We recently connected with Anna Markiewicz and have shared our conversation below.
Anna, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding my purpose as a wedding photographer has been a deeply personal and rewarding journey. As a woman in this field, my approach has always been centered around ensuring that every bride and groom I work with feels exceptionally special on their big day.
For me, it’s about going beyond the lens and creating an experience that goes beyond just capturing moments. During the weddings I photograph, I make it a point to be more than just a photographer. I take on the role of a caring friend who is genuinely invested in their happiness and well-being.
I believe that a wedding day should be one of the most joyous and stress-free moments in a couple’s life. Therefore, I take it upon myself to check in with the bride and groom, not only to ensure that I am capturing every beautiful detail but also to make certain they are comfortable, relaxed, and truly enjoying their day.
I go the extra mile to make sure they have moments to eat, hydrate, and take a breather when needed. I believe that this level of care and attention is a crucial part of my job because it allows the couple to fully immerse themselves in the celebration without worrying about the logistics.
Many of my clients have expressed their gratitude for my ability to take the leadership position during the wedding and manage it with grace. To me, this feedback reinforces my purpose – to provide a stress-free, enjoyable, and unforgettable wedding experience for every couple I work with.
My purpose is rooted in the desire to see my clients’ dreams come true, to be there for them as a friend, and to capture their love story in a way that reflects the true essence of their day. It’s not just about photography; it’s about creating cherished memories and ensuring that their wedding day is as magical as they envisioned.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As someone who recently relocated from Chicago to Denver, starting my photography business anew in a new city was indeed a daunting endeavor. However, the scenic beauty and the mountains of Denver have always held a special place in my heart, and this move allowed me to combine my love for photography with my appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds me.
My photography journey began over nine years ago, stemming from my father’s guidance during my middle school years. From those early lessons, my passion for photography grew and evolved. I’ve always been drawn to projects where I can pour my heart and soul into, and capturing the special moments of weddings has been the perfect outlet for me.
What excites me the most about wedding photography is the profound and intimate connection I form with my clients. Being entrusted with the task of preserving their most cherished memories is both an honor and a privilege. Even after all these years, I still find myself moved to tears when I hear the heartfelt vows exchanged between a bride and groom. There is something incredibly powerful about witnessing and capturing the raw emotions of such a significant moment in people’s lives.
My brand is built upon authenticity and realness. I believe in capturing genuine moments and emotions while ensuring that my clients look their absolute best. It’s about striking that perfect balance between authenticity and enhancing the beauty of each individual. When I am at a photography session, I take the time to explain every detail, ensuring that my clients feel comfortable and understand my creative vision. This level of transparency and communication allows me to establish a deep connection with my clients, resulting in more meaningful and authentic photographs.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First and foremost, the art of being personable has been the cornerstone of my approach. I strive to establish a connection with my clients that goes beyond a professional relationship – I want them to feel like we are friends embarking on a creative journey together. This approach allows my clients to relax and feel at ease in front of the camera, resulting in authentic and memorable shots. Building that genuine rapport with clients is key to creating stunning photographs that capture their true essence.
The second essential skill I’ve honed is confidence. In the fast-paced and often high-pressure environment of weddings, it’s imperative to exude confidence from the moment I step into a room. Wedding attendees often look to the photographer for guidance and direction, a role that is not always explicitly mentioned in this industry. I make a conscious effort to assertively lead and communicate, ensuring that the bride and groom are well-informed and reassured of my expertise. Confidence not only helps put clients at ease but also fosters an environment where creative possibilities can flourish.
Lastly, the commitment to continuous learning has been instrumental in my growth as a wedding photographer. Embracing new techniques, styles, and technologies has been a cornerstone of my journey. Many photographers tend to stick to their comfort zones or fear failure when exploring new aspects of their craft. However, I firmly believe that stagnation occurs when we resist evolution. For instance, when I first started, I was hesitant about using off-camera flash, but through persistence and learning from my mistakes, I have not only mastered it but also come to love the creative possibilities it offers. Embracing failures as opportunities for improvement and pushing oneself to evolve are vital to staying innovative and delivering the best possible results to clients.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The primary challenge I have encountered since relocating to Denver has been the competitive nature of the wedding photography industry in this state. During my initial days here, I had the opportunity to participate in concept shoots, where vendors, models, and photographers come together to create unique photographic concepts. It was during these interactions that I heard fellow photographers express their concerns about the difficulty in securing photography jobs and wedding bookings due to the abundance of photography professionals in the area.
Rather than viewing this challenge as a setback, I chose to perceive it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. After all, the saturation of photographers in large cities is a common obstacle, and Denver was no exception. To overcome this challenge, I adopted a proactive approach.
I embarked on a relentless journey of self-promotion and brand building. I committed to consistently sharing fresh and captivating images from the various shoots I undertook. This regular content creation allowed me to showcase my evolving style and capabilities to potential clients. Additionally, I made it a priority to expand my network within the local wedding and event industry. Establishing meaningful connections with fellow professionals, vendors, and potential clients not only helped me gain exposure but also allowed me to create a strong presence in the local market.
Furthermore, I remained steadfast in my commitment to distinguishing myself from the competition. I strived to carve out a niche that reflected my unique perspective and photographic style. By focusing on my distinctive approach and ensuring that my work consistently reflected my creative vision, I aimed to stand out in a crowded field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annamarkiewiczphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annamarkiewiczphotos/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annamarkiewiczphotos/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-markiewicz-uxdesigner/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwsSQgiXXVa2gfWXPEQ3YGA
Image Credits
Mel K Photography @mermaidmoonchild94 for concept photoshoot Sam Craig @sorceressartistry for makeup artist Tori @chitoridori Santana @tinytitanlife Jupiter @jupiterthepixxie.artistry for hair Traveling Gowns @travelinggowns for the gothic dresses John King @lil_jax_catering for catering
