Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Maria.
Hi Anna Maria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story started 5 years ago when I was in my fourth year of college. The Lord touched my heart to turn my love of Photography into a business. I remember it very clearly because I was supposed to be working on an assignment for class and instead I ended up writing down price sheets and packages for photography. I didn’t know where me simply saying “yes” would take me, but I began to invest deeper into this love of taking pictures and sharing it with others.
In 2021 I seemed to had hit a stride, I began to book majority high School seniors and began to take pictures at graduation parties, I invested in some studio equipment as well and introduced that photo package that year. I was in a much different stage of my life at that time than I am now. Within the past 3 years, I also found a love for teaching and became an elementary school teacher. That took up the majority of my time and a lot of my energy, I still managed to do photo shoots over the summer but that stride that I had hit seem to dwindle, and I got discouraged.
I didn’t know what moving forward would look like. In 2024 my camera got flooded on a family cruise. I was devastated and heartbroken, but the Lord use my brother to encourage me and told me “It’s time for a new beginning” In 2024 I got married, and had my baby girl. Adapting to my new life became my focus; and while photography was still there, the passion that I had for it began to feel a bit out of reach and the discouragement continued on.
In the beginning of 2025 I did a soft reboot, where I rebranded, adjusted my prices, and began to put myself back out there again. I did a couple weddings and I also started a monthly newsletter (it didn’t stick, but it was a push in the right direction)
I love my business because of the foundational principles that it’s built upon. Promoting Confidence, Sharing Encouragement, Embracing Hospitality, Spreading Joy, with a Heart of Service. These principles and virtues are the root of Anna Maria’s Photography. Nothing has gone smoothly but the vision has never left, I still have faith that it will be everything that God showed me it will be one day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenges I’ve experienced with being a business owner is believing in myself, and believing in the vision. When my camera got flooded I wasn’t sure how to take that, I thank God for my brother for encouraging me in that moment but in my mind I took it as a sign to give up.
The biggest obstacle at this point is self doubt.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my personal life, I am in elementary school Teacher. I currently work at a private Christian Elementary School named River of Life. I teach 1st through 4th grade English language arts. I work with a wonderful team of people who God and love to pour into the children that we serve.
I have an amazing boss who upholds a standard of excellence for her staff and students to walk in everyday. Everyday I’m challenged to be a better version of myself personally and as an educator.
How do you think about happiness?
It’s always been the little things in life that make me happy, but more than anything it’s being with people who I love and who I know love me. Being able to share with others things that are valuable to me and having them share in return.
Pricing:
- Children/Individual Portraits $250, $225, $200
- High School Senior $300, $275, $250
- Couple Portraits/Maternity Photos $350, $325, $300
- Family Portraits $400
- Wedding Ceremonies $1,500 & Up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annamariasphotography.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annamariaphotos.yourstruly/
