Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Coen

Hi Ann, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

After I graduated Rutgers College with a degree in Economics, I realized the rigidity of my major might not be my path so I booked a trip around the South Pacific with a friend. I bought a camera when we hit Australia and just started shooting everything. Once I was back home in NJ I continued to shoot but didn’t really think I could make a career with photography. At the time I was also competing in Wakeboard competitions and at one of them I met my ex husband who was a writer. After that, I basically just started photographing everything he was wiring about and the local newspaper offered me a full time job. The money wasn’t great but it was a foot in the door and a way to learn and meet people. I was basically self taught just by being put in so many crazy situations that happen when you work for a newspaper. I photographed everything and anything until I saw a path that might make me a living. The rest is history, history and hard work!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Definitely not a smooth road! I dont think that is possible on the path to success! So many struggles! Learning how to delegate, hiring people A(sometimes the wrong peopleA) and learning how to navigate those situations. Technical downfalls, cards and equipment not always working and having to work my way out of that. Getting equipment stolen, broken and keeping up with all the advancements of technology. finding the work/life balance (still trying on that one!) COVID, the ups and downs of the industry, taking risks with pricing, hiring a team and nurturing that team. Every year there are different challenges and struggles but with every year comes new nuggets of wisdom from doing this for 20 years so I try to just look at it as growth and not struggles anymore.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I think locally I am most known for my Wedding and portrait work, but my passion is more local/landscape photography.. I recently started flying a drone which gives such a new perspective, sometimes you just need a shift to stay inspired. I live right in-between the ocean and the bay so there is a never-ending landscape to shoot with each of the passing seasons. Being out on my boat in good sunrise and sunset light is my favorite. Sometimes I dont even shoot but there is so much beauty out there to be captured and at this point in my life it is the most inspiring.
I think what might set me apart is that I try to shoot every day and shoot it differently. I try to bring different lenses, the drone, the water housing, the film camera. Im always trying to do it a little differently so I can get something interesting. I also try not to see what other people are doing. Its hard with social media to be “unique” but I just shoot what I like and what I think looks beautiful or interesting.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?

Patience. There is no finish line…you just have to strive to do your best with every job and every scenario and there is always a lesson to be learned. If you can look at it as a marathon…the long haul, then you will be alright. Accept failures and move on. And same goes for successes. Nothing lasts so enjoy each moment and keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anncoen.com
• Instagram: anncoenphotography.com
• Facebook: Ann Coen Photography
• Other: https://anncoenart.com

Image Credits

Ryan Johnson took the portrait of me with the water housing