Meet Kerri Hamm

Delight

December 2, 2013

Tell us a little bit about yourself: My name is Kerri Lynne, and I’m a daughter, a sister, a friend, an adventure seeker, and a dreamer. I love the Lord and am grateful to the gifts He gives me every day. I feel at peace in nature and love to be surrounded by natural beauty. I am a quote junkie and words stick with me, especially inspirational ones. I am highly intuitive and have been told that I have an old soul. My spiritual gift is encouragement and I love to see the best in others.

Where is home? I currently live with my parents in Westchester County, New York.

A website/blog you frequently visit: Katelyn James’ photography blog. I love her work and the joy she sees in her couples! If you could have lunch with one person who would be? Right now I would have to say Ann Voskamp. Her book “1000 Gifts” changed my life with the way she sees God’s grace in every day…I want to see with the eyes of my soul like she does. What are four words friends would use to describe you? Loving, Creative, Passionate, Kind. Where do you see yourself five years from now? Oh the possibilities!! I see myself running my photography business, and traveling more; hopefully married, and also involved with writing, ministry and women’s empowerment.

If you had to choose one lens, which one would it be? 50 mm/1.4 G, all the way!
What’s in your camera bag? Nikon D800, Nikon D300S bodies; 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens, 50 mm f/1.4 lens, 85 mm f/1.8 lens, Nikon SB 900 & 600 flashes.How long have you been doing photography? I have had a camera since I was 8 years old; I started taking serious fine art film photography classes 8 years ago, and I started my business 2.5 years ago.

What type of photography do you focus on? Wedding photography Did you go to photography school? Yes. My college was a Christian liberal arts school, but I received a degree that I created myself; in Photography, Graphic Design and Business. I am trained in the darkroom which gives me a unique perspective and has helped tremendously with camera technicals! However, to specifically learn the wedding photography craft, I am self-trained. What advice would you give to your 15 year old self? Be gentle on yourself. Know you are loved, and your identity is as a child of God. Life cannot be perfect, and your path in life will change. You’re not “in God’s will” or “outside God’s will,” if you make a wrong decision. God is sovereign, He is always working for your good, and He cares more about where your heart is in the process than what you are doing. Love yourself and love Him!

How does your relationship with God affect the way you do business? It changes everything. The Lord is the only reason why I am in this business in the first place. The start of my photography business was one life milestone where I’ve seen God’s hand directly on my life. He led me to where I am, and every step of the way I couldn’t count on anything but God’s faithfulness. When I photograph couples, I can see joy in others because of the joy within me; I have hope in their love because God’s love never fails. I work hard and often get weary, and it’s always God’s strength that sees me through.

Favorite verse? “Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.” -Ephesians 3:20
How would you describe your style? Very natural, fun, and candid; while being timeless and classy. Who or what is the greatest love of your life? Aside from Jesus Christ, I would have to say my mother. She has shown me what love really means, how it is selfless and generous, how it believes the best in others, how it lays down itself.She has also taught me how to be open, honest and to tell the truth to myself and others. She has imparted so much wisdom in my life and I wouldn’t be the woman I am without her. I love her with all of my heart. We are two different people, but we love and understand each other deeply!

Who has been the most influential person in your life? My mom, for all the reasons listed above. But I have truly been blessed with several angels in my life who have impacted me at pivotal stages, and I will forever be grateful to them.
If you could shoot with another photographer, who would it be? Katelyn James! Or Jose Villa – I love the places he travels. Katelyn James in Tuscany would be a perfect match! Where do you find your inspiration? SO many different places. Within myself. Other photographers’ blogs. Words of wisdom and inspirational quotes. The bible. My dearest friends who challenge me to live from my heart.
If you could choose one person to photograph, who would it be? I can’t just choose one! But if I have to, I would say a child in a third-world country. I took some portraits in Haiti a week before the 2010 earthquake, which I feel have been some of the most personally impacting work I’ve done. Their piercing eyes have changed how I see people, God, and myself.