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

Hi Anitra, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

My love of photography started back in high school (many moons ago) in the darkroom. After high school I seriously considered starting a career in photography, but I was too intimidated by the competitiveness, and the technical challenges of the art form so I ended up letting my dream go and pursuing other things. Then, in 2015, when I was just about to turn 50, I found myself at the end of one career and not knowing what to do “when I grow up.” A friend suggested that I join her on a 2 week walking pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. I went, with only 6 weeks to prepare, and during the pilgrimage having the time to walk, talk and reflect with my friend, I decided to finally pursue my dream of becoming a photographer. I had to let go of my fears, and insecurities and just dive head first into improving my skills. It was a decision I have never regretted, and only regretted that I didn’t make it sooner!

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.

I am a fine art and portrait photographer. My fine art work spans a wide range from vibrant nature macro, to ethereal multiple exposures, street photography and love for abstract urban details. I bring the same perspective of creativity and authenticity to my portrait work.

My other love is in teaching smart phone photography. I have taught in a wide range of settings to “at-risk” youth, adults, senior citizens, and middle schoolers. One of my favorite classes I taught was at Phoenix Rising Alternative High School here in Tulsa, I used the curriculum from the 100 Cameras program who’s mission is to empower youth throughout the world who have experienced trauma through the art of photography.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

My clientele has grown slowly and steadily throughout the years. It still has room to grow and I struggle with marketing and self promotion. Being an artist is an incredibly hard job as, especially in my stage, I have to not only create the art, but I have to promote it, and run all the business of accounting, record keeping, etc… At some point, ideally I would hire someone to do the parts I am less good at, but as a small business owner I have had to do it all myself so far.

Most of my clients have come from personal relationships, some from shows and social media.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is having someone resonate and choose my work to take home with them. It is one thing for me to enjoy my work and the process of creating it, but when someone else feels a connection to it, enough to make an investment in it and bring it into their personal space, that is incredibly gratifying.

In the future, I am also very interested in making work that can have a positive impact in our world somehow, beyond being a pretty picture. I think images can be very powerful, often more than words. It is my hope that some of my images can play a role in making this world a better place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anitraseye.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitraseye/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitra.lavanhar/

Image Credits

Anitra Lavanhar