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Contagious Victories is a community for individuals to share positive perspectives, artistic endeavors and miraculous moments with others. Whether it is through storytelling, art, music or word, the members of Contagious Victories create space for vulnerability and act as an audience for support in creative works. We all have something to courageously celebrate- and even small victories are contagious!
Welcome to the Contagious Victories podcast. Each week, we talk inspiration, explore possibilities, and share insights from creative perspectives. I'm Tori Blackmon and I'm here to remind you that your purpose in life is to celebrate the victories because victories are contagious.
Victoria B. Glass:They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words. But with Anna Harrington photography, it's worth a million emotions. Have you ever looked at a photograph and felt as if you were transported to that exact moment, feeling every emotion captured in the frame?
Victoria B. Glass:Well, that's the magic of photography. And it takes a skilled professional to capture those raw and authentic moments. When it comes to taking both pretty pictures and big chances, no one has had a journey quite like Anna Harrington's. With a keen eye for natural colors and timelessness, Anna pushes the boundaries and creates visual masterpieces. Anna is a traveling wedding photographer based in North Florida.
Victoria B. Glass:She started her business at the young age of 16 and has been full time in the wedding industry for almost a year. She's had to tackle lots of things by starting her business at such a young age. But she's learned that when God has a plan, nothing can stand against it. The plan he had in store for her was to start this business and pursue her passion. And she wants other young people to know that they can do things differently.
Victoria B. Glass:And they don't have to follow the societal norms of college and a 9 to 5. In today's episode, we're diving into her world. One filled with risk taking and adventurous travels. Anna fills us in on her approach to learning from other photographers and how she captures moments that leave a lasting impact. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and intrigued as we take a closer look at photography with Anna Harrington.
Victoria B. Glass:Alright. Welcome back to another episode of the Contagious Victories podcast. I have another special guest that I'm so excited to introduce to you. This is Anna Harrington from North Florida. She's a photographer and so much more. So
Victoria B. Glass:I'm excited to welcome her on the show. Hey, Anna.
Victoria B. Glass:Welcome!
Anna Harrington:Thanks for having me. I'm really excited to chat and share all the things today.
Victoria B. Glass:Yes. Alright, Anna. So tell me a little bit just about who you are and, what makes your story so contagious.
Anna Harrington:Yeah. So, yeah, I'm a wedding photographer. I'm based in Tallahassee, Florida. And I love traveling, so that's something I'm kind of pivoting into in this next, season of weddings is looking more, outside of Florida and all that. But I started my business when I was 16, and I'm 20 now.
Anna Harrington:So, really, like, the Lord, has really just orchestrated my steps. It's really cool to to see, like, how he was there from the beginning, just leading me where I was supposed to be. And, you know, I never really, like, planned to start a business or planned to, like, be a wedding photographer. It wasn't, like, a dream I had as a little kid. It just kinda happened.
Anna Harrington:Like, I got a camera for Christmas one year, started messing around with it, and then COVID happened and, started taking photos of friends for fun in my free time. And then eventually, I started doing weddings after a lot of learning and soaking in and, doing workshops. And I feel like now I'm in a place to really help others. And I would love to start mentoring other photographers, so I'm really excited to be on the podcast and share a little bit about what I've learned and just be encouraging. And one of the big things that I I hope to to share is, how I started my business, like, as a young person and, like, under under 18 and how I started doing that. Because I feel like, in society, everyone is like, oh, you have to go to college. You have to do the 9 to 5. You have to be strapped to a desk, like, the rest of for the next 30 years of your life, and then, like, wait for retirement. It's like, that's not a way to live.
Anna Harrington:You know?
Victoria B. Glass:Right.
Anna Harrington:When you do need those people that are more, like, mind wise, like, they have to be in a you know, they're better working in a desk job or, you know, surgeons. You gotta go to college for that.
Victoria B. Glass:Of course.
Anna Harrington:But I feel like, you know, the the world is pivoting and generation, we we need to know that, there's there's more out there. You know, you don't have to do what society says you have to do. Just follow what the Lord is telling you, and, I feel like my my success story is is a success story to tell. You know?
Victoria B. Glass:Yes! Okay. Let's go back a little bit. You said that you started your business at 16?
Anna Harrington:Yea
Victoria B. Glass:Wow! That for me, I just turned 30, so I have had a little bit of time since I was 16. But I do remember the first time it really dawned on me that people who work 9 to 5, they do that 5 days a week. They get maybe Christmas and Easter and a couple holidays a year off, but, really, that is what their life from, you know, morning to evening is repetitively every single day.
Anna Harrington:Right.
Victoria B. Glass:You know, some people feel like that is a comfort and that they find stability in doing that. However, when I was 16, I was very I mean, I'm really no different, to be honest. But, I just knew right away that, like, my personality type wasn't gonna fit into that mold. Yeah. And I even just remember having that, like, what am I gonna do?
Victoria B. Glass:Like, this isn't I either need to change or I'm gonna have to find something that isn't that typical 9 to 5 job like you said. So, I also got a camera for Christmas 1 year, and that really did open the door to just this whole whole new world of, like, making it happen. So I wanna take it back to that year for you. And Yeah. When you opened your your camera on Christmas, was it something that you had wanted?
