It’s been 12 years since I started Hatch Photography. I have to type that again to let that sink in for me. It’s been TWELVE years, crazy how times flies and what I thought I knew I really didn’t know, and what I know now, I wouldn’t have changed one thing. Today feels like my first day on a new job, as I’m excited to announce that I am officially a full time professional photographer. For many of you, that may come as a surprise that I had a day job as well as my photography business, which too has been a full time job. During this time I got married to my “bossy” and beautiful wife Tracy and we had our one and only daughter, January Charlotte. The first question people tend to ask is how I came up with the name Hatch for my business. Originally, I thought I was going to be a newborn/family photographer, hence the name Hatch, and I also didn’t know wether or not I would be any good at this so I left my name off of it. I vowed that I would never photograph weddings as I had always struggled with social phobia, I know that may be hard to believe, but Tracy could vouch for that. I am so thankful that God had other plans, and over 200+ weddings, 100+ h.s. seniors and numerous families here I am today, grateful and blessed by all the people I have had the pleasure in meeting and working with. Making this decision to go full time was not made overnight, it has been in God’s plans for years, I just didn’t realize it 12 years ago. I could write a little book about this past 8 months, in how my faith has been tested and grown, and how taking a break from photography has changed my approach to Hatch. How I stopped telling myself I’m a wedding photographer, to I’m a photographer who photographs weddings, h.s. seniors, products, random houses, and now families! How stepping away from a great and secure daytime job (which had been in the works for the past 12 months) during one of the most uncertain times due to Covid-19 all has led me to this exact moment in my life. I can’t even start to get excited about this journey without the full support of my wife, who has been there for me since day 1. Knowing that we are in this together means everything to me and allows me to pursue my dreams as a full time photographer. A lot of exciting things have been happening already and I can’t wait to share them with you soon! Thanks to everyone who have made this possible and let’s connect soon, the first cup of coffee is on me!
Daniel DeWaard / Hatch