Today we’d like to introduce you to Anya Darnell.
Hi Anya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was 13, I used all my saved birthday and holiday money to buy a used Canon Camera from Ebay. The moment I held it in my hands, I knew I was going to love the art of photography. I spent all my high school and college years teaching myself the ins and outs, dos and don’ts, and I loved every minute of it. I became the go-to photographer for my family, friends, church, school – rarely was I seen without a camera in my hand.
Fast forward to the latter half of my college career, I was working full-time and going to school full-time, so I set my camera down for about three years. I felt the pressure to focus on becoming stable and secure, and pursuing my creative passions no longer felt important. Then, in the summer of 2024, I found myself contemplating leaving my corporate job but unsure of what direction to take in my career. My husband encouraged me by saying “why not get back into photography”? So I did. We invested in new equipment, great software and AnyaJoyPhoto was born. I realized that what I loved at 13 was still what I loved all these years later – turning that passion into a full-time vocation has been incredible.
Though I had never pictured myself as an entrepreneur or business owner, this journey has been so rewarding. I’ve learned so much about running a business, but at the end of my day my heart always comes back to the same thing – capturing memories and evoking emotion. This is the “why” that drives what I do. I want someone who may feel insecure to look at a photo of themselves and see their beauty. I want an unscripted phot from a wedding day to transport the couple right back to the emotions of the moment. For me, photography is not about running a business; it is about creating a time capsule of feelings and memories that people can hold onto forever.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No – starting a business seldom is. There are so many talented and successful photographers in the Dallas area, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. I have to remind myself that building something from the ground-up is not a linear process. My journey of photography does not have to look like anyone else’s and that’s okay! I can learn from and be inspired by those further along than me – while also recognizing that success takes years of hard work and dedication. The best thing I can do for myself is to keep learning and putting in work to achieve what I am striving for.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a photographer, I primarily focus on weddings and couples. I would describe my style as intentional, effortless and timeless. My editing leans towards true-to-life and earthy tones – this helps evoke emotion and create a lasting, timeless feel. My primary goal is to capture not just the people but the moments themselves. I offer gentle prompts that encourage natural movement, allowing the people in front of my lens to get lost in the moment together, rather than feel like they are performing for the camera.
What’s next?
My plans right now are to continue learning and growing. I never want to be stagnant and lose sight of my purpose in this industry. I have been setting attainable goals that challenge me but are still realistic. Once the new year arrives I plan to reflect on my progress and set bigger goals for myself.
Pricing:
- Standard 1 hour sessions begin at $500
- Weddings begin at $3,200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anyajoyphoto.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anyajoyphoto/
- Other: anyajoyphoto@gmail.com
