HANNA ALI
- KaGe
- May 2
- 10 min read
Welcome to the Spring Edition of One of London's Top Portrait Photography Blogs.
As spring blooms across the city, we're excited to bring you fresh inspiration straight from the heart of London's vibrant photography scene. This blog is dedicated to both aspiring and professional photographers, as well as anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling through imagery.
Spring also marks the beginning of wedding season, so stay tuned, we've got an amazing wedding photographer lined up in the coming weeks.
To kick off the season, I'm excited to feature Hanna Ali, a talented London & Surrey based family photographer who creates timeless memories in the comfort of her beautiful client's homes.
She has exciting projects coming up including a speaking event and launching something special in the educational space.
🥂 To New Beginnings
I was instantly drawn to Hanna's work through her ability to create a signature style. In a world where we're constantly bombarded with images, it's not easy to develop a look that's instantly recognisable. As someone who loves portrait photography myself, I'll admit I don't have a super defined style. For me, it's all about evoking emotion through my photography. When people view my work, I want them to think "wow" - a wow that brings emotion. But Hanna, her work has a signature look , a style that is so distinct. If you hire Hanna you know exactly what touch, feel and emotion the photos will bring.
Kaptured by KaGe: Some believe that spring marks the true start of the new year, as flowers begin to bloom. What are you looking forward to this year? What's blossoming in your life?
Hanna Ali: I love the idea of spring as the true start of the year. There’s something about the world slowly stretching open again that feels deeply aligned with this season of my business. This year, I’m stepping into new spaces that have been quietly taking shape behind the scenes. Later in the year, I’ll be speaking at my first photography event as an expert on in-home newborn photography - something I’m both excited and deeply honoured to do. I’m also working on launching something special in the education space, creating resources for photographers who want to craft intentional, in-home experiences without a studio. Beyond that, I’ve been building The 3AM Club, a newsletter and private mini episode series for mothers in the quiet, unseen hours of motherhood. It’s a project close to my heart, and I can’t wait to nurture it further this year. It feels like a year of stepping forward with more clarity; sharing more of what I’ve learned, supporting others in building sustainable businesses, and continuing to document the beauty of homecomings for the families I photograph.
Signature Style
Kaptured by KaGe: Your images have a beautifully nostalgic and romantic aesthetic. Were there any particular films, artists, or photographers that influenced your visual style?
Hanna Ali: Thank you so much, that means a lot. My visual style has been shaped by a mix of nostalgia, storytelling, and the way I personally experience memory. I think that's why my work leans toward softness and romance, because I want my images to feel like a moment you could step back into years from now. My biggest inspiration comes from growing up in the 90's and the nostalgic movies I watched as a child. Disney has been a huge influence on me, and I am also a massive K-drama fan. The romanticised and wholesome approach to love in both of those worlds has shaped the way I see connection, intimacy, and storytelling. In terms of films, I am drawn to anything with dreamy cinematography, films that embrace natural light, warm tones, and intimate framing. I love when a scene feels like it could be a painting, something ethereal yet deeply human. But beyond art and film, I think my biggest influence is memory itself. I never had photographs of myself as a newborn or of my mother pregnant with me, so I have always been fascinated by the idea of preserving moments that might otherwise be lost. That longing to hold onto time is at the heart of everything I create.
Kaptured by KaGe: Your attention to detail is evident in your website, prints, and the service you provide. Have you ever considered photographing weddings? Or capturing your own short film?
Hanna Ali: Thank you so much for noticing that. Attention to detail is something I pour into every part of my work, because I believe the smallest things, the quiet touches, the fleeting moments, are often the most meaningful.
I have been asked about weddings many times, but I know my heart belongs to motherhood. There is something about the intimacy of in-home sessions, the softness of new beginnings, and the quiet storytelling of everyday love that draws me in more than the grand, fast-paced nature of weddings. I want to create work that feels deeply intentional, and for me, that means focusing on the slower, more intimate seasons of life.
As for capturing a short film, I am actually investing in educating myself more in videography this year. I currently offer small video clips in my sessions, but I have dreams of expanding this into beautifully curated short films that capture movement and emotion in a deeper way. I am also exploring the idea of incorporating drone work into my outdoor maternity experiences to add another layer of artistry to my storytelling. So watch this space, there is more to come.
"Yeah, I've made it, i'm really proud of this"
As someone who truly appreciates photography and art, it's easy for me admire other peoples work. But I also think it's important to understand what they love about the work they create and what we can take from it.
