We opened our interview with Anna talking about the last event we worked together at The Ritz, Lake Oconee. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous and Anna’s photos captured Jeannine and Dan’s special day flawlessly.
We always love being around Anna because she is so calming and truly creates a sense of ease for everyone on the wedding day. Her interview was just as uplifting and her responses truly showed how passionate she is about her clients and the relationships she forms along the way. We loved getting to know Anna on a more personal level, and cannot wait to work with her again in the upcoming year!
DS: Where are you from?
AS: I am from Brunswick, Georgia which is near Sea Island. I went to college in Valdosta and then eventually moved to Atlanta which is where I first started photography.
DS: Do you have any children?
AS: Yes, I have a son named Arthur.
DS: If you could be featured on any magazine, what would it be?
AS: Martha Stewart. I think that print is important because it provides a legacy.
DS: What is the last book you have read?
AS: “A Year of Miracles” by Marianne Williamson. It is an inspirational book on daily devotionals.
DS: What is the most recent show you have binge watched on Netflix?
AS: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
DS: What is the most worn item in your wardrobe?
AS: My black work pants. They look fancy, but feel like pajamas!
DS: What was your first job?
AS: When I was 15 years old, I started as a hostess. I then worked at a bike rental shop soon after.
DS: What is your favorite thing about yourself? Least favorite thing about yourself?
AS: My favorite thing about myself is that I have the ability to find light in any situation. I am very optimistic most of the time. My least favorite would be that I wish I was more confident and could let go completely. I tend to hold myself back.
We admire Anna so much for her optimism and ability to see the best in everyone in even the most difficult situations.
DS: What is your favorite way to unwind?
AS: Just being with my family.
DS: Do you have any pets and if so, what breed?
AS: None right now. We had our dog, Bella, for 9 years who was a retriever lab mix.
DS: Do you bake?
AS: I love to bake, especially chocolate chip cookies!
DS: What is the one sport you wish you could play?
AS: I have asthma and am allergic to oak trees, so I didn’t really play any sports growing up. I don’t care for sports that much anyway.
DS: If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go?
AS: Colorado. Daniel would be happy just to be near the water.
Daniel is Anna’s husband who is also a photographer for Anna Shackleford Photography.
DS: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
AS: I think the best advice I have ever been given was from the book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It talks about climbing up a ladder, but the whole time, the ladder was leaning against the wrong wall!
DS: Who do you miss most?
AS: My siblings. They do not live close to me.
ANNA’S FAVORITES
DS: Animal?
AS: Dogs
DS: Smell?
AS: Clean linen
DS: Drink?
AS: Sweet tea
DS: Food?
AS: Sweets! It’s a problem. I LOVE a good milk shake.
DS: Hobby?
AS: Painting, especially impressionist oil painting. I actually have a degree in Fine Arts which was my original inspiration to start photography.
DS: Season?
AS: Spring is my favorite, but I really do not like the pollen.
DS: Band?
AS: I like Mumford & Sons and that type of music genre.
DS: Movie?
AS: Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken
ANNA’S THIS OR THAT?
DS: Diamonds or pearls?
AS: Diamonds
DS: Android or iPhone?
AS: iPhone
DS: Twitter or Instagram?
AS: Instagram
DS: Coffee or tea?
AS: Coffee
DS: Sweet or savory?
AS: Sweet
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
DS: How long have you been in business?
AS: 9 years
DS: What inspired your brand?
AS: Joy and legacy
DS: Who is your ideal client?
AS: Someone who cares about the bonds that they share with people because they realize that this is only the beginning. My ideal clients are focused on their marriage and are classic elegant and timeless.
DS: What is your favorite part of the wedding day?
AS: When the bride and groom walk down the aisle or when the couple is alone for the first time.
DS: What is the most stressful past of your job?
AS: I am a Type A personality, so I am very detailed oriented. I like to know logistics ahead of time and be as prepared as possible, like knowing family members names beforehand.
DS: What is your average budget for most clients? Minimum budget?
AS: My clients typically spend on average $8,500. My minimum is $6,500 and that includes an engagement session.
DS: What is your most commonly asked question by brides?
AS: It is not really question, but my clients always tell me that they are not good at posing!
DS: What made you start your own business?
AS: My dad owned his own business. I have also found that owning your business gives you purpose and fulfillment.
DS: What is your one piece of advice for brides? For grooms?
AS: I would tell both brides and grooms to hire a planner, so they can focus on their marriage.
DS: If you were not doing photography, what would you be?
AS: I would do something in the art industry, possibly painting.
DS: Where do you see Anna Shackleford Photography in 5 years?
AS: Being a mom is the greatest joy, so I will definitely continue to do weddings, but do less of them, maybe only 10 to 15 a year.
Please do yourself a favor and visit Anna and Daniel’s Instagram. It’s impossible not to fall in love with sweet little Arthur. @theshacklefords
It was an absolute joy speaking to Anna and getting to know more about her personally and professionally. I look forward to working with her for many years to come. If you would like to see more of her beautiful work or contact her for your upcoming wedding or special occasion please visit:
-DS
BACK