort front and center, ensuring they look natural on camera.
I always feel my most proud when my client’s tell me I made them feel at ease in front of the camera!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
In my career, the only role “luck” has played is the luck I have made for myself. And by luck, it’s the endless hours I dedicate beyond being behind the camera to make Hillary Deane Photography successful. It’s the daily responsibility of self-promotion — maintaining my website, engaging on social media, responding to emails, networking, etc. At the beginning, it was even accepting jobs with little-to-no pay, but getting exposure. It was always my goal to be my own boss and to be able to support myself doing the one thing I love, so this was a mindset that I adapted very early on in my career. So when I book a new or returning client, I truly feel the all my hard work has paid off… and that’s my idea of luck!
Pricing:
- Headshot Session: $250 & up
- Portrait Session: $300 + up
- Events: $300 + Up
- Weddings $999 + Up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HillaryDeanePhotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillarydeanephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HDeanePhotography/
