Parker Hamrick shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Parker, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think a lot of people are secretly struggling with balance. On the outside it looks like everyone is managing work, family, relationships, passions, and mental health just fine. Inside though, most of us feel like we’re dropping the ball somewhere. No matter what you choose to focus on, there’s guilt that you’re not doing enough in another area. It’s heavy, but people rarely admit it because they don’t want to seem ungrateful or weak. That tension between wanting to succeed and also wanting to just live is something way more people deal with than they say out loud.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Parker Hamrick, a branding photographer and videographer based in Kansas City. I work with fashion, fitness, and wellness brands to create bold and dynamic lifestyle content that goes beyond just looking good. My background in advertising agencies taught me how to think strategically about content, not just creatively, so every shoot is designed to actually move the needle for a business.
What makes my work unique is the balance I try to hit between bold, dramatic visuals and those raw, natural moments that feel real. I want the content to grab attention but also connect on a deeper level. I am also wanting to work with people and brands for the long haul. I’m not interested in a one and done type of shoot. I want to develop with you and create an image that sticks with your brand for a long long time.
Recently I’ve been traveling a lot, first through my agency work and now with freelance projects, which has pushed me to adapt quickly and bring fresh ideas to every shoot. That mix of movement, new environments, and creative flexibility is something I’m really enjoying and leaning into.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid I thought being an adult meant you had everything figured out. Now I know that couldn’t be further from the truth. Even some of the biggest companies in the world are still faking it til they make it. The reality is no one really knows what they’re doing. Life is just a series of choices, and there isn’t a clear right or wrong path most of the time. You learn as you go, and you keep moving forward.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most is the idea of not being enough. Not enough as a dad, not enough as a husband, not enough as a creative, and not being able to make enough money to support it all. That fear has made me second guess opportunities or overthink the work I put out. For a long time it kept me chasing the “safe” path instead of betting on myself. I’ve had to learn that growth only happens when you move forward even while that fear is still there.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One truth I live by is that nothing changes without sacrifice. Any growth I’ve had has come from giving something up, whether that was free time, comfort, or stability. Another is that family has to come first, even though balancing that with work can feel impossible some days. My faith is another foundation for me. It reminds me that I’m not the one in control and that there’s a bigger plan at play, even when I can’t see it. And the last is realizing that I’m not behind just because my path doesn’t look like someone else’s. I used to put so much pressure on myself to “arrive” by a certain age, but I’ve learned that timing looks different for everyone. And I am by no means good at ALWAYS remembering these things but I try to put them into perspective in moments that feel heavy.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I was present. That I showed up for my family, my friends, and my work in a way that mattered. I want to be remembered as a husband and dad who put them first, and as someone who used his creativity to make an impact bigger than himself. Not just someone who made cool photos and videos, but someone who made people feel seen and valued. If that’s the story people tell about me when I’m gone, I’ll feel like I did it right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hamrickreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamrickreative/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkerhamrick
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hamrickreative/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA3efcbqXahz3tLG2A5LYOQ
