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

Hi Halie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
In any artistic endeavor risks are always involved. As a photographer I think of taking risks as a challenge to better my artistic abilities. I face risks every day when it comes to photography. There’s always a risk of damaging your camera gear in harsh elements. risks of facing wild animals. the risks of traveling alone. The dangers of trying to get a good shot, for example I once had to stand on a side of a cliff to get the perfect shot.

I enjoy what I do and all of the risks it comes with. Without taking risks you won’t ever know what you can really achieve. but I can say the biggest jumps in my own career came from taking big risks. I’ve moved around with many jobs in my life leaving great places to further my career. Starting from portraits of friends to working with politicians and sports teams to traveling the world! I’ve done everything under the sun to find out what my creative niche is and I believe my success was created all from taking a risk.

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.
Everyone comes across challenges on their photography journey. In no way was it easy! It’s taken a lot of trial and error, and a lot of learning. I am still no where near perfect or where I’d like to be but every great artist struggles with this. It takes a lot of persistence, focus, determination, and originality. I spent a lot of time buying the right equipment and practicing on friends in my makeshift studio in my garage. It just started out as a hobby and went to working for a few clothing companies, to photography for politicians. My photos have been on millions of brochures. To now doing photography for national youth sports and traveling to different cities to find all kinds of art to photograph. I love collaborating with other artists because I learn so much working with other creatives. There is always something new you can learn!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area my first stop would be riding scooters through piedmont park. She would have to see that beautiful skyline! She’s also a model, so I would love to take her to some of the coolest photo spots I’ve found like the Atlanta beltline, and Krog street tunnel. I’d also take her out to little 5 points! One of my favorite places here in Atlanta. I absolutely adore this spot. I’d take her into The Vortex for some good food and drinks then head down the street for some shopping at my favorite thrift shop Psycho Sisters! I love exploring Atlanta I always find something cool. I love going to art museums, like Atlanta Contemporary. Also finding all the tiny doors and street art is so fun!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my wonderful grandfather. He is who inspired me to begin my photography career. As a child, he would always take photos of me with his film camera. We had boxes pilled up of family photos and wedding photos he has done. I told him I wanted to try taking photos sometime, so when I would tag along with him on weddings he would let me snap a few pictures with his camera. He saw how great I was so once I turned 16 he bought me my first digital camera. Ever since then my grandparents have been my biggest supporters and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.

x

Instagram: @halieannaphotos

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