Photographers aren’t just people who take pictures. Photographers are friends that become family and are there to capture your family’s memories – babies being born, your daughter’s graduation, your sister’s wedding, retirement ceremonies, etc.! They get to know you and have a skill that not many people have, which is capturing your family’s genuine emotion!

This is what Andrea Hauck has mastered. Andrea owns Andrea Hauck Photography on 224 S. Main Street in Yuma. After moving to Yuma from Maine in 2009, she started to pursue photography more seriously. Having a background in higher education, this was her first passion however, not finding the right fit in Yuma in this field led to other opportunities. Already having minimal photography experience by casually shooting in Maine, she picked up where she left off and started her business out of her home. This consisted of shooting photos in the front room of her home and eventually meeting clients at their homes and in locations all over Yuma County. She opened her studio downtown in September 2015, “it truly evolved with the support of this local community, it’s been such a fun adventure!” Andrea stated. And of course, her husband Ben is her #1 fan and supporter, she recalled. “He has been such a great support to me in this photography journey.”

Andrea offers mainly portrait sessions- families, newborn, children and seniors with the occasional mix of fun themed mini- sessions around special holidays. “There is no better feeling than when a client sends me a holiday card with the work we’ve made or shows me a wall in their home with our images displayed. It fills me up!” she exclaimed. Her wedding business keeps her busy in the fall and spring as she typically shoots 10-15 weddings a year.

When asked what inspires her, she replied, “people and emotion- and being able to capture the real genuine emotion during a session or event is such a creative rush. I’m inspired by life around me – especially my daughters. They inspire me to be better each day.”

As mentioned above, Andrea is also passionate about education. “I am an active part of the high school photography advisory committee and I enjoy this service to our community. Being able to work with the high school students and inspire them to consider this profession is a real honor,” Andrea stated.

It’s no secret that most business owners love owning a business in Yuma. “My love for this place runs deeper each day,” she stated. “Eleven years ago, I was told we could move to Yuma or Blythe, CA. I was 6 months pregnant and googled “hospitals” in each town and decided Yuma was the hands down best decision (thank you YRMC!!). I was then told we’d only be here 2 years… clearly, there was a better plan for us. This community brings me such joy. I love being a “transplant” and having the flexibility to return to my home state of Maine each summer to enjoy “the best of both worlds.” I love the energy at our local Yuma events, the sunsets, the desert, and of course the PEOPLE! This place is pretty special,” Andrea declared.

Make sure to visit her website and check out her work- www.andreahauckphotography.com