Please introduce and tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, I’m Annie, a travel and brand photographer based in NYC. I specialize in storytelling, capturing the essence of destinations and crafting visual narratives for brands. Photography is a passion that I discovered at a young age. Over the years, I’ve dipped my toes into different genres, learning a wide range of skills that have shaped me into a versatile and adaptive photographer.
What inspired your creative journey, and how did you first discover your passion for photography?
My journey as a photographer began in middle school, around age 13, capturing moments on a phone. On Black Friday in 2014, my family gifted me a Canon T6 with a kit lens. None of us could have predicted how much it would shape my life. At the time, I didn’t even know how to use the settings or focus properly. Things started to change in 2016 when I discovered a community of like-minded photographers at my high school who taught me the technical aspects of photography. During this time, I learned a lot about studio lighting and portraits.
In 2017, I assisted on my first ever client shoot. It was a family portrait session in a studio. Needless to say, my type of photography has evolved since then, but those early years were invaluable. Today, several of us are pursuing content creation professionally and we share advice whenever we can. It’s nice to see our high school hobby manifesting into careers as the demand for digital content took off in the last decade.
Growing up, were there specific influences or experiences that shaped your love for travel and art?
Quite the opposite actually–my love for travel was shaped by not having travel experiences growing up. I was always curious about what the world had to offer but travel wasn’t in the cards for us. My parents are immigrants who dedicated their time to building a life for my brother and I. They were brick-and-mortar small business owners so we couldn’t take any breaks that were longer than three days. We took closer trips like Pennsylvania and Upstate New York, but nothing too far.
How has living in New York influenced your photography and creative style?
New York City shaped my openness to diversity and fueled my fascination with other cultures. The city’s vibrant, chaotic energy also taught me how to find beauty in the unexpected. When I began street photography, I learned to compose subjects amidst the hustle and bustle. It’s a skill that continues to influence my travel photography today.
Living in NYC has also been a gateway to client opportunities. From luxury real estate to hospitality, and events, I’ve had the privilege to photograph for clients like Bathhouse and Bayview Courtyard. As my career evolves, I’m excited to further explore this avenue and refine my services in the upcoming years.
What’s your favorite type of subject to photograph, and why?
As a travel photographer, I try to understand the distinct characteristics of a destination and capture that to the best of my ability. For example, in Vietnam, a lot of my photos highlighted the natural lush landscapes and bustling city life. In Japan, I was inspired to capture images that embody timeless Japanese values like harmony, respect, and mindfulness. I’m also drawn to coastal scenes–boats, oceans, and surf, so I often find myself visiting surf towns and coastal destinations.
What came first, photography or travel?
I believe the universe works in mysterious ways and I’m not one to argue with divine timing. Technically, photography came first but my desire to travel was apparent from a very young age, much earlier than I ever thought of picking up a camera.
What’s been your most memorable travel experience or location?
Vietnam holds a special place in my heart. It’s truly the most magical country I’ve ever visited and I made memories there that will last a lifetime. From the bustling cities like Hanoi and Hoi An, to the untouched beauty of Ninh Binh, there was so much to capture. I especially loved photographing the vibrant colors and the people, immersing myself in the rich local culture.
How do you choose your travel destinations, and what draws you to these locations?
I’m drawn to destinations that offer timeless beauty and a variety of subjects to photograph—architecture, culture, people, landscapes. Places like Vietnam, Morocco, Japan, Italy, Greece are all among that list, and they did not disappoint!
If you could revisit any place you’ve photographed, where would it be, and how would going back to a location change how you photograph it?
Lisbon! I’m planning to revisit in February, making it my third time there. During my first two visits, I hadn’t yet delved into street photography, so I’m excited to capture candid shots of the locals this time.
Are there any particular photographers or artists who inspire you?
There’s too many! But here’s two:
Selena Daphne Taylor - @finduslost
She is a travel photographer and blogger at Find Us Lost. I stumbled upon her work about three years ago and it opened my mind to a more feminine style of photography. Her ability to capture candid moments with calmness and grace ignited something in me. It was the first time I realized that those are attributes I’d like to emulate in my work–to watch the world unfold and capture it as it is.
Julia Nimke - @julianimkephotography
Her photography has a sense of fleeting adventure, like the moment is simply untouchable. I love her use of light, and the depth and dimensions in the photos. Her project with Air Singapore also blew me away. I’ve never seen anyone photograph candid scenes in an airplane like that.
To see more work from Annie, visit her website here.