Victoria B. Glass:Tell me a little bit about, like, the headspace Anna was in that Christmas morning.
Anna Harrington:Yeah. I, yeah, I think I had wanted if I remember correctly, I'd wanted a camera. It wasn't like a deep desire, but it just like, oh, that'd be kind of fun to have, like, a nicer camera and play around with it. And I remember I had one friend from church. We would always, like, spend the night at each other's houses each week, and then we would alternate.
Anna Harrington:And we would, like, get cute outfits on, like, go take pictures on our little, like, iPhone 4's. And I always love, like, taking pictures of flowers outside and just, like, having fun, with that and just, like, capturing the moment. I just became really, in love with that part of it too. Like, just having photos to look back on from certain things. Like, oh my gosh.
Anna Harrington:It's, like, year of my life or whatever. So, anyway, that's kind of like how that happened. I think, like, when my parents were asking me what I wanted for Christmas, I was like, well, I think it'd be cool to have And then, I didn't really know the exact camera that I wanted. I think that my dad had a friend who was into photography, and then he asked him, like, recommendations. And then, that camera was a Sony a6000 that I got for Christmas.
Victoria B. Glass:Okay.
Anna Harrington:And, I'm a Sony girl, tried and true to this day. So that was a great little starter camera for me. And, yeah, that's kind of how it happened. And I was really excited on Christmas morning because I was like, oh, this is kind of a a cool gift. Like, rather than getting, like, clothes or, you know, something else, it's like, this is actually, like, gonna gonna elevate life, you know?
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah!
Anna Harrington:And I didn't have any idea then, but, you know, it's really cool how that happened. But, anyway.
Victoria B. Glass:Okay. So you got your camera. You're taking pictures with your friends. When did it first really hit you? Like, I could make a whole life out of this.
Victoria B. Glass:This is actually a career that people have. And when did you really make that shift from going to personal photos to, like, I'm gonna capture the world as I see it, but of other people for other people. When did it really don't like, the when did you become that wedding photographer? Did it just go straight to weddings, or was it couple like, how did that progress?
Anna Harrington:Yeah. Yeah. So as I started doing, photos for my friends, people started hearing about, like, just in the community, like, from church and, like, friends of friends, like, oh, you do graduation. Do you do family?
Victoria B. Glass:Okay.
Anna Harrington:And so I really I did family and graduation for probably, like, a year, year and a half before I have ever done, like, a couple session. And then I think, eventually, I booked a couple session, with one of my, like, youth pastors or something like that. Okay. And so that's how that happened. And then how I booked my first wedding, I kind of kind of had, like, in the back of my mind, like, weddings were, like, the it thing to do.
Anna Harrington:Like, that was, like, the end all be all whenever you are a photographer. So I was always, like, in the back of my mind. Like, eventually, I wanna do weddings. And I knew I didn't wanna do it, like, during high school because I was, you know, still finishing classes and, like, SAT and, like, all of that stuff. So I it was on the back of my mind, but I was, like, I'm gonna wait till, like, my senior year to really, like, think about this.
Anna Harrington:And then I graduated high school in 2022. And that fall, I was like, okay. I really wanna book a wedding. I just really wanna see what can happen with it. And so I set up a styled shoot to get content, with one of my old high school friends, and she had just gotten married, that previous summer.
Anna Harrington:And it was a super simple style shoot, like, it was just me as a photographer. I had one friend make a bouquet. And then my friend, she didn't even wear her wedding dress. She wore her rehearsal dinner dress.
Victoria B. Glass:That's funny.
Anna Harrington:So, it kinda looked like an elopement. And, like, those photos are still, like, pretty for me today to look back on, but now I'm like, oh, I could have done this. I could have done this different. But, it was it was still it was really simple, and I took those pictures, posted them on Instagram, and one of the one of her friends no. One of her sister's friends saw that I posted those photos, and she was like, oh my gosh.
Anna Harrington:I guess this girl does weddings because she has photos of my friend with
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah.
Anna Harrington:Or or, like, somewhat wedding attire. And so she inquired, and I booked her wedding for March of 2023, and that was my first wedding. So it's crazy because it didn't take that much. You know? I just that's literally one post from one, like, super simple styled shoot, but the connection on Instagram just made it happen because I tagged my friend, and then her friend saw it.
Anna Harrington:And, she was the one that was the bride. So it ended up working out. But, yeah, it was it was really cool just seeing how the connections happened. And I think that, honestly, it was the Lord that, like, gave me the idea to reach out to her, to Joanna for the styled shoe because I didn't really have any way to get content until then. I was like, you know what?
Anna Harrington:I'll just do styled shoot. And so I went to this venue and had her and her husband come, and it was it was really good. And that's how it happened. And then at that September so this was, like, a month later after I posted, those photos of nostalgia and I booked my first wedding. I went to Hawaii with "Rooted Workshop,"
Victoria B. Glass:Wow.
Anna Harrington:and I don't think Rooted is a thing anymore. It's Dani Purrington. She kind of pivoted into more, of other types of education, but she was the the leader of the workshop, and I got a lot of content there. And then a big thing was, second shooting. And during that workshop, I met one of my current photo best friends.
Anna Harrington:Her name is Tyree Mahaffy. She actually lives in Dallas now, but she is from the Chicago area. And we met, and she was like, I love the way you shoot. Would you wanna come second shoot for me? And I was like, yes.
Anna Harrington:So I second shot actually, my very first wedding that I photographed was second shooting for her in Chicago, in October of 2022. Yeah. And so that also gave me more content. So, really, what I'm what I'm getting at is if you're starting a photography business, like, and you wanna do weddings, like, get content. Like, just get all the content you can.
Anna Harrington:That's what I did, and that is really what helped me, you know, on my Instagram and especially my website, just be able to show, like, okay. I do this. I have photos to show for it. It's kind of like the proof, you know, for people me.
Victoria B. Glass:And yeah. It's not about resumes so much anymore. I mean, like, I do think that's important if you're upon for a job. But
Anna Harrington:Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:Today, if you're starting your own business, you really don't need to show a resume to your clients. What you need to show them is that proof of work. Exactly. The concept of second shooting is kinda new to me. But I do like the idea of having, you know, people who you can learn from, and I'm really a student of life.
Victoria B. Glass:Like, I really feel that way. So whether it's just getting to know your camera better or kind of getting to know the shooting process, gaining confidence, I love the idea of second shooting. I don't know why people won't talk about it more. So I wanna dive into that a little bit and just tell me, like, where it was when your friend approached you about shooting in Chicago as someone down here on the Gulf Coast.
Victoria B. Glass:I imagine like, Chicago?
Anna Harrington:Yeah, I know! I was like appalled because I had just met her. It was, like, during the week of that workshop in Hawaii, and I guess she was, like, watching the way that I, like, took photos during our styled shoots. And she's like, I love the way that you, like, see the angles. And I was like, oh, that's cool. Thank you.
Anna Harrington:And, she was like, would you ever wanna come second to shoot? And I was like, yes. And so, yeah, that that was just incredible because the weddings up in Chicago are very high end, at least the ones that she was she was doing. So it was just a really cool experience for me to to see that and get out of my comfort zone too and be in a different area. And, so I yeah.
Anna Harrington:The first time I second shot for her was October 2022. But that was a 12 hour day, and that was the very first wedding I'd ever photographed. So that was like, okay. That was a shocker because it was 12 hours and I was like, okay. Do I really wanna do this?
Anna Harrington:But after the fact that I looked at the photos that I took and I was like, wow. This was so rewarding. And then I ended up second shooting for her 4 times last summer in 2023 so that Okay. More content. And, yeah, from the standpoint of, like, learning my camera and, like, the flash, that was, like, a big thing that I hadn't really done before was, like, practice with my flash and my camera.
Victoria B. Glass:Okay.
Anna Harrington:So, shooting really gave me
Anna Harrington:the opportunity to to test the light and to see, like, how how I like using my flash, and, Tyree was able to help me with that too. So, yeah, just even, like, as a beginner photographer, I think that it's helpful for people to know that, like, second shooting is really good to, be able to just practice and, get that content. So, yeah, even, like, having content to practice editing, because that was something like, in 2022, 2023, I was still kind of figuring out, like, my editing style. And, actually, Tyree, who I second shot for, she recommended, getting Annie Graham's presets. And so I got her pack, and that really skyrocketed my editing and helped me kind of trial and error it and figure out my style.
Anna Harrington:And that really took takes time. Like, I thought it would happen in, like, 2 months. I would, like, tweak it and then have my style, but it took, like, a whole year more for me to really find the style and, like, be consistent and all of that. So, yeah, that really just took time and, but, yeah, that's another benefit of, like, being connected with Tyree, who I second shot for. She also helped me in other areas of my business, not just second shooting.
Anna Harrington:You know? It was the editing and other things I had questions about. So
Victoria B. Glass:To anyone who's listening on maybe Spotify or Apple Podcast, there is a video version of this podcast that's gonna be on YouTube, but I want to kinda describe your style to those who might not be watching. So give me just in your best descriptive words, what makes your images and your style and content stand out among the others? What is something that makes Anna's photos Anna's?
Anna Harrington:Yeah. Okay. That's such a good question. I feel like the word timeless is used so much, but that is how I would describe my my photos because I really wanna keep that, like, true color of, like, the wedding day, but I also have my signature style. So I feel like it's very it's very clean, very timeless, but keeping those natural colors.
Anna Harrington:And I've really, as I've done more weddings, I've come to realize how much I love just, like, documenting the moments that happen without having to be posed. Yeah. So, obviously, I do have a little bit of documentary, mixed in there with my with my editing style. And I love I love being a fly on the wall and just capturing, like, the hugs, the tears, like, all those types of things. So, yeah, I would say timeless, candid, very, yeah, very true to color, true to life.
Victoria B. Glass:I like true to color.
Anna Harrington:I yeah. I've I've been experimenting a little bit. Do you know who Phil Chester is? He's kind of like a more film style photographer. I've I've been using some of his film presets, and I've really been loving, for, like, my wedding galleries.
Anna Harrington:I have, like, different sections in the actual, like, gallery link online. It's, like, getting ready and then, like, bridal party ceremony. And then at the bottom, I'll have a little section that says film inspired. So I'll put my film inspired edits down below, which is probably, like, I don't know, 50 to 80 photos from the whole wedding day that I have edited in film. So not like a huge amount.
Victoria B. Glass:That's a lot.
Victoria B. Glass:I mean, that's a lot I feel like.
Anna Harrington:Yes. Yeah. So I so I've been experimenting with that and, you know, most of them are, you know, like, 80 to 90% of the photos are still, like, my regular style, but I've really been loving adding that film inspired, category to, like, the gallery so that people can or the wedding couple can, you know, download them and have fun with them as well. But I feel like I feel like photographers can get so wrapped up in, like, okay.
Anna Harrington:I have to have my style, and I can't I can't gravitate. I can't, you know, move to another type of style. I have to keep it the same all the time. But, like, it's okay to have fun. It's okay to experiment.
Anna Harrington:Yeah. Like, I'm not like, for what I'm doing, like, I like having the separate section that says, like, film inspired so the client knows. This is just a little extra fun thing. It's not like the whole gallery is gonna be changed. You know?
Victoria B. Glass:So But What I'm hearing you say is that you're taking the photos in digital, and then you're just adding and you're making them the way that you normally would. You're editing them true to color in your signature fashion, and then you're taking a couple of your favorites and then just
Anna Harrington:Right.
Victoria B. Glass:Making them look like they're film and then having those be like a bonus con exact content or gift almost.
Anna Harrington:Yes.
Victoria B. Glass:I'm like, hey. This is a little bit different of a style. I know you didn't really ask for this, but I, as the artist, wanted to gift this to you. I think that is a lot of good value. Like, that is really
Anna Harrington:And I've loved, like, certain certain moments. Like, I have this one photo from a wedding that I did a couple weeks ago, and, it was during the the ceremony and the mother of the bride was crying. And I put that in the black and white film preset from Phil Chester's, presets, and that just, like, made it, like, the photo. Like, it was pretty before, like, the raw photo, but, like, with the black and white and, like, the grainy vibe, I was like, this is amazing. So I feel like the film can can bring out certain moments even more.
Anna Harrington:So yeah. Anyway And
Victoria B. Glass:I feel like those types of images, especially of, like, a mom crying on her wedding day, I think that when, you know, if God blesses them with children later on, like, you have those grandchildren who are gonna find this image Exactly. 15, 20 years from now and be, like, that moment, I can feel it. There's like, you said, timeless. There's no time between this image and, like, me looking at it. So I really think that just adds so much more value to the packages that you deliver because it kind of gives your, like I said, artistic view and interpretation of that moment, and it's gifting that to them.
Anna Harrington:And
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. You're also providing what you've promised and Yeah. You know, the clean I love that too. But Yeah. That's really good.
Victoria B. Glass:I like that. I'm gonna have to keep that in mind. Yes. Yeah. Well, I know, as someone who started their business so young, there must have been some hiccups along the way, some things you've had to overcome to get to where you are now.
Victoria B. Glass:Can you elaborate a little bit about those moments and maybe share some insight about what it is that pushed you through those moments to get to this point? Yes. Yeah. I feel like there have been a lot of challenges, but they've all been so rewarding, like, to come through on
Anna Harrington:the other side. I feel like, generally speaking, the biggest thing has been, like, overcoming my fears, overcoming, like, the comfort zone and doing things that are not, that are not comfortable.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. And for
Anna Harrington:one of those things being, like, talking to people and, like, being okay with, like, calling a client and, like, that was just a whole new world for me because I I was more of an introvert. I feel like photography has made me an extrovert now. Like, I love talking to people. I love, like, meeting clients in person over coffee and, like, all those types of things. But before I did weddings, I was kind of more of an introvert and, like, wouldn't really wanna talk to people on the phone.
Anna Harrington:I wanted to text and whatnot. So I feel like I've kinda had to had to get out of the comfort zone of of that and, like, just get comfortable with talking to people and sharing my business and being confident in it too. So, yeah, that's a big thing I would say. Really just like the societal pressure of, okay, you're not going to college like everybody else. You're pursuing the business.
Anna Harrington:And coming to that conclusion was was kind of hard because I knew that it would be a risk to pursue my business. And I so I do enrolled my senior year of of high school. So I got my associate degree, about a year ago. That was when I decided, like, last spring that I was gonna go full time into photography, because at that point, I was like, okay. I either go to get my 4 year degree or I pursue wedding photography full time.
Anna Harrington:And, I'm really grateful that my parents were were, supportive, you know, either way. So that was that was really nice. But, yeah, it was just like the societal pressure of, like, okay. If if I don't get my degree, then I'm not gonna have something to fall back on and whatnot. It was really just ultimately, I had to release it to the Lord and just trust that, this is where he was he was calling me and that he was gonna provide, and he did.
Anna Harrington:And that's just a big thing. Like, he always he always comes through, you know, even when we we don't see it. Like, he always does. So that's been a
Victoria B. Glass:Sometimes he doesn't allow you to have that option to fall back on for a reason. You know? It's like he he wants you to
Anna Harrington:be all in. Yes. Yeah. And that really allowed me to be all in to to decide to pursue it full time and and everything.
Victoria B. Glass:Can you share a little bit about, like, some of the things that you walked yourself through when all your friends were going off to college? And Yeah. You had something that you loved that was on a separate path. Do you have any advice for anyone who might find themselves in that position now of, like, crossroads, of, hey. Everyone's going this way, but I see an arrow with my name on it going that way.
Anna Harrington:Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:So, any any insight on that?
Anna Harrington:Yes. Yeah. I feel like I always knew in the back of my mind, it was probably just the holy spirit, but I always knew that I was gonna do something different. And I just kinda had to lean into that and just trust. So, yeah, trusting is a is a big thing that I had to do.
Anna Harrington:But but yeah. I mean, a lot of my friends, you know, went to college, went to other places, and I did have that desire for a little bit to to move out and to, like, go to college and all the things. But once I really started doing weddings and pivoting into that, that that desire just kinda went away. I was like, you know what? This is so much more fulfilling.
Anna Harrington:So it kind of happened over time for me that, like, that that whole desire to, like, do what everybody else was doing just kind of went away. And everything else just became so much more fulfilling and, I guess that's because, you know, God had me in that place and where I'm at now, and it just feels feels so good. Like, I have no regrets at all. And, I'm just so lucky because, like, all my friends are in school right now doing finals, and I am not doing finals. I'm like, oh, I don't have to be in school anymore.
Victoria B. Glass:I feel that. And there are so many times when I look around and I'm like, I am so glad I did not do that because I knew it wasn't for me. Like, we were saying earlier with the 9 to 5. However, I do know when you're in that position, sometimes it can feel like, oh, man. Like and you have to stay true to that faith and trust and really trust, like you mentioned.
Victoria B. Glass:And, so from someone saying they went, they did, and they followed what God put on their heart, It's so refreshing to hear that confirmation from someone who who is there. And, so I'm I'm hoping that all the listeners right now, they hear what Anna's saying and hear you say, I don't regret it a bit. And also hear me say that because I'm also someone who's taken a non traditional path, and I don't regret it at all. I love I love that this is a different path, but it's mine. And Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:Anyways.
Anna Harrington:Yeah. And the Lord will take care of us. You know?
Victoria B. Glass:Yes.
Anna Harrington:That's just such a big thing I've been I've been thinking about and, like, have discovered over the past, like, years since I've been full time is, like I mean, the the big question in my mind when I did decide to pursue it full time and, not continue college was, okay. Am I actually gonna get bookings? Like, am I actually going to be full time? Because, like, deciding is a difference between, like, actually being full time because you have to wait for those inquiries to come in and then, you know, market and all that kind of stuff. So it was just kind of a a trusting the process and trusting the Lord would bring the people at the right time.
Anna Harrington:And yeah. Yeah. Trust. Trust.
Victoria B. Glass:Trust. Yes. And he always comes through, and sometimes it's like, oh, wow. Five bookings today. How in the world?
Victoria B. Glass:And then sometimes you have those moments where it's like, I don't know how I'm gonna do this. God, please, please, please. And then something will come in. And you're like, wow. You know?
Victoria B. Glass:So, really, it is the life and the journey of a business owner and an entrepreneur is taking those risks and, for real, relying and leaning on him. So Yeah. Amen?
Anna Harrington:Yes.
Victoria B. Glass:Well, I wanna know what is the farthest you have ever traveled as a travel wedding photographer?
Anna Harrington:Oh, I did actually go to Budapest just for, like, a personal trip with my friend, Tyree, who I met in Hawaii, West 2nd shot for. So we went to we went to Budapest a couple of months ago, and that was incredible. The food was amazing, so fresh, very safe.
Victoria B. Glass:Was there a wedding or
Anna Harrington:just We actually found a couple and did, like, a leisurely downtown shoot with them. So that was really fun. But, yeah, that was amazing. But, yeah, destination photography is something I'm more so trying to do more of, like, in the next year in 2025. And I've I have a couple of weddings that are, out of the out of Florida this year, but I just love traveling so much, so I'm gonna start marketing more for for other places.
Anna Harrington:But, yeah, Hawaii for that workshop and then Budapest, with Tyree. That was Okay.
Victoria B. Glass:Budapest tops the charts of anyone I've ever known who's ever traveled anywhere. So I'm just I didn't I haven't seen that on your I maybe I didn't scroll down far enough. I'm gonna have to go look for those pictures. Yes. And Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:In Yeah.
Anna Harrington:I I should probably post them again because they're just so incredible and, like, the city was beautiful. I feel like people don't talk about Budapest enough. Like, it's always like Italy or France or, you know, all those types of places, or like London, but Budapest is, like, a really a hidden gem. And it didn't feel that crowded with tourists, and we I think we only sell, like, one other American. Other than that, it was, like, all European people from other places.
Anna Harrington:So yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:Well, I kinda wanna poke around in this a little bit because I'm so curious. We met at a conference, and you're telling me that you met Tyree at another workshop conference. No. Give me a little bit of just insight on being a young person, a young woman from the South who is finding friends online to go and travel and finding like minded entrepreneur business people, kinda like us, like, you know Yeah. Meeting for this podcast.
Victoria B. Glass:How cool? Like, I mean, that's pretty new in the grand scheme of things.
Anna Harrington:Can you
Victoria B. Glass:give me a little insight on, like, how much courage it took to do that the first time? Yes.
Anna Harrington:Yeah. Yeah, man. The first time so the first time I went to another place and had a workshop or went to a workshop was Hawaii. And how I came across that workshop was through a podcast that I was listening to. It was actually do you know Cassidy Lynn?
Anna Harrington:She's a photographer in Michigan. She has a podcast called Oh, Shoot, and she was Yes. I do. I do. I do know her.
Victoria B. Glass:I didn't know it until you said the title. I've listened to that.
Anna Harrington:And she was, actually interviewing one of the instructors, at the workshop that I went to in Hawaii, and she was talking about the the girl she was interviewing, the cast interview was talking about the workshop coming up that fall in September 2022. And I was like, oh my gosh. I have to go. And I'm never the kind of person to, like, just go and do, and now I am, then I wasn't. And I was still in high school at that time.
Anna Harrington:I was still, like, graduating. So I had never been, like, to a place like Hawaii. I had always been, like, in North Florida or, like, traveled to Georgia, like, nothing super far away, but I just knew I had to be in the room. I knew I had to be there. Like I said, probably the holy spirit giving me that inkling, but I told my parents about it.
Anna Harrington:And, you know, when you graduate, it's it's really nice that people will give you money and, like, you know, all the all those types of things. So I was able to use some of that to go to the workshop. And, yeah, I learned so much there, and I made so many other connections. And, like, one other connection I made was, with one of the other attendees. Her name is, Sammy Chaffin, and her and her husband do traveling elopements.
Anna Harrington:And Oh, cool. We went to Colorado this past, summer together and disempowered shoots, and that's how I was able to book my first Colorado elopement in March, was having those. So that's a tangent. But, anyway, yeah, it was it took a lot of courage for me to do that because I never done anything that was, you know, outside of my comfort zone traveling wise or, meeting other people like that that I, you know, where it's it's in a whole other place. You know?
Anna Harrington:It wasn't like I was going, like, 2 hours Right. On south to, like, meet some North Florida people or whatever. It was like going to a whole other state at 18, and, like, it was crazy. Going over sneezed too. Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:I feel like I know that to this. Would you do it again? Would you recommend are you glad you did it? Like, are you glad that you took that chance?
Anna Harrington:Yes. I I am so glad I did, and it would definitely, it was a big investment because workshops nowadays, especially, like, week long ones where you're sitting at Airbnb, they can be, like, 3 to 5000 to go total, and not only just, like, the flight, but, like, the actual workshop ticket. So it was a pretty risky investment too, but it totally paid off because I learned so much, made so many connections, and was able to book some weddings, like, with the content I had and, all that. So it's it's very worth it to do those things. And like you're talking about earlier, as a business owner, you have to take risks.
Anna Harrington:And that's a big thing that I have had have had to take a risk in is education, in photography and workshops and styled shoots, all those things, but they
Victoria B. Glass:really they do pay off. You know? Yes. I absolutely know. And that's one of the things I thought about when I started this podcast is I have a lot of younger cousins, a lot of female younger cousins, and sometimes you see them struggling with, like, should I join should I go to college?
Victoria B. Glass:Should I join a sorority? Like, you know, the connections. And I'm not I'm not hating on any of that, But I'm saying that's not the only way you can do that. And Yeah. That same amount of investment in your time, like, your life, your friendships, money, all of those things, you know, they add up.
Victoria B. Glass:And when those decisions do come, can I have that same investment and go to Colorado and learn my camera, which I've been trying to figure out? I got it. You know? Like, there's just there's so many options that I feel like people aren't aware of until they hear other people's Yeah. Experiences.
Anna Harrington:And so Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:I just I feel so happy that you took this chance on yourself. And, you know, you say 3,000, 5,000, that is a big investment. But to hear that it has came back and that, you know, you would do it again, that is all the confirmation I would need as a young graduate who is thinking about all the different options out there and Mhmm. And just you know, no one can take that away from you. What you've learned, those friendships, and especially going to Budapest and seeing Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:You know, Hawaii and seeing Colorado. And so, like, no one can take that away from you, and I just I'm not that is so beautiful that you've created this opportunity for yourself. Mhmm. And it's it's been with the Lord's guidance and Yeah. Your parents' support and friendship, you know, people wanting to show up and help with the, early photo shoots, the fashion shoots that you said you did early on, and just Tyree taking that chance to show you how to shoot weddings and stuff.
Victoria B. Glass:Like, I just love people, and I love that, that you've done this. Like, your victory story is really, really inspiring.
Anna Harrington:So Yeah. Yeah. And it's all it's cool to remember too. Like, we're all in this together. I feel like photographers are really coming into more of, like, community instead of competition because, like, we're all attracting a different client, and we all have a different style.
Anna Harrington:We all have a different personality. So it's really cool to be able to to help one another, and, like, I'm so grateful to Tyree, and other other people I've met along the way for helping me and just, like, talking me through things and, like, debunking myths I had in my mind about certain certain things and, you know, it's it's been really cool.
Victoria B. Glass:So Well, are there any little tips or, you know, debunks or anything that just, like, shoot to the top of your head that you're like, okay. If someone asked me this, I'm ready. I'm ready to tell them. I've learned this the hard way. Anything like that, you have a platform right now that you can, you know, share, like, anything like that?
Anna Harrington:Yeah. I feel like going back to editing, a big thing I had in my mind was that, like, I I had to I had to get it done quick. I had to find my find my style, like, as soon as possible and then just stick with it, and I couldn't, like, gravitate or move a different direction. So I think it's just important to know, like like I was talking about earlier, like, it's okay to play around. It's okay to take your time.
Anna Harrington:And that's what's really important is, like, when you're still finding your style and you're still, like, looking at presets, like, it's okay to try things and just trust the process with it because you wanna make sure that, like, the end style that you that you end up at is the style that you really love and you're really proud of. Biggest thing I can think of that I struggled with was, like, editing and figuring out, like, what how to be consistent and all those types of things. And I'd also say, like, for someone who's still trying to find their style, you know, do more style choose, go to workshops to get the content where you can practice your editing in different lighting, in different, different backgrounds like a white building or the trees and a mountains, like, all those types of things, even, like, nighttime photos too.
Victoria B. Glass:Oh, yeah.
Anna Harrington:Also something that is very different with a flash and also, like, learning, like, ambient light and, you know, you don't always have to use a flash. It's kind of a vibe now People are people are taking more photos during, like, wedding receptions where it's not just a flash. It's like dim lighting, and it's really cool looking. So, like, you can you can gravitate, and you can do different things. It doesn't have to be set in stone.
Victoria B. Glass:So yeah. And as a creative, which we have a lot of creatives listening, I think that's what we find the most attractive is that flexibility and that ability to grow and change because Wow. I mean, as an artist, I know that if it's not if it's not fun anymore, like, you're not gonna do a good job because it's gotta be fun, and it's gotta be interesting to the artist for the art to be good. And so I like that you recommend, you know, playing around, getting back to that play and that trial and error and, like, finding what you like. And if your heart is in it, then there's a really good chance that your customer is gonna see that or your client is gonna appreciate that.
Victoria B. Glass:Exactly. When you're starting out or even you know, I've been doing this for a minute, and, like, I feel like sometimes I get really in my head about what they're gonna think about it.
Anna Harrington:And I
Victoria B. Glass:have to, you know, kinda, like, wake up and say, like, no. Wait. Like, they hired you because they trust you, and they they like what you, you know, obviously, are doing. So I I haven't worked with you directly, but I can tell that you're someone who goes for what your heart likes and and, like, with your images and stuff. Like, even your headshot that you sent over, I was like, oh, wow.
Victoria B. Glass:I really like this. And it stood out because it it was a little bit different. But in a way, you you did it your way, and I I was like, oh, like, I'll I can tell Anna likes this. Like you know? So Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. Just getting back if you're listening, just getting back to what you like and finding that curiosity, finding that thing that you find interesting, whether it's photography, social media, music, you know, anything, you can you can find your people where your heart leads you and where God leads you, and so just kind of find confidence in that. And, and I think you, you know, you won't be able to go wrong. You'll you'll find your fulfilling journey by just following your heart and and listening to it.
Anna Harrington:For sure. For sure. Well, Anna, do
Victoria B. Glass:you have any recommendations as far as, like, books or movies or anything else like that that you Yeah. That you'd recommend to anyone.
Anna Harrington:Yes. I just finished this book actually on Audible. It's called Psycho Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz. And it's a super interesting book, and I really like listening to it rather than reading it because I was able to retain the information. But it's all about mindset and, like, like, re repatterning, like or repatterning, whatever the word is.
Anna Harrington:Like, waves and, like, the ways of thinking and, like, how you think about yourself, how you view yourself, like, around others, all kinds of different things. And it's actually I think it was written in the 19 sixties or seventies by this plastic surgeon, and his name is Maxwell Maltz. And so he talks a lot about, mindset, but also, like, how he he would have different, clients and different people he would do surgery on where, like, they would they would change, like, their the nose structure, and then it would actually, like, help them change their personality or something, like, really interesting. And then there's also some there's some more things in there I'm not talking about that just that only scratches the surface, but, super insightful book.
Victoria B. Glass:Psycho cybernetics. Mhmm. Psycho cybernetics
Anna Harrington:for Maxwell Maltz. And how I came across that book was actually through, Nathan Chansky's business blueprint.
Victoria B. Glass:Yeah. I know him.
Anna Harrington:And I'm currently in the business blueprint right now. I think it's been about a month that I've been into it, and he does it every 3 months. That's like a 3 month long coaching program, and then he'll reopen it probably in, like, I don't know, July is what I'm thinking unless he, like, goes a different direction. But I have really been getting a lot out of that. And Nathan's niche for that is more, like photographers who've already decided to go full time, and that's the kind of people he wants to help just kinda, like, elevate the business and, like, learn more about photography in a on a deeper level.
