We recently connected with Anna Groos and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anna, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I honestly still deal with imposter syndrome. In a world of photographers and social media and iPhones, it’s hard to not deal with that.
I still get my feelings hurt for a moment when clients or friends work with a different photographer. But I taught myself to be just as quick to remind myself that things like photography and art are subjective. My style might not be for everyone and it doesn’t have to be. And just because they work with someone else, it doesn’t mean they don’t think I’m good at what I do or that they won’t work with me again. Knowing it’s mostly in my head is half the battle. The other half is accepting that I am good at what I do.
I also started concentrating on staying true to my style and to what I know how to do. I capture the moments and work with natural light and strive to make sure each person I photograph feels seen. Once you push out the negative and get over the feelings on insecurity, it becomes fun again. And I believe that when you are having fun and enjoying what you are doing, it reflects in the final photograph.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a Nashville native (or unicorn if you’d prefer), I capture moments in the Nashville area using natural light and minimal photography equipment.
I started learning about photography in high school when I took a Visual Arts class that focused on black & white 35mm film. I spent my weekends walking around Downtown Franklin with my friends, taking photos. The fact that I can’t get film developed in one hour any more still makes me sad! It is still my favorite thing to see if what I saw through the lens was captured. There’s nothing quite like film photography.
Once I graduated, I started taking family photos and headshots for friends and the rest is history. Capturing moments for people became part of my personality.
Photos in the fall and winter are my FAVORITE. The light is so forgiving and typically everyone is happy (partly from not sweating). Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned photo sessions so they are easy and enjoyable for everyone.
The best compliment anyone could ever give me (other than booking for another photo session) is to tell me it was the easiest photo session they have ever had. I truly am so honored that people invite me into their lives to capture moments they will remember forever.
I’m currently booking for fall and winter photo sessions and would love to capture moments for you!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think learning 35mm film photography and how to shoot in black & white was an important foundation to figure out my style. With 35mm black & white film, you had to learn about light and shadow and how to capture them with my camera. I recommend working with a film camera, or whatever the equivalent is for your art firm, to understand and remind yourself of the foundations and figure out what you love about it. Then grow from there.
I also believe patience is a characteristic that works in my favor. I think most parents will say one of their biggest concerns for family photos is keeping everyone attentive. I love kids and have my own tricks to help them feel involved or comfortable and to allow them to take a break while still capturing moments. We can make almost anything happen with a little patience.
Finally, I would say passion is key. I am truly excited for every photo I get to take. You’ll often find me looking through my photo albums and smiling at the memories. In any art form, passion shines through in the final product and adds to the beauty.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Someone once asked me if I had experienced BOB-the burnout bug. Who hasn’t? While I try to prevent burnout, it happens. Especially as an Enneagram 2 who wants to make everyone feel seen and special.
When I feel overwhelmed, I try to go back to things I know bring me joy. Making tea, pulling out my film camera, watching my favorite show or movie, treating myself to Starbucks, ordering my favorite food, etc.
I also learned my signs of burnout or being overwhelmed. I am a big fan of understanding your personality using tools like the Enneagram or Myers-Briggs. I think a lot of people are joking when they ask “do you know your Enneagram type?” but I am completely serious when I say “YES”. Understanding my limitations and being able to set boundaries for myself allows me to provide a better service to my clients. I pride myself in making people feel seen during my photo sessions but to do that I needed to be able to see myself first.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @annagroosphotography
- Other: Booking: https://calendly.com/aegphotography91
Image Credits
Anna Groos Photography
