Anna Groos shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Anna, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Oh, absolutely—I’d hire me in a heartbeat!
When I photograph someone, it’s not just about clicking the shutter—it’s about creating a space where they feel genuinely seen and celebrated. I want my clients to walk in feeling at ease and leave thinking, “Wow, that was actually so much fun!”
I believe the best photos come from authentic moments, so I guide my sessions in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and even a little playful. Whether it’s fixing a stray hair, making them laugh at a silly prompt, or noticing the small details that make them unique, I’m always paying attention to how my clients are feeling in the moment.
At the end of the day, I’d hire me because I know I’m going to care about the person in front of the camera as much as the final product. And when people feel cared for, it shows in every single image.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! Hi, I’m Anna! I’m a photographer based in the Nashville area, and I specialize in capturing authentic, joy-filled moments for couples, families, and brands. Photography has always been more than just images to me—it’s about telling a story and preserving how a moment felt.
What makes my work unique is the way I approach each session: I focus on creating a comfortable, fun environment where my clients feel truly seen. I want people to leave our time together not just with beautiful photos, but with a genuine, happy memory of the experience itself.
Over the years, I’ve photographed everything from intimate weddings and cozy family sessions to brand shoots that help small businesses shine. No matter the setting, I’m always looking for those in-between, candid moments that often become the most treasured.
Right now, I’m working on expanding my offerings to include even more storytelling-based sessions and creative concepts that allow my clients’ personalities to shine through. My goal is always to deliver not only photos they’ll love for years, but an experience they’ll love in the moment.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I thought you either had a natural talent for something or you didn’t—and if you didn’t, well, you should probably just stick to what you’re already good at. I gave up on plenty of things fast (sorry, childhood piano teacher). Now I know that skill comes from showing up, messing up, and learning as you go. Some of my favorite moments in photography have come from “happy accidents” I never could have planned.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For a long time, my biggest fear was putting myself—and my work—out there and hearing crickets. I worried that if I shared too much, no one would care, or worse, they wouldn’t like it. That fear made me play small and stay in my comfort zone longer than I should have.
Over time, I’ve learned that connection only happens when you’re willing to be seen, even if it feels scary. Not everyone will connect with your work, and that’s okay—the right people will, and they’ll value it even more because it’s authentically you. Now, instead of letting that fear hold me back, I use it as a little nudge to keep growing.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is connection—making people feel seen, heard, and cared for. Whether it’s through a thoughtful conversation, a small act of kindness, or capturing a meaningful moment in a photograph, I genuinely love creating experiences that leave people feeling valued.
They’d probably also say I notice the little things—like a quiet laugh, a fleeting expression, or the small details that make someone unique—and that I hold those moments close, both in life and in my work. And, of course, they’d point out that coffee and a good cozy moment are basically non-negotiables for me.
Ultimately, I think they’d say I care about the stories people carry with them, and I’m always looking for ways to honor those stories, whether it’s behind the camera, in a conversation, or just being present for the people I love.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain would be… me—the part of me that feels, notices, and connects. The part that loves laughter, small joys, and meaningful moments. The part that cares about people, stories, and experiences more than titles or things.
I’d like to think what remains is curiosity too—the drive to learn, create, and explore life with an open heart. And maybe a little stubbornness and humor, because even when stripped down, I’m still going to find the bright side and make someone smile.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://book.usesession.com/i/g0dV1u8WUf?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwMKDvlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp2rzpcz4H7BoQUklVOtseVo6gSKkQ-dm5auYS8UvvU_6k0XHP6zn8STpbHtG_aem_P21Oplnk9o7J3ic4f9ga7w
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annagroosphotography/?hl=en
Image Credits
Anna Groos Photography
