Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ana Baranyk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

Reflecting on my journey, there are certainly a few things I would do differently if I were starting over today, with the knowledge and experience I’ve gained along the way.

Firstly, I would approach education with a different mindset. While I initially sought knowledge from various sources, I now recognize the value of quality over quantity. If given the opportunity to begin anew, I would prioritize selecting one educator or course to learn from, allowing for a deeper dive into specific areas of interest. Additionally, I would actively seek out a mentor within my industry. Mentors offer invaluable guidance, insight, and support, serving as guide to navigate the intricacies of the business field.

The second aspect I would prioritize is experiences. Although I attended a few conferences in the early stages of my career, I now understand the importance of immersing myself in a wider range of experiences. From workshops to networking events, each opportunity presents new avenues for growth, connections, and fine-tuning my craft. Embracing these experiences earlier on would have helped in accelerating my professional development and allowed me to refine my work more efficiently.

While these adjustments would have expedited the growth of my business, I don’t have any regrets about my journey thus far. Instead, I view these insights as valuable lessons to share with fellow photographers embarking on their own paths. It’s essential to remember that each journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success. Embrace your individuality, trust in your capabilities, and remain steadfast on your path, knowing that every step forward is a valuable part of your growth and evolution.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! I’m Ana, a wedding and family photographer proudly based out of Akron, Ohio. My journey into photography began nine years ago, while studying Psychology in college. Photography had always been more than just a hobby to me; it was a way of capturing the essence of moments that resonated deeply.

My strength lies in providing a calming presence on wedding days, ensuring that every cherished moment is captured to create a timeless gallery. I’d describe my photography style as classic, timeless, and elegant, drawing inspiration from film. My aim with each wedding and family session is to craft intentional, artistic moments that celebrate the unique relationships and legacies of my clients.

What sets me apart is my dedication to providing an experience that instills confidence in front of the camera while authentically celebrating each client and their current season of life. I believe that photography should go beyond just delivering stunning images; it’s about fostering genuine connections and sharing in the joy of life’s milestones. Some of my favorite moments on a wedding day include the bride and groom’s first look, the morning with the bride and her bridesmaids, and sunset portraits with the newlyweds. These moments not only encapsulate the beauty of the day but also provide cherished memories for years to come.

I find immense joy in being a part of my clients’ journey, from helping them plan their dream day to celebrating alongside them as their families grow. For me, photography is more than just a profession; it’s a way of staying connected and sharing in the special moments that make life extraordinary.

So to potential clients, followers, and fans alike, I want you to know that with me, you’re not just getting a photographer; you’re gaining a friend and a storyteller who is dedicated to preserving your precious memories with care, creativity, and heart.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Maintaining a strong connection with my clients and fostering brand loyalty is at the heart of what I do. One of the key ways I achieve this is by providing a gallery of timeless and classic photos that serve as a treasured keepsake for years to come. While digital images are convenient, I believe there’s something truly special about holding a tangible print in your hands. That’s why I take pride in offering prints and heirloom albums crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail.

My handcrafted albums, made from premium materials like linen or leather, are more than just photo albums; they’re a visual narrative that beautifully tells the story of my clients’ wedding day or family session. These albums serve as a tangible reminder of the cherished memories we’ve captured together, ready to be shared and passed down through generations.

In addition to providing exceptional products, I understand the importance of building lasting relationships with my clients. Word of mouth and strong reviews play a significant role in fostering brand loyalty for my business. There’s nothing quite like a personal recommendation or sharing the heartfelt experiences of past clients with potential couples. These genuine testimonials not only highlight the quality of my work but also speak volumes about the level of care and time I bring to each and every client relationship.

Ultimately, it’s about more than just capturing beautiful images; it’s about creating meaningful connections and providing an experience that exceeds expectations. By prioritizing quality, authenticity, and personalized service, I strive to not only meet but exceed the needs and desires of my clients, ensuring their loyalty and trust for years to come.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

In the photography industry, there’s an abundance of resources available, but there are two that stand out to me as game-changers in my creative journey. The first is Honeybook, a comprehensive CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platform designed specifically for photographers. From managing contracts and client communications to organizing projects and connecting with vendors, Honeybook has been an invaluable tool in helping me stay organized and efficient in my business operations. It’s not just a time-saver; it’s a game-changer in streamlining workflow and enhancing client experiences.

The second resource that has made a significant impact on my creative journey is hiring a private editor. Just over a year ago, I made the decision to bring on an editor to assist with refining my work and honing my unique style. Working closely with her has been an incredible experience, not only in terms of elevating the quality of my photos but also in reclaiming valuable time that I can now dedicate to other areas of my business and my family. It’s allowed me to focus more on the creative aspects of photography while entrusting the editing process to someone whose expertise complements my own.

Discovering these resources has been a game-changer for me, and I only wish I had known about them earlier in my creative journey. They’ve not only enhanced my efficiency and productivity but have also played a pivotal role in elevating the quality of my work and enriching the overall experience for my clients. As creatives, we’re always evolving and seeking ways to refine our craft, and these resources have undoubtedly been invaluable in that pursuit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anamaria-photography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ana_maria_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063788010279

Image Credits
Portrait of myself is by Courtney Cannon of The Cannons Photography All others photos are by me (Ana Maria Photography)