We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Annah Meintzer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Annah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
My mission as a portrait photographer is to preserve memories and show others the importance of connection and worthiness through documentation. I love looking through old photos of my parents, my grandparents, me as a baby and being grateful that all of our lives were documented even when nothing special was happening. Photos of my Dad sitting in the backyard with our dog while he reads the morning newspaper is so intimate. Looking back at those kinds of slow paced photos showing someone’s real self is so special.
When I talk to clients about having photos done, I like to put myself in the position of being an observer as best I can. I still offer posing and prompting, but I make sure to capture genuine things. And sometimes, my best images are made when people don’t think I’m taking photos! Like a couple holding hands while walking back to their car after our session is over.
Photography showcases our lives. Everyone’s life deserves to be documented and savored in all the big moments, slow moments and the in between that don’t seem special until they’re gone. I often think about how we may never see the same place twice, may never have the same sort of events happen again. How friend groups change, you don’t live close to your parents anymore, but time is passing and people are growing older each day.
Documentation is what preserves our legacy of life! And so my passion for documenting small moments comes from this view of life.
Annah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started my business, Annah Meintzer Photography when I moved to Colorado in 2019. I had begun dreaming about running my own business after graduating college and growing tired of working 12 hour shifts as a banquet server. With my knowledge from earning a BA in Photography, I knew I had the power to move away from the service industry if I was brave enough. Once I moved to Colorado, I figured things out step by step, but focusing on the freedom and peace that was to come with working for myself is what drove me to be consistent. Today, I photograph and welcome all kinds of people. I support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, indigenous people, those with disabilities- all are welcome here!
I specialize in photos for couples/elopements, small business headshots, college senior photos and boudoir. I work hard to be personable and to let my clients know how valued they are. My clients help me live my dream life every day by supporting my business! Connecting with strangers is so much fun for me. Getting to know someone, to help them feel beautiful, worthy or validated during our session is the biggest reward I can ask for. I love helping people feel seen and included. I want to help people see that they hold the power to be the best versions of themselves and that their existence is enough. You don’t need to lose 10 pounds before our photoshoot or save up enough money to get an expensive clothing item. You are enough as you are and I’m here to show you the beauty within yourself through photos.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is subconsciously looking for art in all things. I love walking around Denver and seeing unique homes, windows, murals on garages, matching the blue color of a mailbox to the sky- it keeps me inspired to look for art in my daily life. It reminds me that I can let go of the pressure I put on myself sometimes to be more creative or to work harder. I remember that the human experience is whatever I want it to be! I can take this life as seriously and professionally as I want, or I can let it all be more simple. Although my anxiety often tells me I’m not working hard enough, that I need to plan my life 5 years ahead all the time, it does help when I remember that we’re all living on a floating rock in space and this life is whatever we see it as.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Word of mouth! Although I do focus a lot of marketing online and making sure my website is ranking properly with SEO management, it goes a long way to be friendly to everyone you meet. I’ve gotten new clients from making conversation in line at the grocery store, from a friend of a friend connecting me. You never know how or where you’ll find a new client and connection. Some days I struggle to live by this advice when I’m stuck in traffic for example and might not want to let someone merge in front of me, but I remind myself to treat everyone I interact with like and old friend.
I’m a huge believer in the power of community. It’s beneficial it is to be kind even when it’s challenging. If I can share some of my positive energy on my good days, I know it’ll come back to me from others on my bad days and inspire me to connect with new people in positive ways as much as possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: annahmeintzer.com
- Instagram: annahmphoto
- Facebook: annahmphoto
Image Credits
Annah Meintzer Photography