Meet Anna Ternova | Travel & Adventure Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Ternova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
One of the biggest habits that has helped me succeed is consistency; whether it’s improving my photography skills, networking, or building my business, I show up even when motivation isn’t there. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but small, intentional efforts compound over time.

Another key habit is curiosity and continuous learning. I’ve always been someone who dives deep into new skills, whether it was transitioning career fields in my corporate life or turning my passion for photography into a business. I believe adaptability and a willingness to learn have been huge assets in my journey.

Time in nature has also played a significant role. Spending time outdoors (whether hiking, snowboarding, or traveling) keeps me grounded and fuels my creativity. It’s where I get my best ideas and inspiration for my work.

Lastly, balancing independence with meaningful relationships has helped me grow. I tend to be very independent, but I’ve learned that surrounding myself with the right people – mentors, friends, and fellow creatives – pushes me to new levels and provides opportunities I wouldn’t have found alone.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My photography is deeply rooted in adventure, and what sets my work apart is the effort I put into getting the shot. I don’t just stop at the easy pull-offs or the well-known viewpoints, I go beyond them. Whether it’s trekking deep into the backcountry, summiting remote peaks, or reaching rugged rock-climbing spots, I’m willing to put in the work to capture places that most people will never see firsthand.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the dedication and physical effort behind my images. Some of my favorite shots have come after grueling hikes, unpredictable weather, or climbing into places that demand both technical skill and endurance. I love the challenge of it; it makes every photo feel earned.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. Photography started as a passion, and turning it into a business required learning everything from camera settings to editing, networking, and marketing. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that the effort you put in directly impacts the results you get. Whether it’s hiking for hours to get the perfect sunrise shot or pushing through self-doubt to grow as an artist.

At the end of the day, I want my work to inspire people to appreciate and respect the outdoors. My brand is about capturing the raw, untamed beauty of places that aren’t always easy to reach, and sharing that perspective with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you visit Colorado and spend most of your time in Denver, you’re missing out! When my best friend visited last fall, I made sure she got the full Colorado adventure experience, not just the city life.

We kicked things off with a round of golf at one of Denver’s best courses, followed by indoor rock climbing at Movement. That night, we went out to a karaoke bar for some fun before hitting the road the next day. Our first big stop was Great Sand Dunes National Park, where we backpacked deep into the dunes and cowboy camped under a new moon, falling asleep under the Milky Way – a surreal experience that most visitors to the park never get to have.

On our way north, we stopped in Buena Vista for an incredible lunch before heading to the trailhead for the DeCaLiBron loop. We camped there for the night, then got an early start to hike the loop, where my friend summited her first 14ers – an unforgettable accomplishment.

To wrap up the trip, I took her outdoor rock climbing in Golden at sunset, the perfect way to cap off a nonstop, adventure-packed visit.

I’m known as the adventure friend – if you visit me, I will fill every second of your trip with something exciting. It was a jam-packed week, but my friend loved every minute of it. If you’re coming to Colorado, get out of the city and experience the real magic of this state!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my friend Tony Nally. We originally connected through Instagram over a shared love for the outdoors, and that online connection quickly turned into real-life adventures. We’ve planned trips together and tackled some wild hikes, pushing ourselves both physically and creatively.

Tony was the one who truly inspired me to buy a camera. When I first started out, I had a million questions – about camera settings, editing, different software for photos and videos – and he was always there with patience and insight. His encouragement and willingness to share his knowledge played a huge role in shaping my photography journey.

Beyond just technical skills, Tony showed me what was possible in this space, and I’m grateful for the inspiration and friendship that have come from it.

Website: https://anovaphotos.com

Instagram: @anova.photos

Image Credits
Personal photo: Francis Lozada
All other images taken by me