Photographer Showcase – Anna Jones

Anna’s Website: annajonesartofphotography.com

Template Style: Oliver

Tell us about you and your business…
I come from a (very) large, loving, hectic family & just as soon as I could get my hands on a camera I was photographing all of them.  I studied the art through high school and college, taking traditional and non-traditional photojournalism coursework in Australia and New Zealand.  Photographing in a place as picturesque as the Gold Coast aided in my realization that personality and emotion are what make my work shine.  I began and grew my business around this belief, and continue to focus my work around the eclectic inspirations of the human spirit.  Simplicity is elegance and emotions are never wrong when I am behind the camera.

How would you describe your style of photography?
Casual.  Photojournalistic.  Carefree.  Story-telling.  I like to capture that extra something, the “oomph” that can turn a photo into something so much more.  The in between moments when you are brushing the hair out of your wife’s eyes, laughing about your first date, or smelling your newborn daughter’s hair.  These real, true, amazing moments.  To sum it up, I have made it my job to follow people around and capture beautiful moments as they happen.  I live a blessed life.

How many photo shoots do you do a year?
In the last year I have done around 75 total sessions including portrait, wedding, and special event.

Where would be your perfect holiday destination?
So funny you should ask, as I type this I am sitting at a bookstore with three lonely planets on the chair beside me.  Oh wait 4.  I love to explore.  India – can’t wait to go there, I have heard it is like living life with the volume knob turned to 11;  Moorea – hmm, perhaps a bit too “honeymoonie” – honey if you are reading this (cough, cough wink, wink); South Africa – Safari, anyone?;  and Asia – home to the world’s most beautiful beaches and the infamous Harajuku district…  I will say it is a tossup between South Africa and Asia.

Why did you decide to become a photographer?
It chose me just as much as I chose it.  I have been passionate about the art since the first time I picked up a camera.  I have struggled in the past because I wasn’t sure how I wanted my love for photography to translate into a career.  It can be difficult to pursue as a profession but with an open mind and a strong vision, it can be done.  I love it more and more everyday.

Which camera do you use most?
5D Mark II.  This said, my Leica and Hasselblad cameras (along with the meditation time I spent in the dark room developing their film) will always hold a place in my heart.

7. What is your favorite movie?
True Romance (Tarantino at his finest)

How would you like your photography to evolve in the next 5 years?
As long as I continue to be inspired and challenged, I will be happy.  As a side note, I wouldn’t hate a job offer from National Geographic.  If you are reading this…

Which of your photos do you consider your best?
The answer to this question changes weekly (if not daily).  The photo I picked is from a current session – I just love how the light adds so greatly to the composition of this simply beautiful portrait.

Photo by Anna Jones