We were lucky to catch up with Anna Dobrovolskaia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Anna, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

As a photographer, my approach differs from the industry standard in several ways. Rather than focusing on posed, polished images, I prioritize capturing the unscripted beauty of everyday moments. My work leans into documentary and artistic photography, celebrating the cinematic and poetic nature of real life – simple acts like pouring tea or the fleeting expressions of love and connection within a family.

This divergence is deeply personal for me. I strive to slow down the fast pace of life for my clients, encouraging them to embrace the beauty in the ordinary. For me, it’s not just about photography; it’s about storytelling, helping my clients see the world – and their own lives – as a beautiful, unfolding movie.

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 Anna Dobrovolskaia. Originally from Russia, I spent 11 years living in Shanghai, China, before moving to Richmond, VA. I’m a photographer with a deep passion for capturing authentic, intimate moments that tell a story. My journey into photography began during my early university years when I found myself spending time with talented local photographers, from whom I learned to appreciate good taste and artistry in photography. Even as a child, I was captivated by Polaroid and film cameras, enchanted by their ability to preserve memories. I dreamed of owning a professional camera but dismissed the idea, feeling I lacked the talent and means to pursue photography seriously.

As smartphones became prevalent, I started photographing the world around me – cityscapes, nature, and everyday life – finding joy in editing those images. Yet, the idea of pursuing photography felt daunting in a world that seemed saturated with creatives.

Everything changed in 2021. Burned out from my previous job, I yearned for a new passion and remembered my long-standing love for photography. That’s when I was gifted my first camera, a Fuji XT-200, and began exploring this art form wholeheartedly. I started by photographing acquaintances and quickly fell in love with the process. As my skills developed, so did my confidence, and soon I transitioned to being a full-time photographer.

Today, my work focuses on documentary and artistic photography of families, newborns, and maternity. I strive to capture life’s quiet poetry—the raw and tender moments that make us human. Inspired by light and shadow, I approach photography as a painter would their canvas, seeking to create cinematic and deeply emotional imagery.

Photography, for me, is more than a profession; it’s freedom and self-expression. It allows me to slow down, embrace the beauty in the ordinary, and share my unique perspective of the world. Through my lens, I hope to inspire others to see the cinematic beauty in their own everyday lives.

What sets my work apart is my focus on celebrating the cinematic and poetic nature of ordinary moments. While many photographers emphasize posed and polished images, I delve into the raw, authentic emotions that unfold naturally. I believe life is full of beauty waiting to be noticed, and my goal is to help my clients slow down and see their lives in the same way – a movie filled with intimate, meaningful scenes.

My clients often come to me seeking not just photographs but a way to preserve memories in a meaningful, artistic way. Whether it’s capturing the quiet connection between a couple, the playfulness of children, or the powerful stillness of motherhood, I strive to create images that evoke emotion and tell a story that will be cherished for generations.

I’m most proud of my ability to help people see the beauty in their lives – moments they may not have noticed themselves – and to give them a piece of art that reflects their love and connection. I want my clients to feel seen, valued, and inspired by the work we create together.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

While living in China, I worked in a retail company for almost six years. For most of that time, I was a procurement manager – helping designers abroad source suppliers, arranging samples, and ensuring that orders were produced and delivered on time. This job was incredibly stressful and draining, with no creativity or meaning for me. I saw no point in what I was doing and slowly became more and more depressed. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life and was desperately searching for meaning.

In 2020, I found myself drawn to pottery and spent a year and a half practicing it. I truly admired the craft, and it became a passion of mine. To showcase my pieces, I wanted a professional camera, which my husband gifted to me for Christmas. I guess from that moment, everything was decided. I started taking more and more photos, learning how to use the manual settings on my camera, and practicing as much as I could. My friends encouraged me to continue, telling me I had talent.

While still working in the office, I began finding people to photograph, and about two months later, I got my first paid clients. Of course, the pay wasn’t high, but it was incredibly motivating to see that this could actually work. That was the moment I realized I might be able to make it as a photographer. At the same time, I reached a breaking point with my job—I couldn’t stand it anymore. Four months later, I quit my office job with no regrets. It was terrifying to leave a hated but stable position and step into the unknown.

Slowly, I started gaining more clients and raising my prices. But I worked extremely hard to prove to myself that I could make a living. At one point, I was doing 20-25 sessions a month, which eventually led to burnout. I realized my fees were too low and decided to increase them. However, I didn’t go about it the right way and lost many potential customers. Still, I didn’t give up.

I found my calling in family and raw, authentic photography. I changed my portfolio, completely rebranded, and since then, I’ve found success. I became one of the most popular foreign family photographers in Shanghai among expats. This journey took a little over a year and a half, but it was worth every step to build a career that brings me so much fulfillment.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

However, just when everything was going my way in Shanghai, my husband and I moved to the United States. He is originally from Richmond, VA, and this is where we decided to settle down. I moved here in December 2023. At that point, neither of us knew anyone in the area – he had spent over a decade abroad as well. I had to start my business from scratch.

I’m fortunate to have a strong portfolio and solid work experience. Living a fast-paced life in China and my previous job gave me strong client-oriented skills and the ability to work under pressure. However, when you have no connections or local followers on Instagram, your skills and portfolio can only take you so far. Without people knowing about you, no matter how good you are, it’s hard to find clients.

Another challenge was that I didn’t know how to drive. Growing up in Russia and living in China, I never needed to learn. At the age of 33, I had to start driving lessons here before I could even begin working. To kickstart my business, I offered free photo sessions to a few people I knew, aiming to achieve my vision and artistic ideas. I hoped they would post the pictures I took so my name could get out there. To be honest, it didn’t help much.

What did help was targeted advertising on Facebook and Instagram. I created several high-quality, attention-grabbing ads that attracted new followers and, eventually, my first clients. I also collaborated with a local blogger, offering her a session in exchange for a Reel about me, which brought in additional clients.

This year has been emotionally challenging. Adjusting to a new lifestyle, making new friends, and establishing my career all over again after immigration was no small feat. It’s humbling to suddenly feel like a nobody after working so hard to achieve great results in the place you used to live. Reestablishing myself at 34 wasn’t easy, but I think I’ve done well. I’ve been able to work and gain clients within six months, and the results are promising. Hopefully, next year will be even better. I’m not going to give up – haha!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://annadobrovolskaiaph.com
• Instagram: @annevilwill

Image Credits

All images by Anna Dobrovolskaia