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

Hi TRISHA, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I started by soaking up everything — online courses, mentorships, YouTube videos, late nights editing, and simply shooting as much as I could. Real-life sessions taught me more than any textbook ever could.

Trusting my creative instincts sooner.
Investing earlier in education & mentorship.
Not being afraid to mess up and try new things.
And realizing earlier that lighting can make or break an image.

Understanding light (natural or artificial).
Posing people in a way that feels natural and genuine.
Learning how to make people feel comfortable in front of my camera.
And honestly? Organization and business skills — because being a photographer is so much more than taking photos.

Comparison (oh hello, social media 😅).
Imposter syndrome.
Feeling like I had to master everything overnight.
Balancing creativity with the business side of things.
But here we are — still learning, still growing, and so thankful to get to capture people’s stories every single day. 💕

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.

Like many photographers, my journey started pretty organically: I was a new mom who thought, “Why hire a photographer when I can just take my own baby’s photos?” I picked up a camera, started photographing my son, shared a few pictures on Facebook — and before I knew it, friends and then friends-of-friends started asking me to capture their families too. What started as a simple hobby quickly turned into a full-time business (and yes… into tax filings, LLC paperwork, and lots of coffee!).

Over the years, I’ve poured myself into growing my craft — investing in out-of-state workshops, online education, and constantly updating my gear to stay on top of industry trends and techniques. I specialize in lifestyle, family, wedding, and sports photography — capturing genuine moments that tell your story, whether it’s your wedding day, a once-in-a-lifetime senior portrait, or your little athlete on the field.

Recently, I had one of my proudest moments when a Sandlot-themed photo shoot I created went viral across TikTok and Instagram. Seeing my work reach and connect with such a wide audience was incredibly humbling and exciting!

At Trisha Ann Photography, my goal is simple: to create beautiful, timeless images that freeze real, authentic moments. I want my clients to feel comfortable, confident, and seen — whether we’re laughing through a family session, capturing the emotion of a wedding, or creating portraits that will be cherished for generations.

What sets me apart?
I believe it’s my ability to blend professional quality with a personal touch. My clients aren’t just “sessions” to me — they’re families, stories, and memories I’m honored to preserve. I bring a relaxed, easy-going energy to each session (and if necessary, I’ve been known to make a fool of myself to get that perfect kiddo smile). I’m also deeply committed to continuous learning, which means my clients benefit from both my creativity and my dedication to staying current in an ever-changing industry.

At the end of the day, what I’m most proud of is simply being trusted to document life’s most meaningful moments. Whether I’m working locally in Northwest Ohio or creating sessions that reach thousands online, I’m truly grateful to do what I love.

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

Honestly, living in a small town, word of mouth is everything. My business has grown so much just from happy clients referring me to their friends and family. Social media has also been huge — when people tag me in their photos and share their sessions, it naturally reaches new audiences. Some of my biggest bookings have come from people seeing my work pop up on their feed or being tagged in someone else’s post. In a small community, those personal connections and online shares are worth their weight in gold!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. For me, photography is so much more than just pretty pictures — it’s preserving what matters most. I lost my mom when I was only 16, and that loss made me realize just how valuable photos truly are. After a loved one passes, photos are what everyone clings to — they’re what we search for, hold onto, and treasure. That experience shaped my heart behind the camera. My mission is to create images that become lifelong keepsakes — something my clients and their families can look back on, feel the emotions, and relive those moments for years to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.trishaannphotography.com
• Instagram: @trishaannphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trishaannphotographyllc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@trishaannathletics
• Other: tiktok

  @trishaannphotography88

Image Credits

I am the photographer of all images