EP 63 - a guide to cinematic storytelling with hannah kutner
Hi friends! Today I had the best time chatting with Hannah Kutner about bringing a cinematic feel to your photography. Hannah shares how embracing a filmmaker’s mindset—focusing on authentic narratives and meaningful details—completely transformed her everyday work into something truly special. We cover practical tips for building sessions around your clients’ personal stories and how to transition into more immersive, storytelling-style shoots. If you’re feeling stuck or just looking for a more heartfelt approach to your images, this episode is for you.
Understanding the Cinematic Approach
At its core, cinematic storytelling isn’t about big productions or complicated gear—it’s about seeing the heart of a scene and capturing it authentically. In today’s chat, Hannah Kutner shared how she finds beauty in everyday moments and transforms them into visually compelling stories. Her approach? Think like a filmmaker.
Finding Inspiration in the Ordinary
Hannah’s work took off when she started looking at life through a more cinematic lens. Inspired by films and music videos, she broke away from creative ruts by focusing on elements like motion blur, narrative flow, and dynamic framing. Instead of feeling stuck, she dug deeper, tapping into the richness of day-to-day life and using it as the backdrop for stunning visual stories.
Building Cinematic Sessions
Creating cinematic photography sessions starts with knowing your clients’ stories. Dive into their everyday routines, interests, and quirks. From a couple’s Sunday pasta-making ritual to exploring their favorite hiking trail, think of each scene as a “shot” that weaves into a larger narrative. This kind of intentional planning transforms your shoot from a series of pretty pictures into a movie-like experience.
The Power of Education
Hannah and I both believe that evolving your style often comes down to continuous learning and trying new things. That’s why Hannah developed her course, “Cinematic Storytelling for Photographers.” She’s taken standard photography education and shaken it up by blending in cinematic principles—shot types, color theory, narrative arcs. It’s next-level creative guidance for anyone ready to push their boundaries.
Transitioning to Longer Sessions
Thinking about offering more in-depth sessions that involve multiple scenes and more involved storytelling? Go for it! Just keep in mind that these sessions are more demanding—creatively and emotionally—so your pricing should reflect that. When you price for longer, more immersive sessions, you’re giving yourself the freedom to be fully present, deliver your best work, and craft unforgettable experiences for your clients.
Getting to Know Your Clients
The magic of cinematic photography lies in telling stories that feel real and personal. That means going deeper with your clients. Ask questions about their day-to-day life, what they love doing together, how they spend a rainy afternoon, or even what they do when the power goes out. These little details can spark fresh ideas and help you create images that are totally unique to them.
Final Thoughts on Storytelling and Creativity
Cinematic storytelling in photography is all about pushing beyond the usual and tapping into emotion, authenticity, and narrative. By treating each session like a mini film—complete with a storyline, mood, and character—you’ll create images that resonate and last.
So go ahead, experiment with new techniques, capture those candid in-between moments, and embrace the beauty in the everyday. If you’re ready for a deeper dive, check out Hannah’s course for a serious dose of cinematic inspiration.
Thanks for hanging out with me today, and catch you in the next episode!
Connect with Hannah:
If you’re ready for more guidance, be sure to check out Hannah's new course on cinematic storytelling at wildfaithphoto.co
Instagram: @wildfaithphoto
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