How I became a photographer

I’m never sure what to write here. When I read others about me pages they have a whole story about how they’ve held a camera since they could walk and were destined to be an artist. I don’t have that story. I had no idea I would become a photographer or a small business owner. I didn’t pick up a camera until 30. My then boyfriend, now husband, came to pick me up for a date. We were into hiking and he had just got a new camera. So, of course, I played with it the whole time and when our date was over, he went back to his place and the camera stayed at my apartment. I didn’t “steal” it… it just “moved in”. I started photographing plants because I had a jungle on my apartment patio and about a year or so later my best friend mentioned she wanted senior portraits for her daughter. I asked if I could try and this year will be 12 years I’ve been doing senior portraits!

Who I photograph

I am a portrait photographer. This means I don’t photograph weddings or events. I photograph every age from preschoolers to high school seniors, families of all sizes, business professionals, and people of all ages. I love posing people but the best is when you make it your own. I like to let your personality come out and that can be hard if you feel stuck in a pose. But I also know that feeling of not knowing what to do with your body in front of a camera. I’ve seen the power of what a truly great photograph can do for self-esteem and I believe everyone has their own beauty.

What I believe

I believe everyone has beauty within them. Some guard that beauty more fiercely, but it’s my job to bring it out of you and capture it. Then you will see what I see and know that beauty does exist within you.

How about A favorite things list…

Days off…

In my garden


Song on repeat….

Special – Lizzo


Current Obssesion….

doing my own nails


Favorite food…

any type of dumpling from xiaolongbao to gyoza

I spend too much time…

on tiktok


I’m terrified of…

snakes


Favorite coffeeshop

Human Bean


Where do I want to travel next?

Germany

Have some facts to Share…

108

Seniors photographed since 2011

100k

Average number of photos taken in a year

4

Cameras since 2011

9

Hard drives to hold all the files

Still here? Let’s connect! Hit the button below to send me an email…even if it’s just “hey you sound cool but I’m way more into Dutch than HB.” lol

email: hello@annagraf.com // ph# 503-720-1030 // follow me on facebook or instagram