Allow me to reintroduce myself

Hi, I'm Hannah Monroe

If you’re new here, welcome! And if you’ve been following my work for a while, thank you for sticking with me through every chapter. My name is Hannah Monroe — I’m a mom of three, an artist, and a photographer here in Orange County, CA.

A Little Backstory

Photography has been part of my life for over a decade. While living on Camp Pendleton and in Okinawa, Japan, I primarily did family photography — capturing the everyday moments of military families stationed overseas, as well as locals who wanted to document their story in a unique season of life. Those years taught me how much photography can anchor memories when everything else feels in flux.

When we moved back to California, I shifted directions. From 2020–2021, I focused almost entirely on boudoir. It was a beautiful, transformative season — one that let me celebrate confidence and vulnerability in a very different way.

But as my own life changed, so did my work. Transitioning out of being a military family and into regular life totally rocked us for a little while. Moving from Japan back to Orange County, California was also a transition. Now that the dust has settled, and we have reestablished stability and routine, boudoir just didn't make sense anymore.

Back to My Roots: Family Photography

Now, I’ve come full circle. I’m back to where my photography journey started: families. This time, though, I bring with me everything I learned along the way — from the intimacy of boudoir, to the storytelling roots I planted years ago.

My work leans moody, coastal, and nostalgic — a little western grit mixed with golden Southern California sunsets. I want every session to feel like a time capsule of your life as it really is: messy, beautiful, fleeting.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog is a place for:

• 📸 Family + motherhood sessions — honest, soulful stories from the families I photograph.

• 🧶 Everling Studio updates — my other creative outlet, where I share crochet plushies, quilts, and handmade heirlooms.

• 🌊 Life in SoCal — the in-between moments of raising three kids, chasing sunsets, and building art-filled businesses.

Why I Do This

Because kids don’t stay little forever. Because families deserve to see their chaos turned into magic. Because handmade art and timeless photography are both ways of slowing down in a world that moves too fast.

If you’ve been here since Japan, or the boudoir chapter, or you’re brand new — I’m so glad you’re here now.

Stay Connected

Want to stay in the loop for:

• 🍂 Fall mini sessions

• 🧵 Handmade drops and custom orders from Everling Studio

• 📬 Personal stories + updates

Join my email list here. I’d love to hear from you — comment below and introduce yourself. What season of life are you in right now?

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