An interview with Anni Graham: Travel Wedding + Elopement Photographer

How did you get into photography, has it always been a passion of yours?

I have always been drawn to the visual aesthetic, but it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I discovered photography. I haven’t been able to put down a camera since, and that was 10 years ago!

I know many artists are guided by a motto: do you have one?

“There is more in you than you think.” – Kurt Hahn. As an artist it is so easy to be relentlessly self-critical and it can really crush your creativity. This reminds me to believe that I am capable of anything and the only person stopping me is myself.

Was there a photograph or specific inspiration that made you realize that this was the career for you? 

I have folders and folders of inspiring images and stories, I’m not sure I could choose just one. I think seeing adventurers travelling and living life exactly how they want to be made it feel possible to break the 9-5 mold of life. I mean honestly, my parents did not live in the 9-5 mold, so maybe they were the first ones who broke the barriers of expectation and planted the seed in me that I am best when I am doing something I am inspired by.

 

Do you you offer any advice to brides when photographing a wedding? 

I try to creative an environment of fun and excitement, and try and help brides focus on how they are feeling in that very moment. I give less advice and more encouragement, and tell them how beautiful they look because come on it’s every girls dream to be their best on their wedding day! A little ego boost and enthusiasm goes a long way! When you feel good, you look good, and your true self comes out – and that’s what I want to capture.

How would you describe your own photographic style? 

I would describe it as kind of moody, carefree and emotional. I love having fun with my couples and getting them to play with each other as much as possible, but also capturing those little details and emotional moments.

Are there any photographers or artists who have inspired you as a professional?

I think Danelle Bohane’s work is so inspiring. Her use of light is absolutely incredible. She did a wedding for a family friend in the desert in India last year and I literally couldn’t sleep after seeing all the images. I stayed up for hours just pouring over every image over and over again feeling everything from that weekend and dreaming of becoming a destination wedding photographer.

Are you the kind of photographer who just blends in and shoots or do you take time to set up for pics?

I definitely like to stay behind the scenes as much as possible. I pack light on my gear so I can be mobile and blend in and get those unposed, in-between moments.

Do you shoot in digital or film format?

Digital, but I mess around with a little film too.

Please share a particularly funny or rewarding experience you’ve had on the job as a wedding/professional photographer.

This year I had the opportunity to travel to Japan to photograph a beautiful wedding for two lovers who live in Dubai. They were so incredibly kind, and treated my husband and I like close friends before we had even met them. We spent the whole weekend with them, getting to know their family and friends, and felt so involved and connected by the end of the experience, and just solidified even how important and transformative it is to spend time with my couples. We came home from this rewarding experience feeling so excited and motivated to do this incredible thing I get to call a job.

Do you have a website or online portfolio for our brides to check out?

 www.annigraham.com and instagram is @annigraham

To see the gowns featured, see the Aurora here and the Lizzy here.