Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Barzin.
Hi Anna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I actually studied photography in high school, and came to really have a passion for it when I connected with a photography professor while studying to receive my Studio Art degree from UNC Chapel Hill. Through his guidance I was able to figure out my own eye and start to focus on photography as a potential career after I graduated and found the working a desk job just wasn’t going to bring me joy and satisfy my creative itch! I had several mentors early on who encouraged me to take photos of anything and everything and to simply ask if I could photograph someone – their kids, their dogs, whatever! – and to constantly be reaching out for potential work. I was given really good advice by one of these mentors to just ‘never say no’ when offered work. I really took that to heart. You never know where one job will lead you, and I’ve been lucky enough to follow that path of ‘never saying no’ through all types of work – weddings, portraits, corporate, editorial, food, interiors – and it’s all helped me grow and find the work I really connected with and become the photographer I am today!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think being a self-employed creative couldn’t possibly be a smooth road ever!! Anyone who relies on their own vision, creativity and hustle to support themselves knows it’s a grind. There have been so many highs and lows, but I’ve found that always putting yourself out there and going after the work was what allowed me to stay consistent over the years. I think more than the struggle of keeping consistent work, the creative mindset causes us to constantly be questioning our work, the quality of our work and our relevancy as a creative professional. Those things can be so personal and therefore stressful, but listening to those uncomfortable internal struggles and pushing past the self-doubt is what helps us grow and become better!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a commercial photographer specializing in food and interiors. I love a bright and bold image that will hopefully stop you in your tracks. I love to work with light and color to create a feeling, not just an image! My goal is always to be telling my clients’ stories through imagery, not just capturing what’s in front of me. I’m proud to have clients that have trusted me for more than ten years in some cases to bring their brand to life – we’ve grown together, evolved together and always been willing to listen to each other to achieve a shared goal of gorgeous imagery that speaks to their true story as a brand!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The early advice to ‘never say no’ has really been a guiding principal for me and one I share with others now who are hoping to learn from me. There are plenty of jobs I’ve agreed to over the years that weren’t exciting, or felt like a chore, but you truly never know where one job will lead. You may meet someone who can lead you to the exact type of work you’d been dying to capture. Every bit of work helps you grow as a photographer, and helps you get better. I also really value my client relationships and I’ve learned over the years that clients value someone who is kind and easy to work with just as much as the work itself. Also, sharing work and building up the photographers around me only makes me (and all of us) better. When we can share work, ideas, help each other with tough questions, etc. it only serves to make us all better!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://annarouthbarzin.com
- Instagram: @annarouthbarzin
