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

Hi Annie, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I think it’s easy to define success through the dollars in my bank account. And while that may be the most measurable way to determine one’s success, for me it all circles back to fulfillment. Do I feel good about what I am doing and what my life looks like? Asking myself that question while leaving room for not everything be 100% amazing at all times is where I gauge my success. I feel like I have hit a stride in my business over the last year where I feel truly successful due to the fact I have been consistently working with my ideal clients. To me, these are clients whose focus revolves around connection, relationship, and shared vision for the things that matter to us most. Working with people that are on the same page as me enhances everything about what I do. There is no greater feeling of freedom than when clients look at me and tell me “we trust you”. In other words, I find success in the times where I feel as though my mission as an artist has been conveyed and understood by the people seeking it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is ever-changing. It grows with me and it grows with the people standing in front of my camera. As I experience life, I view the lives of others through different lenses. When I was in high school, photographing high school seniors was second nature. Now that I have a niece, I photograph kiddos and families differently. Navigating romantic relationships opens up my eyes to elements of wedding days that I capture in unique ways. Who I am is translated directly through my art. Something that I feel like sets me apart from others, at least from what I have been told, is my attention to detail and the ability to capture a moment. There are millions of photographers and “documentary” is a major buzzword in the industry at the moment. But when I think of my work and how I view it as documentary photography, I consider that to be an approach that is rooted in allowing a wedding day to unfold organically, however that may appear. I focus mostly on the connection and relationship I have with a couple and where their priorities lie for their wedding day. That being said, it doesn’t mean that every wedding is in luxury spaces or good lighting or perfect destinations. It’s backyards, community halls, a scenic spot in nature – anywhere. Where love goes, I follow. Some of my favorite weddings have been photographed in less than ideal situations. Yet, they find their way into my portfolios time and time again. I want my work to possess the same heart and soul as my couples, and it looks different for everyone. I want my photos to look how the day felt.

Something I am so excited about is a new chapter where this passion is blending with travel. I love photographing people’s lives and the world, and I am beyond grateful and excited to reach more people and places and document their stories. I also have developed a love for educating and sharing my knowledge with other photographers through mentorships. I love building friendships and it has become so rewarding to be able to help others. I wouldn’t be where I am without those who turned around and helped me along when I needed it. I have also embarked on a new journey of film photography as something I incorporate into my creative process. It provides me with a new level of intentionality when taking a photo and capturing a specific moment. More than ever, it emphasizes the fleeting moments of a wedding day and the importance of capturing it the right way. It’s also a great way to combat the instantaneous world we live in. It offers a fun surprise of waiting to see how the photos turn out and sparks an element of nostalgia in my final galleries, which is something I’m always hoping for.

How I got here today is nothing short of a few miracles, some happy accidents, and a lot of hard work and dedication. Some parts about the way I got here were easy, some not so much. It felt easy to settle into life as a photographer in the sense that it never feels like work. The not easy parts usually came from battling imposter syndrome, making enough money to support myself, and feeling like I have earned a place in this industry. There is always going to be someone who is doing things on a bigger scale, and that is intimidating. But it shouldn’t be holding me back from doing my own thing. There’s room for everyone at the table, and as a young woman owning a business, there were and are still times when I have to create my own seat. The way I combat any doubt about my work or my business usually falls back to believing that there is a greater plan at play here. I can be indecisive, so when I can take a step back and recognize that life continues regardless of the direction I choose, it helps me to keep moving forward. To me, that is more important than being stagnant.

Lessons I have learned over the eight years I have been a photographer include getting comfortable with discomfort, pushing myself just enough to grow, taking the time to rest, and staying true to myself above all else. If I lose myself, I have nothing else to go off of. I have also learned the immense value in owning comfortable shoes as a wedding photographer. Seriously.

When someone learns about me and my story, I really want people to understand that I am not bluffing when I talk about how truly I care about what I do. I have managed to turn a passion into a career, and that is rare. Not everyone can say that. I recognize the privilege that comes with that and I hope my gratitude is never lost. I take my job so personally and so seriously. I have cried actual tears and I have had my cheeks hurt from smiling while editing people’s galleries. Their life moments become my memories, and I am eternally grateful for the moments our lives are intertwined, even if it is a short time. I become friends with a lot of my clients. Actually friends. And I love it more than anything in the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If it’s my best friend, then I hope they are okay with a little road trip! We can start in the Breckenridge/Frisco area and devour some FlipSide Burgers or Tin Plate pizzas. I focus a lot of my trips around food, so both are musts. If it’s in the summer, I am absolutely taking them to Glenwood to hike hanging lake – it’s worth it! And it’s also worth enduring everybody on their way down convincing you that there’s a gift shop with burgers at the top 😉 Any farmer’s market is a win in my book – dogs, local businesses, and more food, ha! I grew up going to the Vail farmer’s market so it’s a personal favorite, I have never not been amazed by the variety of locals. There are these spiral potato crisps, I think they call them “beaver tails” so that’s one must have. Another tent has massive turkey legs of your face, and I usually find myself leaving with one of those, too. If were hanging out for lunch or dinner in Vail it’s going to be Pazzo’s pizza or Joe’s Deli that is tucked away. I think I could survive off of them for every meal. As for people watching or more lowkey events, any live music events at a park will make for good entertainment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, who has supported my from the very first steps in pursuing my passion and cheering my on the entire way. And Timothy Metcalf, who is a dear friend and mentor in the photography world who has been a source of encouragement and inspiration.

Website: https://missanniephotography.com

Instagram: @missanniephotography

Facebook: Miss Annie Photography

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