Kaptured by KaGe: Can you share one of your favourite images ? One that made you think, "yeah, I've made it, im really proud of this"
Hanna Ali: This image is more than just a model call - it’s a moment that shifted something in me. It was the first time I saw, so clearly, the kind of space I have been building: a space where mothers are held, seen, and celebrated in all their diversity and beauty. It showed me that my brand could attract the most incredible women - each bringing their own story, their own strength, their own version of motherhood. It also marked a turning point in my business where I could see how far I had come, not just in my craft, but in curating an experience that feels like an offering. Every detail, from the gowns (a £2k collection I have carefully invested in) to the soft, ethereal styling, was intentional; designed to make mothers feel exquisite, cherished, and worthy of being fully in the frame. And beyond that, this moment sparked something much bigger - an idea I’m quietly developing, one that will take this vision even further. A love letter to motherhood, unfolding in ways I can’t wait to share. This is why I do what I do.
Mindset
Kaptured by KaGe: You have such a warm, calm, and genuine presence. Have you always been this way, even as a child? Did you grow up in an environment that nurtured your kindness, or did you find it through overcoming chaos?
Hanna Ali: I think warmth is something I’ve grown into rather than something I was surrounded by from the start. I didn’t have the most emotionally nurturing environment growing up, and chaos was something I had to learn to navigate from a young age. But in many ways, that shaped me into who I am now. Motherhood softens you. It makes you face your own childhood, your demons, and the flaws you carry as a person. It’s not always comfortable, but I think it’s important to sit with all of it, to acknowledge the parts of yourself that need healing and to continuously work on becoming the best version of yourself in each season, both as a woman and as a mother. Photography has been a part of that healing for me. It has shown me what gentleness looks like, what it means to be held, and how love exists in the smallest, quietest moments. I may not have grown up with an abundance of warmth, but I have built it for myself. And now, I offer it to others.
Kaptured by KaGe: Many mothers find themselves in careers that don’t fulfil them or align with their passions. How did you manifest a life that allows you to do what you love? (hoping you love it lol)
Hanna Ali: I do love it, deeply. But it wasn’t something that just fell into place. It took a lot of intention, trial and error, and trust in the idea that the life I wanted was possible. I didn’t grow up seeing women doing what I do now. Creativity wasn’t seen as something you could build a life around; it was a luxury, not a path. For a long time, I thought I had to follow a more traditional route, one that felt safe. But becoming a mother changed everything. It made me confront the kind of life I wanted to create, not just for myself, but for my children. Photography started as a way to hold onto memories, to bottle up the fleeting moments of motherhood. But the more I captured, the more I realised I wasn’t just documenting love, I was building something that mattered. A business that felt like an extension of myself. Manifesting this life wasn’t about a perfect plan; it was about choosing, over and over again, to follow what felt right, even when it was uncertain. It was about defining success on my terms. And now, I get to do work that not only fulfils me but allows me to give other mothers something they often don’t give themselves, the chance to be seen. And that, to me, is everything.
Photography Business
Kaptured by KaGe: Photography can be a lonely industry, with everyone in their own lane. What are the top three traits needed to navigate and succeed in this space?
Hanna Ali: Photography can definitely feel like a solitary path at times, but I think the key to success lies in how you approach it. If I had to choose three traits that are essential for navigating and thriving in this space, they would be resilience, authenticity, and generosity.
Resilience: The creative industry is full of highs and lows. There will be slow seasons, difficult clients, and moments of doubt. You have to be able to keep going, refining your craft, and trusting in your vision even when things feel uncertain. Longevity in this industry is about more than just talent; it is about the ability to adapt and keep showing up.
Authenticity: There is so much noise in photography, and it is easy to get caught up in trends or compare yourself to others. The only way to stand out is to stay true to your own voice and vision. Clients are drawn to photographers who create with intention and heart, not just those who follow what is popular. When you create from a place of truth, the right people will find you.
Generosity : This industry can feel lonely, but it does not have to be. The best photographers I know are the ones who build community, share their knowledge, and support others without fear of competition. When you give without expectation whether that is through mentorship, encouragement, or simply showing up for others you build a career rooted in connection rather than isolation. Success in photography is not just about taking beautiful images. It is about resilience in the face of challenges, the courage to be yourself, and the willingness to give back to others along the way.
Kaptured by KaGe: What is one thing you love & hate about social media ?
Hanna Ali: One thing I love about social media is its ability to connect. It has allowed me to reach mothers who truly resonate with my work, build a brand that feels deeply personal, and even form friendships with other photographers and creatives I may never have met otherwise. I love that I can share my vision, my voice, and my heart with people who get it, those who value the kind of storytelling I create. One thing I hate is the constant pressure to show up. Social media moves fast, and it can feel like if you are not posting, engaging, or keeping up with trends, you are falling behind. The reality is, photography is about presence and depth, two things that do not always translate into fast-paced digital spaces. I try to remind myself that meaningful work speaks for itself, even in the moments when I step back.
Kaptured by KaGe: If you had to choose just one lens, one camera brand, and one light source (natural or artificial) to use for the rest of your career, what would they be?
Hanna Ali: Natural light, Canon R5, canon rf 24-70 = a dream team
Future & Legacy
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