Meet Anna Drye | Photographer

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

Hi Anna, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
As a parent, the most significant impact I’ve made on my child stems from balancing my professional commitments while ensuring I’m present for him at home. Being a full-time stay-at-home mom and pursuing my passion as a photographer has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey. One of the key pillars enabling me to achieve this balance has been the unwavering support of my parents and extended family. Their assistance has smoothed the transition, allowing me to dedicate quality time to my son while pursuing my career. An added bonus is that my two-year-old receives their undivided attention twice a week, nurturing a strong bond and enriching his early development. This balance not only nourishes my professional aspirations but also aids the growth and well-being of my child, leaving a lasting impact on his life, and my parents’ lives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve gotten to where I am today business-wise mainly by client referrals. And no, it wasn’t easy. Building my photography business required perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to overcome challenges along the way. One of the key factors in my journey has been staying consistent in my editing and maintaining open communication throughout every step of the process.

Overcoming challenges has been a learning experience that has shaped both my business and personal growth. Whether it was navigating the competitive landscape of the photography industry or managing the demands of balancing work and family life, each obstacle presented an opportunity for growth and adaptation. Through perseverance and a commitment to all of my clients, I’ve been able to overcome these challenges and continue to thrive in my business.

What sets me apart from others is how I treat my clients. As a newish mom, I respect the time and patience level of even the littlest of those in front of my camera. This is why I offer a 30-minute photoshoot package! I’ve found that offering mini-shoots is perfect for toddlers and babies and takes the stress off of parents while still giving them a quality photoshoot.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I am dedicated to capturing timeless moments and creating lasting memories. My passion for photography goes beyond just taking pictures; it’s about telling stories and preserving precious moments that will be cherished for generations to come. With a commitment to excellence, integrity, and creativity, I strive to exceed my clients’ expectations and create meaningful connections through my work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend was visiting me from out of town, I’d take them to the farmer’s market downtown or hike the trails on Paris Mountain. If my friend happens to have children, the Children’s Museum downtown, Unity Park, and Centennial Park. For food, I love to stay in so Good to Go Greenville is convenient to pick up quality, ready-to-go meals. For drinks, I like Community Tap.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A shout-out definitely goes to my parents, my husband, and all the local family we have here in Greenville, SC. Without any of them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love! Photography has helped me re-discover who I am outside of “mama” and lets me cherish the moments of toddlerhood for what it is, a growing, healthy little boy. Their help has provided me with the necessary support system to navigate the challenges and joys of parenthood while staying true to myself and my aspirations.

Website: https://jtdphotography.mypixieset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtd.photography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/JTD-Photography/61553152941926/

Image Credits
1st image of me and my son – Credits: Hali Mullins

All other photos – Credits: JTD Photography