Hannah Harley Young

She originally wanted to be a presenter but it wasn’t long before Hannah Harley Young realised that she had inherited her dads genes for being a bloody amazing photographer(her dad happens to be celeb snapper Richard Young)so after proving anyone who thought she was there through nepotism wrong, she is now one of the most sought after photographers on the scene. We caught up with Hannah to find out more about the lady behind the lens.

Who is your celebrity crush?

David Beckham.

What would you change your name to?

Growing up I used to hate my middle name, Harley (when friends asked me what the H stood for in my passport I’d say it was Holly!). As I got older, I realised it was in fact a very cool name and actually considered dropping the Hannah and being known as Harley Young.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve seen/read this week?

It’s actually a podcast I’ve been listening to. The BBC World Service has a fantastic re-enacted series called, Fall of The Shah, which follows the lead up and the destruction of the Shah during the Iranian Revolution in the 1970s. I’ve always been incredibly interested in this side of my heritage and am drawn to anything about Iran and its history, beauty, art and most importantly it’s food!

What’s the most useless talent you have?

I can hang spoons off my nose!

What would be a good theme song for your life and why?

This is such a hard question… too many to mention! But Independent Women by Destiny’s Child is up there because that’s exactly what I am and being a female, working for herself in this crazy world takes a lot of strength, determination and self-belief and a special mention to an all-time favourite - Love and Happiness by Al Green. Because that’s all you need in life - love and happiness!

Do you speak any other languages? Are you good at accents?

I spoke pretty good French until I left school and being half Persian I should be fluent in Farsi… but I’m not, yet. I do a great Irish accent though…

What is your favourite place in the world?

New York has and will always have my heart.

3 things you can’t live without when you travel and why?

Face mask and lip balm – I have to keep my skin and lips hydrated during flights. Headphones – music and podcasts are life and make hours of travelling fly by. Snacks – even if I’m going across town, I need a snack “just in case”!

Biggest regret in life?

I don’t keep regrets as they prevent me from moving forward. I have, however, made many mistakes.

What is the one thing that you wish you could do to look after the environment?

Stop people littering and spitting chewing gum out. I find it so disrespectful that I actually call people out on it if I see them doing it.

Best advice you’ve been given?

Be nice, always. It costs nothing. That simple, effective gem was from my dad.

If you weren’t scared what would you do?

Pack up my things and go and travel the world.

What do you do to cope with stressful situations?

I’m a natural born worrier, I stress all the time. I don’t think I’ve fully nailed how to cope, but I talk – to a close friend or my mum. I used to meditate, which helped during bouts of anxiety. If I am really riled up I go and take some time out, regulate my breathing and then deal with the situation in a calmer manner.

What book would you never throw away?

The Alchemist. Whenever I’m going through a difficult time I always go back and read it.

Go to fashion look?

I love a really well tailored suit and trainer combo. I need to be comfortable when I’m on shoots but also like to feel good too and this encapsulates all that is me! Power dressing with a touch of swag!

For more on Hannah go to : http://hannahharleyyoung.com/

Words by Kylie Olsson

Photos by Erica Bergsmeds