We were lucky to catch up with Pamela Anticole recently and have shared our conversation below.

Pamela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

The wedding photography industry certainly follows trends- in both photography style and editing style- but throughout the years there is a general expectation of structure to the wedding day: posed portraits and orchestrated shots. As a documentary photographer with a photojournalistic background, I have a unique approach.

Instead of directing moments or interrupting the natural flow of the day, I capture genuine emotions and authentic interactions as they unfold organically- the same way that I did when I photographed for the newspaper. Rather than asking them to recreate a kiss or pause for a staged shot, I position myself to anticipate and capture those fleeting, authentic moments. (It helps that I have been photographing weddings for 20 years!) This means that my clients receive images that feel like honest memories rather than posed photographs. It’s about creating a visual narrative that reflects the real emotions and atmosphere of their day, not what *I* think their wedding should look like. Ultimately, my hope is that my clients experience their wedding day exactly the same with me there, as if there were no photographer present at all!

I once had a client say that she could *hear* her friend’s laughter in one of my pictures, and that feels like one of the greatest compliments imaginable.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Pamela Anticole, and I’m an award-winning documentary photographer based in Pittsburgh, PA. My journey into photography began on the streets of State College, PA with my film slr, transitioned to a business after I moved to Los Angeles and began photographing actor headshots, then really found its ground after I worked as a photojournalist for the Valley News Dispatch, where I learned to tell stories through images. This newspaper background gave me the foundation for what would become my signature approach: capturing life as it authentically unfolds.

Currently in the Pittsburgh area I specialize in wedding photography, at-home newborn sessions, and candid family photography- all approached through a documentary lens that prioritizes authenticity over perfection. What sets me apart is my commitment to being unique in an industry often focused on conformity. I don’t want to give you pictures that look like everyone else’s. Instead, I rely on my empathy as much as my camera, using my photojournalistic training to anticipate and capture genuine emotional moments. My favorite images are the “perfectly imperfect” ones- the grumpy grandma over the dress hanging on a branch.

The problems I solve for my clients are both practical and emotional. Many people feel overwhelmed by traditional photography sessions or disappointed by staged results that don’t feel like them. I create a low-pressure, high-fun experience where families can be themselves. Instead of directing every moment, I document your life as it actually happens- whether that’s at the coffee shop where you met, playing baseball in your backyard, or walking your dog before grabbing pizza.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me, often returning as their families grow. My work has been displayed in galleries and I’ve been recognized with awards from FPJA/WPJA and the Documentary Family Awards, but honestly, I’ll take a gushing email full of thanks over an accolade any day!

As both a professional photographer with 20+ years of experience, and a mother myself, I understand the urgency of preserving these fleeting moments. My current personal project explores the identity journey of motherhood, particularly for women who’ve struggled with anxiety and depression- bringing that same honest perspective to all my client work.

What I want potential clients to know is this: I’m not a traditional Pittsburgh photographer. I’ll meet you where you are- literally and figuratively. Life is too short for photos that don’t feel like you! My goal is to create a time capsule of your life story, from marriage to parenthood and beyond, preserving the memories and emotions that make your story uniquely yours.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My biggest pivot came when I became a mother and faced the reality that many working parents know all too well- the impossible juggling act between running a business and caring for your family. As a documentary photographer, my work often required evenings and weekends, which became incredibly challenging with young children at home.

Rather than compromise the quality of service I could provide to my clients, I made the difficult decision to step back from my business in a way that felt sustainable for my family. Instead of using daycare, I chose to stay home with my four kids and significantly reduced the number of gigs I was taking. Eventually, I decided to outsource my business bookings entirely and work as an associate shooter for another brand. This allowed me to stay connected to photography while having the flexibility to prioritize my children during their early years.

At the time, it felt like the right choice- and it was for my family. But what I didn’t fully anticipate was how challenging it would be to rebuild when I was ready to return to full-time work. By outsourcing my marketing, bookings, and networking, I had inadvertently lost most of my vendor contacts and referral relationships that I’d spent years building. The wedding industry thrives on personal connections, and stepping away meant starting over in many ways.

Now, as I’m shifting back into working full-time, I’m essentially rebuilding my business from the ground up. It’s required tremendous patience and a lot of behind the scenes work- re-establishing vendor relationships, re-inserting myself into the wedding community, and proving myself all over again. It’s been more challenging than I expected, but it’s also reminded me why I’m passionate about this work.

This pivot taught me that sometimes the right decision for your family isn’t necessarily the easiest one for your business, and that’s okay. It’s also shown me the importance of maintaining some level of connection to your professional community, even when you’re not fully active. Most importantly, it’s reinforced my appreciation for the work I do and the relationships I build with both clients and fellow vendors.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Practically speaking, this career has given me the invaluable gift of flexibility around my family’s needs. I can work around my kids’ busy schedules, be present for the moments that matter, and structure my work in a way that supports our family life rather than competing with it. In 2022 we even took three months to travel the United States in a camper, and there is no way I could have pulled that off in a more traditional career!

But beyond the lifestyle benefits, the most deeply rewarding aspect is the emotional connection with my clients. There’s something uniquely gratifying about the moment when a client sees their photos for the first time and becomes passionately grateful for what I’ve captured. The tears, the thank-you messages, the genuine appreciation for preserving their most precious memories- I honestly don’t think there’s another occupation that receives such heartfelt, positive feedback on a regular basis.

When someone tells me that I’ve captured their family exactly as they are, or that I’ve preserved a moment they’ll treasure forever, it reinforces why I chose this path. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about creating tangible memories that will outlast all of us. That responsibility and the joy it brings to families is incredibly fulfilling and reminds me daily why I’m passionate about this work, even when the business side gets challenging.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pamelaanticole.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamelaanticolephoto/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelamariephotography/