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

Hi Ana, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Like any industry, it’s difficult to know the intricacies of what it all entails if you are not actually in that world. With photography, we are not just snapping photos, we are creating art and creating a community of artists who all share the same passion. I think many people can unknowingly overlook the community behind the lens. The photography industry is extremely giving. Giving in the sense of sharing ideas, sharing things we’ve learned with each other. I have worked in several industries in my life and this one by far has the greatest sense of community in my opinion. At any given time you will find a photographer sharing things they have discovered, new lighting techniques, new products – with a group of photographers! I have learned so much from my peers, it’s really empowering to feel so much support from your colleagues.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always knew I loved the art world – but never thought I was a “creative”. I was always drawn to design, architecture and fashion – but never thought I had the ability to create the art that I always admired. Rewind to 6 years ago, my husband bought me a camera for Christmas totally out of the blue. Turns out he found me my medium. The minute I picked up that camera I was hooked! What started as a hobby has turned into my absolute passion – and in that process I discovered what I love the most is making women feel beautiful. I love showing them thru my lens what others see, that they often don’t see themselves. My mission is to photograph as many women as I can – and bring out that sparkle that is in all of us.

It has not been an easy journey to get where I am now. Juggling a full time very demanding job while learning the intricacies of photography part time was very demanding and time consuming. I was determined to open a studio and with a great deal of sweat I made it happen. The greatest lesson I learned is the power of manifestation! If you can imagine and work towards it one step at a time you can do it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start in Deep Ellum. It has recently experienced a Renaissance of sorts- the area is filled with wall art where we would take some great pictures for social media (we have to get some pictures in during the visit!). We would then head over to Northpark Mall for some serious shopping (DFW has some of the best shopping in my opinion). For a late lunch a must visit would be the Trinity Groves area – filled with restaurants where you could savor a multitude of cuisines all within a short stroll. Ending the afternoon enjoying any of the outdoor patios with some drinks would be amazing.

The evening would take us to Fort Worth, AKA “Cowtown”. No visit to the DFW area is complete without experiencing the stockyards. Dancing would ensue afterwards at Billy Bob’s, one of the largest country music bars in the United States! If she wants to get the full experience she can take a ride (or a spill) on any of the mechanical bulls.
Other places worth mentioning in Fort Worth are Joe T. Garcia’s (a gorgeous Mexican restaurant that is iconic to Fort Worth) and Bass Hall for concerts.

The rest of the week would include a visit to the 6th Floor Museum, the Perot Museum, and an extended time in Deep Ellum for local live music and craft cocktails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My incredible husband, who without his support and encouragement I would have never had the courage to open a business. His continuous belief in me gave me the courage to jump!

My family and friends also deserve recognition as they too helped me a ton along the way

Website: www.analanier.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/analanierportrait

Facebook: www.facebook.com/analanierportrait

Other: 40 Over 40 Project www.analanier.com/40-over-40

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