31 Oct 2025
Award-winning St Albans portrait photographer Hannah Couzens is celebrating 20 years in business today — a milestone that fittingly falls on Halloween.
Hannah launched her photography career in Cuffley at just 22 years old, despite being told at the time that her business would never be sustainable.
Two decades later, she’s proven her critics wrong, establishing herself as one of the county’s most respected photographers.
Many locals will remember Hannah’s much-loved studio on London Road in St Albans, where she photographed everyone from well-known actors and footballers to TV presenters and global brands — as well as countless families, newborns, and professionals in need of a standout headshot.
“For me, to be a successful portrait photographer, you have to be genuinely interested in people,” Hannah explained.
“It’s about creating an accurate representation of who they are. That’s why no two days are ever the same — and that personal connection is what I love most about this job.”
Far from being a typical high-street photographer, Hannah has built an international reputation within her industry. Her work as a brand ambassador and educator has taken her around the world — from China and the United States to across Europe. She holds the distinction of being the first UK female photographer selected as a European Sony Imaging Ambassador, a title she continues to hold proudly, and also serves as an educator for global lighting brand Profoto.
Reflecting on her journey, Hannah said: “It feels like yesterday that I opened my little studio in Cuffley, but the reality is that some of the babies I photographed back then now tower over me — and some of the teenagers I photographed are bringing in babies of their own! There’s no more vivid reminder of time than that.”
Hannah credits her longevity to the relationships she’s built over the years.
“I’m so fortunate that many of my bookings come from returning clients or personal recommendations. My business has always relied on my lovely customers, and I never take that for granted.”
Now firmly rooted in the St Albans community, Hannah and her family moved to the city last year. “It just made sense to move here — not only to cut down our commute, but because it’s such a wonderful place to raise our children,” she said.
Hannah continues to work from several locations across the city, with her main base at Highfield Park, where she’ll be hosting her popular Christmas Mini Sessions on Sunday, 16th November.
As she marks 20 years behind the camera, Hannah says she’s as passionate as ever about what she does. “Every person who steps in front of my lens has a story to tell,” she added. “And after all these years, it still feels like such a privilege to capture it.”
As well as the examples in this article, check out Hannah’s other work at www.hcphotography.co.uk
