Check Out Anne Kern’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Kern.

Hi Anne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

My journey began with my first love—studio art. From a very young age, I was always painting, drawing, or crafting anything I could get my hands on. However, when I reached high school, I discovered photography, and it instantly became a passion. I started with a 35mm film camera and learned how to develop my own film, which was an incredibly hands-on, immersive experience that deepened my love for capturing moments.
While in college, I continued to take photography classes as a hobby alongside my studio art studies. It was during a photojournalism course that everything clicked for me. I’ve always been fascinated by human connection, and capturing emotion in people’s expressions felt like a natural extension of my art. Photojournalism opened my eyes to storytelling through images, and I felt like I had found my true creative outlet.
However, at that time, I wasn’t confident enough to pursue photography as a career, so I continued to nurture my craft in my spare time while focusing on other areas of my life. Over the next decade, I traveled the world, got married, and started my family, all of which expanded my perspectives and inspired me in new ways.
After many years of growth and self-reflection, I finally reached a point where I felt ready to turn my passion into a business. I now look back on the journey, and everything—from my early days of experimenting with film to my life experiences and even the layers of paint on a canvas—has shaped the photographer I am today.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with so many amazing clients, many of whom have been with me since the very beginning. One of the things I truly love about photography is how constantly it evolves, which keeps me on my toes and fuels my passion. I’m the type of person who will never stop learning—whether it’s discovering new techniques, exploring different perspectives, or experimenting with new tools and styles. I’m always looking for that next angle, that next way to personalize a story.
Though I’m not an event photographer, I specialize in capturing families, newborns, seniors, couples and even pets. These are the moments I feel most connected to, as each one is so personal and meaningful. Over the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to attend photographer retreats, and every time I return, I’m filled with fresh ideas and new inspiration. I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned to my next session, which only deepens my love for this craft.
I’m grateful for the journey, and I’m excited to continue capturing moments and telling stories.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to building my business has definitely not been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I started my business while pregnant with my first daughter and have continued to grow it while being a stay-at-home mom. This meant countless late-night editing sessions and balancing the demands of motherhood with running a business. Without coworkers to bounce ideas off, I often felt the pressure and anxiety, especially during those early years. Looking back, there are certainly things I would do differently, but those challenges were key in helping me grow both personally and professionally.

Another challenge I faced was managing my dyslexia and ADHD. Both of these made the business side of things, like marketing and organization, sometimes be more difficult for me. I was never really interested in the business aspects and sometimes struggled to put all those pieces together. However, over time, I found that these traits actually work to my advantage in my photography. They give me a unique perspective when it comes to seeing things differently during a session and allow me to connect more easily with children who are especially fidgety or hard to keep still.

One of the turning points for me was when a friend invited me to a photographers’ gathering. I almost didn’t go as I felt I had imposters syndrome or that I was not at the same level as these other talented photographers. I’m naturally shy in large settings and tend not to put myself out there. But something told me to attend, and I’m so glad I did. I met some of the most incredible photographers and, more importantly, a community that values collaboration over competition. These women have not only helped me grow as a photographer but have become some of my closest friends. I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and the friendships I’ve built along the way

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well, I’m a documentary portrait photographer and my work is all about capturing authentic moments and showcasing people’s true personalities. I focus on creating natural, reportage-style images that truly reflect who my clients are. I’m most proud of the connections I build with my clients during each session. I see every shoot as an opportunity to understand and capture their personality in a way that they may not even realize about themselves. The feedback I get from clients – that they not only love their photos but also had fun during the session – is something that makes me incredibly proud.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to make people feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I believe the best portraits come when people are relaxed and enjoying themselves, which is why I keep the atmosphere laid-back, informal and fun.. I personally know how awkward and uncomfortable it can feel in front of the camera. So I never try and force a pose or setting. All my friends will say that I am a pretty goofy person, and I use that to my advantage. I prefer to give an action vs. a pose & say really silly things. I feel this relieves the tension and you can really enjoy yourself. I have found that so many individuals don’t like their picture being taken -and I love to show them that it can be really fun.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am really a visual learner, so I find watching videos or following some great photographers have really helped me along the way. I have also invested in some online classes in specific topics- like newborn posing, and those have been a tremendous resources. So many little tips and tricks you can learn. But, I really found that just grabbing a chai with some photographer friends has been the biggest benefit to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.annekernphotography.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/anne_kernphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/annekernphotography