Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Vitale
Hi Anna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been a creative person who loves to spend time outside and learning about the world around me. As a child I would paint, make jewelry, and take photos of the flora and fauna that surrounded my home in southwestern Michigan. As time went on, many things in my life changed, but the one thing that always stayed constant was my love for the outdoors and my desire to express myself through my creativity. It grounded me.
While trying to navigate the lockdowns of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, I spent much of my time outside birdwatching with my dog. I would bring my camera along and shoot photos of the birds while I was hiking so I could easily identify them and keep track of my findings. I would send these photos to my family and friends, where I began to get positive feedback on my work. I realized then I could combine my love for birds and my creativity into something more important than just a digital archive for my eyes only. I began to carry a camera around with me everywhere and post my photos online.
Taking photos of birds requires you to be totally dialed in, focused, and quiet. It takes the “art of noticing” to a new level where you must listen, locate the bird, and then compose a lovely image of an unpredictable subject. I applied these skills to everyday images where I branched out to photographing events, people, places, and things with the same mindset. My style leans towards dreamy, colorful, and whimsical, while still capturing the essence of the subject I am photographing. In 2021, I began attending Western Michigan University at the Frostic School of Art in Kalamazoo. I worked as a gallery assistant for the Richmond Center for Visual Arts where I was immersed in the art world, helping to install shows, handle priceless artwork, and celebrating the creativity of my peers. Here I met wonderfully talented individuals who continue to inspire me everyday and working in the art gallery helped me network with other creatives, giving me the opportunity to collaborate with different organizations and businesses. I began working as a photographer professionally, doing portrait work, fashion shows, concerts, local events, and even exhibiting my wildlife photography in a variety of different gallery spaces and shows. I graduated from WMU this spring and have since continued my photography work in the real world. I am excited for what the future holds for me professionally and as a lifelong creative.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, I have always known deep down that I wanted to integrate creativity into my life one way or another, but I have also always been a woman of many hobbies and interests. For a long time, couldn’t decide which path I wanted to take professionally. I thought studying birds or biology and working in a science field was an option. However, in doing that, much of my free time was taken up and I found it hard to make time to do the things I loved. I think many artists also struggle with society warning us not to pursue our art. Phrases like “you’ll never find a job!” and “you can’t make a living off of this!” echo in my mind daily, but loving what I do is something that brings an undeniable satisfaction to my life. I wouldn’t trade my art for the world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In the beginning, my main focus was wildlife photography, taking images of the birds I saw on my hikes. Now, my emphasis has shifted to photographing anything and everything I can. Capturing the energy of local shows and concerts, perfecting portraiture with my clients, and participating in collaborations with other creatives and organizations. Some of my favorite projects are my collaborations with Rockwell Hockey for the 50 Years of WMU Vintage Hockey Jersey drop for WMU and working with the school’s MODA fashion organization as the lead runway photographer. I am a people person and I take pride in getting to know my clients and creating a safe place for them to express themselves and feel their best. I still make time for my daily photo hikes to continue to build on my camera operating skills as well as my eye for composition and detail. I think doing this keeps me grounded and reminds me of my roots of where I started as a photographer, and where I can go.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
In my life, I have found that the thing that matters most to me is being able to find true, authentic happiness. I pursue things that bring joy to my life every single day. These things include time with loved ones, eating good food, staying curious about the world around me, and creating art. I try not to take anything too seriously. Life is so short and it is so important to enjoy it while we are here and do all things with love in mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acv.photography
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.c.v/
