We were lucky to catch up with Anna Feeney recently and have shared our conversation below.
Anna , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?
Absolutely! My first wedding of the year was in March, and it turned out to be quite an unforgettable experience. The bride and groom were wonderful; there was some family drama, and unfortunately, the wedding coordinator called in sick that day.
Seeing the bride stressed about timelines made me realize she shouldn’t have to worry on her wedding day. So, I decided to step in and help out. I took on the dual role of photographer and makeshift coordinator. It was a micro-wedding, which made it easier to manage the flow and wrangle everyone together.
After the event, I was really worried that I hadn’t done enough or that I had messed up the timeline. But then the bride left a review that truly meant so much to me! She mentioned how wonderful everything was and specifically highlighted how I managed to capture sweet smiles from her baby girl. Her words, “she caught EVERY SINGLE SPECIAL moment,” made me feel so, so accomplished in my mission.
This experience not only reassured me about my ability to handle unexpected challenges but also provided me with a deeper understanding of how weddings operate, especially at larger venues. I was so happy to assist in making the day run smoothly, and it’s those heartfelt reviews that make all the effort worthwhile. It reminded me of why I love what I do—creating beautiful memories for couples on one of the most important days of their lives.
Anna , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Anna Feeney, and I’m a photographer based in St. Louis, MO. Photography has been part of my life since I was a kid. I was that friend who was always taking selfies, organizing goofy photoshoots at sleepovers, and then spending hours editing them on Picnik—way before Instagram. (No, those photos are thankfully not in my portfolio now!)
A lot happened between ages 15 and 30. I made some very questionable choices and lost myself a few times along the way. When I had my first son in February 2020, that’s when the true healing began. I struggled heavily with postpartum depression and anxiety, especially during Covid, while trying to figure out my purpose with a newborn in my arms. When I had my second son in 2022, postpartum depression came back, but this time, I was able to pull myself out quicker. I dedicated that year to challenging myself—whether it was going on hikes, traveling, or working to be a better friend and a more engaged member of my community. I lost over 100 pounds, began homeschooling my children, and focused on taking action to address what was unsettling me.
Then, on my 30th birthday, my mom gifted me a camera. The second I picked it up, I felt something shift. I started bringing my camera everywhere, and I realized I had a knack for capturing moments. I dove into self-study, bought a photography textbook, and began teaching myself because I knew there was so much more to it than just pressing the shutter button. Eventually, I connected with Stephen at The Photo Pros St. Louis, and he saw something in me, taking me under his wing as a mentor. I upgraded my camera and lenses, and I really took off in my craft!
Since then, everything has just fallen into place with my career. It feels as though the universe is saying, ‘She finally figured it out—here you go, love!’ It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Where do I even begin? For me, the most rewarding aspect is the creative freedom to work with families, couples, and friends in fun and memorable ways. Each project allows me to capture unique stories and emotions, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.
Additionally, this journey has significantly boosted my confidence—not just in my creative abilities but also in my skills to manage time effectively and run a business while homeschooling my kids and working part-time. It’s been an exciting challenge, and I surprise myself every day, especially when the unexpected shows back up.
At the core, my love for connecting with people drives my work. Building relationships with my clients helps me create images that resonate with them, and that connection is what ultimately leads to great outcomes. It’s truly a joy to be part of such meaningful moments in their lives. And, it means so, so much when I get repeat clients. I love watching my clients’ lives grow and change.
I really couldn’t imagine a better career for me to utilize my skills and my passions that I have carried through my entire life. The challenges and triumphs this journey has given me have been the biggest push to grow and I can’t wait to see where it takes my family.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer, for me, is capturing moments that truly matter to people and seeing the happiness it brings them. Photography is more than just taking a beautiful picture—it’s about preserving memories, emotions, and pieces of life that people can hold onto forever and pass down to their grandchildren. I get to witness and be part of some of the most intimate, joyful, and even vulnerable moments in people’s lives.
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that my work allows families to look back on a moment in time, whether it’s a wedding day, a new baby, or just a regular day spent together, and feel all those emotions again. I love hearing clients say that I was able to capture their true personalities or a special bond that they share. Photography has helped me heal in my own life, and now I get to pass that feeling on to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annafeeneyphotography.com
- Instagram: @annafeeneyphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553434238160
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-feeney-114993315/
Image Credits
Anna Feeney Photography LLC