About the Photographer

A fellow female Veteran,

Meet Ursula Hoppe

It's been a long time coming to get Ursula Hoppe Photography out there. Growing up, it definitely was a dream of mine to be a professional photographer. After high school, I spent a year in Japan as an exchange student and ambassador. Before leaving for Japan, I knew nothing of that land. While there, I was deeply immersed in a culture where respect, honor, humility, and gratitude are a way of life. That resonated with me. 

After returning from overseas, I then spent eight years in the United States Air Force. I loved every minute I served and I'd do it again. When I wore my uniform I always found myself walking taller and with pride. Having served instilled in me dedication, commitment, a "can do" attitude, and service over self. 

Then it was off to the Marshall Islands as an independent contractor for almost ten years. An experience of a lifetime. That's where I got serious about my photography again. Being on an island 6 miles long by 1 mile wide in the middle of the Pacific encourages you to step outside your comfort zone. 

I've always been a risk taker and once I settled in I had experiences and made friendships I would have never have made had I not taken the chance. Once I left the islands, I enrolled at Savannah College of Art and Design where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and graduated with honors. I was definitely a non-traditional student. 

Going back to school when I did, I knew exactly what I wanted and I was focused. After graduation I entered the corporate world and was a regional manager for a national portrait photography company. I was one of a handful that helped grow this company from one regional studio to a national company. When I left the company we were sitting at almost 200 studios strong. After 11 yrs in corporate USA it was time to move on; it was time to pursue my dream of capturing moments that tell a unique story.