Meet Anne Say | Headshot and Brand Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anne Say and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anne, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in a very small town in northern New York, the kind of rural place where everyone knows your name and life moves a little slower. That pace gave me space to observe, to reflect, and to develop a deep appreciation for the quiet details, I like to observe how people move through the world, the way the seasons change in the mountains, the beauty in everyday rhythms. I was an introverted, thoughtful kid, more likely to be found quietly watching than speaking up. But that way of being, including the quiet observation, the sensitivity to unspoken things has become one of my greatest strengths as a photographer.

My love for photography began when I was young, following my older brother around with his camera. But it didn’t become a career right away. I spent years working in both business and public education. And that time in education especially taught me so much about how people work, what they need to feel safe, and how to draw out the best in someone with kindness and encouragement.

Those same skills are exactly what I bring to my photography today. I’m passionate, at my very core, about helping people feel seen. Not just photographed, not just “posed,” but seen. My sessions aren’t about stiff, weird mannequin poses or trying to squeeze someone into a box that doesn’t fit. My goal is always to help each person in front of my camera feel like the best, most authentic version of themselves, as grounded, confident, and deeply connected to their own story.

I always say: we throw out all that self-conscious stuff like last season’s trend. Camera anxiety? Gone. That feeling of not knowing what to do with your hands? We laugh through it. I’m not here to critique or “fix” people. I’m here to draw out what’s already good and strong and uniquely theirs. Occasionally, someone will even tear up at the end of a session, not because of the photos (although yes, they love those too), but because of how they feel in them. Like they finally saw themselves the way the rest of the world sees them.

One client once told me, “You turn professionals into legends.” That still makes me smile, but it also speaks to something real. My work isn’t just about creating beautiful images—it’s about helping people feel empowered, proud, and ready to show up for their business and life with courage and clarity. That’s what lights me up. That’s what I want my brand to stand for.

So no, my path here wasn’t traditional. But every part of my story, from my quiet beginnings, my years in education, my own journey with confidence, it has all equipped me to help others shine in theirs. I don’t just want people to walk away with amazing photos. I want them to walk away feeling like they can conquer the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart isn’t just how I use a camera. It’s actually how I see people. I believe my job as a brand photographer isn’t to capture some polished, curated version of you. It’s to help you see that who you already are is more than enough. My heart is to create space where clients feel seen, safe, and celebrated. I think that comes from my own journey of growing up quiet and observant, and later working in education, where I learned how deeply people long to be known and accepted, and especially when they’re in front of a lens. It was when I became comfortable with who I am, foibles and all, that I noticed the change in photos of myself. It was a simple process of guiding others through that to help them like photos of themselves also. Helping people feel confident in who they truly are and present that confidence in front of any camera, whether in my studio or with their friends and families.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been anything but a straight line. I didn’t start in photography. I had careers in business and education first, and each brought its own lessons. Photography came later—more like a calling than a plan. And building a business around it? That’s been equal parts joy, grit, and growth. There were definitely challenges. Many of them about learning to trust myself, to own my voice, and to show up even when things felt uncertain. But each challenge taught me something I now pass on to my clients: you don’t need to be perfect, you just need to be present. I’ll do the rest.

What I’m most proud of is seeing clients walk away from a session not just with great photos, but with a new sense of confidence in who they are. That’s the real win. That’s why I do this.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my brand, it’s that it’s not just about beautiful images. They will get those for sure. It’s about reminding you that you already carry everything you need to show up with purpose and power. My job is just to reflect that back to you, and hopefully teach you how to do it every day/

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Funny enough, this just happened recently, and we had the best time! One of the first things we did was hike up Pine Mountain in Bartow County to catch the sunrise. There’s something about starting the day with that kind of beauty and stillness that just sets the tone. It was crazy hiking a mile up a mountain in the dark, but the thrill of seeing the whole area, lit up by a beautiful sunrise was priceless. It became a great memory for both of us.

We also spent a morning exploring two of our town’s amazing museums, the Booth Western Art Museum and the Savoy Automobile Museum. They’re both such gems and give a real sense of the creativity and history rooted in this area. I thought my friend would be most impressed by the unique collection of automobiles, but it was the bronze statues at the Booth that moved her more.

Of course, we made sure to eat at a couple of our favorite local spots. We both adore those small, cozy restaurants where you know the food’s going to be great and the people even better. And honestly, some of the sweetest moments were just spent relaxing out on our property in the country, soaking in the quiet, the views, and good conversation.

It was the perfect mix of movement, inspiration, and rest, which, now that I think about it, is kind of my favorite way to live.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Terry, has been my biggest cheerleader. He’s always made space for me to learn, grow, experiment and play with photography.

Website: www.annesayphotography.com

Instagram: @annesayphotography

Linkedin: @annesayphotography

Facebook: @annesayphotography