40 under 40: Hannah Pence, H|P|M Photography
Tahoe Chamber | May 9, 2018 | 40 Under 40
“There’s a lot to love about being home here. Being in a group of so many local artisans is truly inspiring. As a photographer, [Tahoe] provides an unparalleled range of projects: you can shoot weddings, nature, portraits, action and adventure, business images, underwater, and all four seasons.”
Hannah Pence, owner of H|P|M Photography, is the latest honoree of our 40 under 40. Hannah moved to Lake Tahoe from Los Angeles when she was eight-years-old. Her commitment to the community and support of local non-profits like the Tahoe Fund make her work beautiful, inspirational and charitable. Congratulations Hannah!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
I take photographs. I provide referrals. I am responsible for taking photos and delivering them, but I also consider the business and communications side of photography to be very important. I like the people side of the work as much as taking and editing pictures. In photos I always aim to capture expressions or scenes that make you “feel like you’re there.”
One of my favorite accomplishments from last year was seeing the Tahoe Snow Heart in the San Francisco news. They bought it and ran it a few times, so I feel very humbled and honored.
Last year we also donated the photography for an event supporting the non-profit “Zawadisha.” The organization removes the barriers for rural women to access renewable energy and water products. Zawadisha provides micro-lending and education to help women in African villages (Kenya). H|P|M sponsored a Veterans 5K, donated prints for a Tahoe Fund fundraiser event, and also formally became a small business partner with the Child Rescue Coalition. CRC is a non-profit whose cause is to protect children from online predators by leveraging technology and working with law enforcement. We were also approved as a Nevada State Vendor, so you can get H|P|M postcards in the Sand Harbor shop, which is pretty exciting for me.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
I LOVED going to Made In Tahoe (at the inimitable Squaw Valley) for the first time. Being in a group of so many local artisans is truly inspiring. The creativity, innovations, camaraderie, the setting, the live music, meeting all the other business owners and artists, it is a really cool event. I highly recommend. I am stoked to be nominated for the Tahoe Chamber’s 40 Under 40 as well, it is unexpected and wonderful.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you try to live by?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky
What was your first job?
Serving ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
It’s gorgeous and I love being outside. There’s a lot to love about being home here. My family is nearby. We moved to this area from LA when I was 8 and I never get tired of Lake Tahoe. I was working on a boat doing tours around Emerald Bay in 2007 and I couldn’t face the thought of returning to the East Coast for school, so I graduated early in order to stay here.
As a photographer, it provides an unparalleled range of projects: you can shoot weddings, nature, portraits, action and adventure, business images, underwater, and all four seasons. San Francisco is not far if you want to do more urban photography.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
A portion of all proceeds from H|P|M Photography goes to the Tahoe Fund, and I also volunteer with the WJU Veterans, and I volunteer doing event photography for charities on a case by case basis.
H|P|M is part of the Tahoe North and the Tahoe South Chambers of Commerce, and love being in the business community. I am always open to brainstorming on new ideas! I am member of the Nevada Governor’s Workforce Development Board. I also would like to volunteer for some trail building this summer – we love to hike.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Swimming, skiing, walking trails with my husband and our English bulldog. I love going boating with my family and relaxing at the Tahoe beaches in the summer. Getting to ski in May and June is my favorite when we get a year with enough snow!
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
We enjoy taking the dog to Kiva Beach, followed by some tasty libations and burgers at the Heavenly Village California Burger. I am learning more from my girlfriends about exploring the lesser known hikes of Desolation Wilderness, which is so wild and beautiful.
Get in touch with Hannah today:
H|P|M Photography
408.707.2378
Email Hannah