We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anna Lipson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

When I was a freshman at The University of Alabama, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. The only subject in school I truly enjoyed was art and that was because it usually was a time to relax and put my mind on what I was working on. I know I was very interested in the sports and music industry because it seemed like you were on the go all the time and got to experience so many different things. I slowly realized that the industries were very cut throat and my self-criticism was at an all-time high. I ended up majoring in Advertising and chose a graphic design and photography minor since I knew that I loved to create things and show off my talents through my work. Photography was always my strong suit and I loved capturing emotion and documenting peoples lives. I got a full time job as a graphic designer at a university in my hometown and started to realize during COVID that I needed to get back into what I actually loved, which was photography. In June 2020 I picked up a camera again and started asking my friends and family to let me photograph them. That’s when my business took off. I invested in some photography classes online that taught me what I needed to know to be successful in a concentrated industry. I was self critical and still am but I’ve learned that once I found that inner self-love and determination, I was unstoppable. My only regret is that I didn’t continue my love for photography and my business after I graduated college because my self-criticism got in the way. Even though my business has grown so much and so quickly, I wish I would have started a few years sooner. I love my business and every single one of my clients that I get to document. I wouldn’t trade it for the world and maybe it was meant to happen like this.

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

My name is Anna and I started Anna Cahill Photography back in June of 2020. I am an enneagram 2 which means I enjoy helping people and seeing people happy. Photography gives me the chance to give people a captured memory in time that they can look back at forever and that is something that will always be important to me. When you are a bride of mine, I help from booking to the wedding day and even after the wedding day. I help plan and help with anything you need. Weddings are stressful and it can take a huge toll on someone’s physical and mental health. I like to take the bourdon off the brides and help them actually enjoy their day. I tell all my brides that I’m more than you’re photographer, I’m your best friend and the one who has your back no matter what. I am most proud of how fast I have grown in the short 2 years I have been a photographer. It has taken sacrifice and a lot of long hours, but I have taken this business and turned it into something so special.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creatives should understand that we don’t just press a button and everything turns out perfectly. There’s editing, searching for the best light and if there isn’t the best light we have to have alternatives. There’s also money, time and energy that go into a photography business that people don’t see. I sacrifice weekends and family and friend’s events to be at wedding days. I have a full time job on top of taking care of my own business which is another full time job in itself. Photographers have so much to juggle and that’s something we have to be good at.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is seeing a client rave about their pictures after a session or wedding day. Like I’ve mentioned, I love seeing people happy and if I play a part in that person’s happiness, then I can’t ask for anything more than that.

Contact Info:

• Website: annacahillphotography.com
• Instagram: @annacahillphotography
• Facebook: Anna Cahill Photography
• Other: Pinterest: Anna Cahill Photography The Knot: Anna Cahill Photography Wedding Wire: Anna Cahill Photography