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

Presley , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

Looking back on my journey since I dove into the industry back in 2011, it’s been a wild ride. Starting out, I was hustling on the sidelines, assisting other photographers and navigating the craziness of being a model on sets. Often, I felt overlooked, and relegated to the sidelines, merely soaking in the technical intricacies while others dismissed my aspirations.

Then, cue the chaos of New York Fashion Week smack dab in the middle of these male-dominated pits where convos about models veered into seriously awkward territory. Yet, amidst this atmosphere, I discovered pockets of camaraderie and support. The friendships I forged in those pits became my lifeline, teaching me resilience and the importance of standing up for myself. I made it my mission to extend this support to others starting out, offering them a space to thrive without fear of being pushed around..

Over the past 13 years, I’ve witnessed a seismic shift in the industry’s landscape. More opportunities are opening up for female and POC photographers, a trend that fills me with hope and determination. However, while celebrations like International Women’s Day being photographed by women are steps in the right direction, true inclusivity demands broader representation across all sectors – from sports to news to entertainment.

It’s awesome to see more women and people of color taking charge and bringing fresh perspectives to the table. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard.

Because here’s the thing: diversity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s what makes our stories richer, our narratives more authentic, and our industry a lot more interesting. So let’s keep pushing for change, welcoming new voices, and celebrating the beauty of our differences. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for all of us.

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

Hey there! I’m Presley Ann, currently chilling out in Joshua Tree with my feline sidekick, Ghost, You can often find me bouncing between LA red carpets and traveling for portrait studios. Just to give you a peek into my world!

So, picture this: it’s 2013, and I’m diving headfirst into the wild whirlwind of New York City’s fashion scene. For five crazy years, I’m grinding away, snapping shots of runway glam and backstage chaos, all in the name of storytelling through imagery. Yeah, it was tough, but man, it just reaffirmed that I was exactly where I needed to be.

Fast forward a bit, and I’m bicoastal, bouncing between NYC and LA, deep into the glitz and glamour of red carpets and celebrity portraits. I’ve been lucky enough to team up with some heavy hitters like Netflix, HBO, Don Julio, Sephora – you name it! My jam? Crafting cinematic lifestyle imagery that speaks to folks all around the globe, stirring up emotions, and forging connections that know no bounds.

Now, what makes me stand out? Well, it’s not just about my photography skills or the A-list clients I’ve rubbed shoulders with. It’s my chill demeanor on set, my authenticity, and the unique perspective I bring to storytelling. I live for those moments where I can capture talent or products, infusing each frame with a attention to detail, and a whole lot of heart.

As I keep on evolving and pushing the boundaries of creativity, my mission remains the same: to create imagery that’s anything but ordinary. So whether you’re looking to collaborate, follow along on my journey, or just appreciate some killer photography, I’d love to have you along for the ride!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My journey in building an audience on social media began with a stroke of luck that I’ll always be grateful for. Despite my work with A-list talent, receiving credit from stars or musicians was rare. However, my breakthrough came when Taylor Swift generously shared three of my images on her feed, accompanied by a caption that was my handle. I’ll never forget the moment when I heard my computer buzzing incessantly from the other room. Rushing in, I initially thought my cat had decided to take a nap on the keyboard. Instead, I was greeted by a flood of notifications – new followers, likes, and comments pouring in.

This experience left a profound impact on me, highlighting the potential power of recognition from influential figures in the industry. It made me realize the immense value of acknowledgment and credit for creators like myself. Just imagine if every talent in the industry took a few seconds to do the same. It could create a ripple effect, generating more opportunities and jobs for content creators who have invested their time, money, and dedication into honing their craft.

Many of us have undergone formal education, continuing to teach ourselves, and invested significant resources into equipment and skill development to excel in our fields. Therefore, receiving recognition from prominent names validates the hard work and dedication we pour into our work.

Ultimately, it’s about fostering a culture of mutual respect and acknowledgment within the industry. When big names take the time to credit and recognize the creators behind the content, it not only elevates individual profiles but also contributes to a more inclusive and supportive community.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth! I’m so lucky to have amazing clients who recommend me and bring me up in the rooms they have access to. I will be forever grateful for all the people I’ve met and had the pleasure of capturing. I’m probably a rarity to have gone 13 years without spending a dime on advertising. I hope to spend the next decade meeting more clients and have the chance to call them friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.presleyannphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/presleyannphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PresleyAnnPhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/presleyannphotography/
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@presleyannphoto Google-https://g.page/r/CQrNYAG3FnCqEB0/review

Image Credits
@Presleyannphoto Photo of me on a stool Landon Hale