life is what you make it;
why not make it unforgettable?
Hey,
i'm hannah!
They say it takes unshakable determination to run your own business successfully. Well then, I guess my entire life prepared me for the moment I’d take a leap and become a full-time Oregon wedding and portrait photographer in 2021!
The choir kid who could barely finish her first 5k became the proud owner of a 26.2 sticker. The intern living in Russia whose job fell through DIYed together a 50-hour work week as a teacher, music therapist, and performer, all in a foreign language. The bride who woke up to COVID shutdowns, a snowstorm, and a freaking earthquake the morning of her wedding became the wife who can look back on the day her marriage began and laugh at how something so beautiful began with such insanity. It seems that from the beginning, life has been teaching me that if you’re willing to work hard and get creative, you’re unstoppable.
Before settling down in Portland, Oregon, my husband and I chased adventure across some pretty epic landscapes—from the Rocky Mountains of Utah to the blue waters of Oahu. But Oregon? Oregon feels like home. It’s where the fresh air fills your lungs, wildflowers bloom alongside your favorite walking trail, and scenic backgrounds are as diverse as the people who live here. Whether I’m hiking God’s Thumb, wandering through Cannon Beach, or exploring the colorful neighborhoods of the Pearl District, I’m constantly inspired by the richness and creativity here—and the stories unfolding within it.
In fact, I have degrees in both Choral Music Education and Russian! But in 2021, just trying to survive in the throes of COVID-19, I became completely uninspired and burnt out after my ten years of teaching music. On a whim I found myself moving from Utah to Hawaii, diving headfirst into a life behind the camera lens, and quickly building a thriving full-time business as a wedding and portrait photographer. And with that dramatic shift, my passions in life went from just one to two, music and photography.
Eventually, though, we felt the pull toward something new. While we loved being on the island, there was so much that we missed about Utah, too. In search of a place that blended everything we love from our previous homes, we realized that Portland, Oregon was the perfect place! Glad to have both a beautiful coast and endless evergreens, we bought our first house on the edge of some breathtaking wetlands, adopted a spunky Australian shepherd who lives for backyard zoomies, and put down roots for a slower, more predictable life.
Now, I split my time between photographing incredible couples and families, hiking with my husband and pup, and teaching voice and piano to amazing students in my home studio. Our home is filled to the brim with music, muddy paws, and memory cards—just the way I like it.
photographer...
but I wasn't always a
take a peek into my life
And best of all, our walls are covered with photos, to remind us of every moment that brought us here.
After photographing more than 500 couples and families, I’ve learned that people don’t just want pretty pictures. They want to feel seen, celebrated, and understood. And throughout each personalized photography experience, I carefully craft each moment so that you can stress less and genuinely enjoy every minute in front of my camera. Whether you’re planning an intimate Oregon coast elopement, a playful family photoshoot, or senior photos that feel completely “you,” I’ll be there to guide you through every step—and to make sure you walk away feeling 1000% more confident than you came in.
So if you’re looking for a PNW Elopement Photographer to join you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, an Oregon Wedding Photographer who will anticipate your every need, or a Portland Family Photographer to help you finally decorate your living room walls—you’ve found her. I can’t wait to meet you!
see you there!
my philosophy
Galleries are only as beautiful as the experiences that created them.
Sure, you could just order a tripod from Amazon to capture life’s milestones. But wouldn’t you rather enjoy an experience that gives you so much more? One that draws out genuine laughter, meaningful connection, and moments that feel completely, effortlessly you?
With playful prompts and natural moments, we’ll skip the stiff poses and the pressure to be perfect—focusing instead on the real stuff. My easygoing approach to posing and true-to-life editing style will let your personality shine, so your gallery feels just as fun as the memories behind it. Whether it’s a Saturday afternoon at your favorite Portland park or golden hour on the Oregon coast, you’ll leave your session with more than pretty pictures—you’ll leave with a story worth reliving over and over again.
“HANNAH WAS THE DREAM PHOTOGRAPHER! She had amazing communication, and I loved that we got to chat beforehand to go over ideas and the vibe I was looking for. We also have a special needs son, and Hannah was amazing at supporting his needs, being patient, and letting him warm up.”
— Abbi P., 2022 client —
"NOT ONLY IS HER WORK INCREDIBLE, BUT SHE IS AN ABSOLUTE SWEETHEART. Hannah Beal Photography is an amazing vacation investment! She made my husband and I feel so comfortable and beautiful. Before we made our trip to Hawaii, she made sure to schedule a Zoom meet and greet to just get to know us not as just her clients but as individuals. She truly is amazing at what she does, and we are so happy we booked with her.”
— Shouna V., 2022 client —
telling your unique story through photographs that are as authentic as you are.
bright, joyful, authentic.
From Mario Cart to Settlers of Catan, you will find a full collection of games at our house! We can never get enough game time with our friends and family!
Games
I had no idea how much I loved the ocean until I moved here! After just 2 years on the island, the ocean has become my place for healing, peace and rest. And of course, we like to play there too!
the ocean
Even though we already live in a travelers paradise, we still love to visit new places and try new things! In the next 12 months we plan to visit 7 new countries and two new states!
travel
Whether on a plane or on the beach, I love spending my spare time reading books. Some of my recent favorites include Crime & Punishment, 7 ⅕ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle & The Art of Possibility.
books
Having known eachother since high school, Ian & I finally fell in love in 2019 and got married 18 months later! Ian is the most kind, patient and supportive person I know, and I feel so lucky to have him!
my husband
As first time dog owners, this puppy instantly stole our hearts. We are so glad to be a family of three now and we love our outdoor adventures together.
our dog, howie
Although it is no longer my full-time jobr, I still love teaching music. I currently run a small piano and voice studio in my home, teaching the kids in my neighborhood all of their favorite songs!.
music
favorite things
a few of my
testimonials
“WE WERE BOTH NERVOUS TO BE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, BUT HANNAH MADE US FEEL SO COMFORTABLE—EASILY THE BEST EXPERIENCE WE’VE HAD WITH A PHOTOGRAPHER.”
— Hannah F., 2022 client —
let's save your date!
Let's do this!
There’s something worth celebrating in each of life’s seasons–and I am so here for it! Let’s preserve today’s moments through an effortless, fun-filled photography experience you’ll treasure just as much as your final gallery. Just say when, and I’ll meet you where the wildflowers grow or the city lights glow!