Anna Harrington:And so that's more of a of a long term or longer type of, education. But I highly recommend that photographers who are already full time to look into that and just follow along on his Instagram. And he has a podcast as well called Passion with Purpose, and that's always really, really cool to listen to. But, yeah, I loved being in the coaching program, and we have, group coaching calls every other week, and we just had one last night. So it's really nice to be able to talk to him and, like, have him answer questions, all that.
Anna Harrington:So it's not just like an online course. He also has the in person connection. So that's been that's been super helpful. But, yeah, I I could not recommend that enough. And then, obviously, the heart the heart conference.
Victoria B. Glass:Yes. I'm gonna
Anna Harrington:have the grand conference again, but I know they're doing a workshop, which I'm actually going to in 2 weeks. So
Victoria B. Glass:You are. I'm gonna be following every moment while y'all are there. I am so excited for y'all. They are gonna take such good care of you. I'm so excited for you.
Victoria B. Glass:And,
Anna Harrington:I know. I'm super excited. Another recommendation for workshops, Revel and Grace.
Victoria B. Glass:Okay.
Anna Harrington:They they do workshops and retreats for photographers, and I went to their, Charleston, South Carolina retreat in November, and that was amazing. And they, like, pay attention to detail. They do more of, like, I guess, like, luxury type styled shoots during the retreat. But, yeah, if anybody wants to follow along on them, it's like revel and grace, and they they do really amazing workshops as well. I think they are having one in Dallas at some point.
Anna Harrington:I'm not sure if it's sold out yet, but I do know they're doing that. And they do they do them every several months, so it's good to, like, follow along and just see, what's new. So, anyway, another recommendation. Yeah.
Victoria B. Glass:I would love to check them out. And, just curious. So you're in northwest or North Florida. Have you ever been or heard of Gulf Shores? Is that is that in Alabama?
Anna Harrington:That's Yes. I have. I don't think I've been there, but I have heard of it.
Victoria B. Glass:Okay. Maybe if you're ever passing through or whatever, we can link up for coffee and get to know each other
Anna Harrington:a little
Victoria B. Glass:bit about it.
Anna Harrington:Fun. We should totally do that.
Victoria B. Glass:We should. Well, thank you so much for coming on. I will say I've really enjoyed this conversation. I cannot believe your stories and just starting a business at such a young age and being so encouraging to even someone who is a little bit older than you, but who has been there and who appreciates the journey and wants to celebrate the journey that you're on because it's not easy, and I know it's not easy, but it is so worth it. It's always really encouraging to hear someone else who has that same relationship with God and who has followed in the same way.
Victoria B. Glass:You know, those that faith, it's really encouraging. So just thank you. Thank you so much for coming on.
Anna Harrington:Thank you for having me. This was so fun.
Victoria B. Glass:Yes. And, before we go, I do wanna make sure that our listeners can follow you and hear more about you and book you if you're ever in their area or if they're in Florida. So drop us all of your information. What's your website? Can they find you on Instagram?
Victoria B. Glass:Share a little bit of that before we leave.
Anna Harrington:Yes. So my website is annaharringtonphotography.com, and then my Instagram is also annaharringtonphotography. And you can follow along on there. Feel free to shoot me a DM if you have any questions or you wanna chat or if you live near me, we totally, like, get coffee. Also, I'm actually gonna be living in Colorado for 2 months later this year.
Anna Harrington:We're actually, like, in the summer. So, like, late July through late September, I'll be in Fort Collins. So if any of the listeners are in Colorado or, you're gonna be, like, passing through during that time, like, we can definitely connect or set up a shoot or something. That's something I'm I'm trying to market more as Colorado because I'd love to get some bookings while I'm while I'm over there. It's such a beautiful area.
Victoria B. Glass:Do you hear that everyone? Like, if you're in Colorado, we have someone who needs some clients, needs some content. She's looking for you. Go connect. Yes.
Victoria B. Glass:I'm here. Yeah. Yeah.
Anna Harrington:You never know. I'm really excited for that, so that'll be that'll be cool.
Victoria B. Glass:But, anyway Okay. So Anna Harrington Photography is, your website, and then at Anna Harrington Photography is your handle on Instagram. So that's Yeah. That's where you go to find Anna.
Anna Harrington:Yes.
Victoria B. Glass:Alright. Mhmm. Well, thank you so much again for coming on, and, looking forward to hearing more about your Colorado experience once you get settled up there and, and just very, very grateful to get to know your story, Anna. Thanks, guys.
Anna Harrington:Thank you again for having me. This was so much
Victoria B. Glass:fun. Thanks for joining us for this week's episode of the contagious victories podcast. If the show inspired you to hear your own victory story, I'm here to tell you the world deserves to hear it. Submit it to me on mine at toryblackman.com. Review and subscribe if that feels right.
Victoria B. Glass:Telling your friend about the show helps Containers victories to grow. Plus, we all appreciate a little sunshine. I'm Tory b. Thanks for listening. I'll catch you soon.