Meet Jenny Hanna, a local artist and an up- and- coming photographer whose passion for getting a perfect shot is turning heads! You might say that Jenny has always been drawn to the outdoors and at an early age developed a great appreciation for the beauty that nature offers. Walking in the woods was part of everyday life growing up in the country in the small town of Johnsonville, SC and it instilled a deep desire to capture beautiful moments in unexpected places.

Living on the South Carolina coast has been home for Jenny for the past 3 years,  so  instead of walking in the woods  she is stalking the local waters for that amazing photographic moment.  Her favorite subjects are  birds of the southeast Atlantic coast!

Being a successful bird photographer is no easy task.  These amazing birds scare easily so being stealth and patient is key along with a great zoom lens!

 Jenny never thought she would end up dressing in camo since she does not hunt, but when she is on the hunt for a great photo, that is exactly what she does.  

Her fortitude and tirelessness come easy to her – anyone who can crochet, knit, or sew like Jenny must have the stick-to-itiveness and determination to capture a photo destined for canvas.

There are so many wonderful places to photograph birds in the area, and Jenny canvasses the Inlet and the Garden City causeway for signs of birdlife.  Her most exciting shot was a Wood Stork in flight.  These “threatened” wading birds are always exciting to see and it is wonderful that they have been downgraded from endangered to threatened.

A perfect day for Jenny includes a kayak trip through the channels of the inlet armed with her camera, and  always on alert for a bird in the marsh. ” I bring along my Rain Sleeves when I kayak just to make sure the splashing when I paddle doesn’t get my camera wet” she explains.  Great idea since she has an investment is her camera equipment.  She currently is using a Cannon XS 60 and she just ordered a Cannon EOS 80D which she is super excited about!

When Jenny is not photographing birds, she is creating all kinds of art and crafts which she sells through her website,  midnightandmagnolias.com and her ETSY store page.  She is a skilled at  pyrography (wood burning) which she showcases on baking boards and wall art and creates other art such as paintings, crocheted purses, jewelry,  and so much more!

So, if you see a lady dressed in camo stalking a coastal bird, it will probably be Jenny Hanna!  Be sure to say hi, but speak softly! She may be ready to get the perfect shot!

Jenny Hanna