We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anna Mantini. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anna below.

Anna, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Honestly, it all started as a hobby I just couldn’t get enough of. After graduating, I was working full-time as a nurse, and photography was this creative escape for me—it gave me so much joy. I’d get done with a 10-hour nursing shift and my brain would shift into a fully different mode of creativity. I’d be up late editing, squeezing in shoots before or after work, just trying to make it all fit. At first, it was just a hobby and I never seriously considered photography as a full-time career. It felt so far-fetched. But then I started getting more inquiries—friends of friends, people on Instagram—and I realized, that it could be something more.

The tipping point came when I had to start turning down photo opportunities because I couldn’t keep up. I remember this moment of looking at my calendar and realizing I was basically working two full-time jobs. I couldn’t juggle both much longer without burning out. That’s when the idea of going full-time started to feel less impossible and more like something I needed to do. So in March 2023, I took a leap of faith and poured everything I had into building my photography business.

From there, it was a mix of figuring things out as I went and really dialing in the business side. I built out my website, invested in branding, created clear pricing packages, and started showing up consistently on my social media platforms. I studied other photographers I admired, attended workshops, and listened to what felt like a million podcasts so I could understand how to actually run a successful business. I streamlined my workflow, got serious about contracts and client communication, and leaned into the kind of work that lit me up.

I said yes to a lot that first year, and although I was exhausted, it is exactly what I needed to grow. I learned so much just by doing. It wasn’t overnight, but piece by piece, I built a sustainable business. And now I’m making more than double what I did in nursing, but more importantly, I’m doing something that brings me so much purpose and joy. It’s wild to look back at how it all unfolded—from a weekend hobby to a full-time career.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’m Anna, a Nebraska-based photographer! I started in healthcare and slowly transitioned into photography full-time. I specialize in weddings, couples, portraits, and branding—and what I love most is creating an experience where people feel comfortable and confident. I want each client to walk away with beautiful images and a really, really good experience.

Photography wasn’t always my full-time path. I actually started out in healthcare—working as a nurse after graduation—and photography was just a creative outlet I’d turn to after long shifts. I’d be editing late at night, planning shoots on weekends, and feeling this deep pull to explore that creative side more. Over time, what started as a hobby turned into something bigger. I was getting more bookings than I could manage with a full-time job, and eventually, in March 2023, I took the leap into full-time photography. Now, I’m incredibly grateful to be running a business I love and connecting with the most amazing clients.

I offer a range of photography services including wedding photography, branding sessions for creatives and businesses, and lifestyle portraits like maternity, couples, and personal sessions. Whether I’m photographing a couple on their wedding day or helping a small business elevate their online presence, my goal is always the same: to create a fun, relaxed experience and deliver photos that feel timeless, genuine, and unique to what each client is looking for.

What sets me apart? I’d say it’s the combination of connection, creativity, and care. I’m not just showing up to take photos—I’m showing up to be someone you can trust, someone who will observe and someone who will listen and guide your creative visions. With my background in nursing, I’m also incredibly tuned in to how people are feeling—I hope to bring a grounded, calm presence to every session, which makes a big difference, especially on a wedding day.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve built this business with my heart and my passion. I didn’t come from a photography background or business degree—I just followed what lit me up and worked incredibly hard to turn that passion into something sustainable. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built, the galleries I’ve delivered, and the memories I’ve helped preserve for people in some of the most important seasons of their lives.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that I truly care. I care about your story, your experience, and your photos. I always say that I wish I could do this for free, but I do need to make a living. I want every person I work with to feel seen, celebrated, and confident. And I want the final result to be something you cherish for years to come.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been such a journey and it definitely didn’t happen overnight. One of the biggest shifts came when I started treating social media like my portfolio. This is how people find me, and this is how people initially connect with me. I stopped worrying so much about curating the perfect feed and started focusing on building real connections and showcasing the work I was really proud of. I shared behind-the-scenes moments, things I was learning, photos I loved, and pieces of my everyday life. And I made a point to engage with others in a genuine way whether that is cheering on fellow creatives or responding to comments.

My biggest advice to anyone just starting out is that things don’t need to be perfect for you to show up. Post your favorite work that you’re trying to get more of, share your personality, and let people into your process. You don’t need a huge following to have a powerful presence. Consistency, authenticity, and connection go a long way. And with photography, your clients aren’t just hiring you based on your work. And this goes for returning clients too. They are hiring you because they align with your work and YOU. They are attracted to the energy and the vibe too.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of stories and video content. Even something as simple as hopping on your stories to say hi, or sharing a quick reel from a session, can make a big impact. People love seeing your face and feeling like they’re part of your world.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

For me, the most effective strategy has been posting consistently and sharing the kind of work I want to attract more of. When I started showing up regularly and sharing sessions that truly lit me up, I noticed more inquiries that aligned with my style and dream clients. People need to see what you do in order to hire you, so keep sharing, even if it feels repetitive. You never know who’s watching or when the right person will reach out! Tiktok has been a great platform for me and booking destination clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://annamantini.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/annamantini.photo?igshid=ZjE2NGZiNDQ=
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@anna_mantini?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits

All Images by me – Anna Mantini