Anna Filly Photography

Ohh you just might recognize this girl! She’s already pretty active over here on the Delight & Be blog, but we have yet to have the chance to feature her amazing photography work and business knowledge! Anna is full of joy, laughter, and always overflowing with words that build you up and make you feel like you’re on top of the world. What’s really cool is that photography reflects just that. Anna has a timeless beauty inside and out, and the way she sees people through the eye of her camera lens aims to transform that beauty into a tangible memory. Not only is she extremely talented, but she is also incredibly intelligent when it comes to running her business and working a job that’s all about people. Her bubbly personality drew me in the first time I got to Skype with her, and I know her joy will just seep through these words below! Everyone, meet Anna Filly!

How did you get into photography?

My best friend from high school offered to take my senior portraits when I was 17. Back then, I was extremely insecure and had a horrible body image. During our session she made me feel breath taking. She made me feel like it was okay to be me. That experience all of those years ago is why I do what I do today. Some time later I picked up my first DSLR and the rest is history :)

How would you describe your photography style?

That’s a hard one. I want my style to be timeless, radiant, and for it to depict confident clients in a very authentic way. As an artist I am my own biggest critic, so I don’t know if I’m quite there yet.

You are so bubbly and joyful. Do you find that your personality draws in brides who are similar to you in this way?

You’re so sweet. And yes. I find that my personality allows people to feel comfortable around me. My clients know that they can be authentic and genuine and I absolutely love that. Not all of my clients are like me and they know that when they’re with me they can be totally and uniquely themselves.

How do you build genuine friendships with your clients?

Honestly? By putting myself in their shoes each and every day. Genuine friendships with clients are built by intentionally seeking to prefer and connect with them on a variety of levels. Though I am their Wedding photographer, I want to also be their friend. I encourage my brides to let me help in their planning process in any way. That may sound like a lot of work (and sometimes it is) but it’s worth it. I may know the answer to some of their wedding questions they’ve been wondering because I’ve done this before— they usually haven’t. By building authentic relationships with my clients, I’m able to be with them in every step of the wedding planning process. Just this week I got to help pick out a bride’s bouquet! All she wanted was my artistic opinion, and she preferred it! How awesome is that?

What is the most joyful part about your job?

I love that I’m able to connect with new people each and every day. I get to travel the world, try new things, and take chances in my business. I get to photograph the most incredible moments in my client’s lives in an artistic and timeless way– I love that. I genuinely love the connections the most. The vendors, the brides, the families, the bridal parties, the people- all of it. I love doing life with them.

What do you wish you had known when first starting out in your business?

That good things take time and that the process is progress. When I first started out I was so eager to learn. I reached out to a handful of photographers in my area and not a single one was interested in having me assist, or second shoot under them. What seemed like a bad thing at the time actually became my motivation to grow. I made a promise to myself that I would encourage growth in others, because I desperately wanted someone to encourage growth in me. Growth is the key. Everything worth having takes time. It’s not about arriving at a destination, its about enjoying everything along the way as if it was your destination all along.

Who is your favorite character in the Bible?

Besides Jesus? :) I’d have to say Daniel. Hands down. Such an incredible man of God.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

My mom and my sister. They could probably take over the world if they wanted to. They are SO driven in everything they do. I admire them more than they’ll ever know. And they’re probably reading this, because they’re also two of my biggest cheerleaders. Love you Majah, Love you Emjay <3

What is your favorite childhood memory?

I’m blessed to say I have a lot of favorites. A few that have been playing in my mind recently come from my dates with my dad as a little girl. One memory specifically, was when we would work in the gardens together and created fantasy characters for the book I was writing at the time. I couldn’t have been more than eleven or twelve, but that didn’t matter, dad always encouraged the creative in me. I love that man…. I wonder if I still have my scribblings from that book….

Places to connect with Anna:

www.Facebook.com/AnnaFillyPhotography
www.instagram.com/annafilly
www.twitter.com/annafilly
www.annafilly.com
www.annafillyblog.com