We recently had the chance to connect with Anita McLeod and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anita, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I usually start my day by letting the dogs out. We’ve got two Sheepadoodles, and since our property has acreage but no fence, I have to go out with them. They always tag along while I take care of the chickens—feeding them, giving them fresh water, and letting them out of the coop so they can run around. Once the animals are all set, I either make breakfast for my husband and me or head to the computer and start working. The dogs get their morning biscuit too—it’s part of the routine. It’s definitely a full start to the day, but it’s one of my favorite parts.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Anita, a photographer based in southeastern Arizona, and I specialize in weddings and boudoir. I’ve been a photographer for over a decade, and my wedding work is all about storytelling and connection. I don’t follow stiff shot lists or force poses—I focus on the real, unscripted moments. The quiet glances, the deep belly laughs, the emotion that naturally unfolds. I want couples to be fully present on their day, knowing I’m there to capture it all as it truly felt.
On the boudoir side, my work goes beyond the photos. I’ve built an experience rooted in self-love, confidence, and personal empowerment. It’s not about being “sexy” for someone else—it’s about reconnecting with yourself, claiming your space, and feeling good in your own skin. My studio is right here on our property, and my husband actually helped build the foundation of it. I’ve been a licensed hair and makeup artist since 2006, so I take care of all the styling in-house to make it easy and personal. Right now, I’m also building new sets in the studio to keep the space fresh and inspiring.
Whether I’m documenting one of the most important days of someone’s life or helping a woman rediscover her confidence, everything I do comes from a place of honesty, emotion, and deep care. My goal is always to help people feel seen and celebrated.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I was a competitive gymnast growing up, and I think my earliest memory of feeling powerful was landing a trick I had been struggling with. I wasn’t feeling confident at all, but I kept pushing through the fear and frustration until I finally got it. That feeling—the mix of relief, pride, and just knowing I didn’t give up—stuck with me. It taught me that power doesn’t always look loud or bold. Sometimes it’s just quiet persistence and proving to yourself that you’re capable, even when you doubt it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You’re not too much, and you’re not broken. You feel deeply, and that’s not something you ever have to fix.
I’d tell her she doesn’t have to hide the parts of herself that feel heavy or complicated. That the way she cares, the way she sees the world—it’s not weakness, it’s strength.
One day, she’ll stop trying to fit into boxes that were never made for her. She’ll build something of her own. And she’ll finally realize she was never the problem to begin with.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
It absolutely is. What you see is what you get.
I don’t put on a show for social media or clients, I show up the same way in my business, my friendships, and my everyday life. That doesn’t mean I share everything, but I’m not interested in curating a version of myself to make people more comfortable. I’ve spent too many years trying to be what others needed—now I get to just be who I am. Loud when I want to be. Soft when I need to be. Honest, even when it’s messy.
And I think people connect with that, because they’re tired of the fake stuff too.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I’ll regret not living all the way. Not slowing down enough to enjoy the quiet moments—the way the sun hits the mountains, or how still everything feels right before a storm. I know deep down that life isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about feeling it. And if I don’t let myself soak that in, I’ll miss what really matters.
I don’t want to survive this life. I want to live it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anitamcleodphotography.com – www.boldlybeautifulboudoir.com
- Instagram: @anitamcleodphotography – @boldlybeautifulboudoiraz
Image Credits
My headshot/personal photo is a self portrait.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
