Meet Trailblazer Anna Dooley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Dooley.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been creating something. Recently, I’ve been doing most of my creating by photo. But that hasn’t always been the case.

After I began college, I decided that the typical route wasn’t for me and that I wanted to be a cosmetologist. However, I powered through college and pursued a business degree (with a minor in photography) in hopes of owning a hair + makeup business someday. As the years passed, I struggled with narrowing down exactly what it was that I wanted to do in the creative field. After finally catching a break and getting a foot in the door at a salon, God was stirring in my heart. I was using my free time as a receptionist there to edit photos from my freelance photography and noticed it was the only thing bringing me true joy during this time.

Because I took a leap of faith and dropped everything to work at this salon, God revealed to me the path I needed to take; surprisingly, it just wasn’t cosmetology. I was constantly given signs that my passion for photography was worth pursuing during this time in my life. I prayed about it and felt that the only way to truly know if photography was my calling would be to go all in. So, I promptly quit my day job and dove headfirst into being my own boss and rocking photography biz. So, here I am, wading the waters of photography and loving every chance I get to meet new people and capture their stories.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not! For a long time, I battled internal uncertainties. I didn’t know what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I knew what I enjoyed doing, but didn’t exactly understand how it fits into God’s calling for my life. And to be honest, I still am not completely sure if I know now. But I do know that I’m getting so much closer to figuring it all out, and I’m learning so much about myself along the way. My best advice is to follow your gut and don’t be afraid to do something that may scare you! It’s definitely easier said than done, but the best way to grow is to continually push yourself outside your comfort zone. I don’t regret choosing the unconventional.

We’d love to hear more about Golden Rebel Creative.
I’m still somewhat of a newbie to photography, so I am still trying to narrow down what I enjoy doing most. I’m most inspired by fashion and love, so naturally, I’m drawn to photographing the confident woman + the wildly in love. Most of the time I love to incorporate the surroundings of a shoot into my photos, whether it be nature or architecture. Bold colors + fun elements are my jam, and I love when a mix of all these things can come together to create an artsy, eclectic photo.

For me, I think what sets me apart is the ability to run with a client’s idea and make it really come to life in a way that’s bigger than what they expected. I hope to capture the in-between moments that really portray a person or couple’s story in a bold, raw way. And at the end of the day, I hope to be a friend throughout the photography process. I want you to enjoy yourself, feel confident, and love your photos!

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
I think this day and age is such a great time for women! Sure, there are certain issues that women face, but there are so many powerful women rising above. As a female entrepreneur, I have found a great group of other women who are making their own ways as well, and the support found there is really inspiring. I think women have the innate ability to be strong yet lead with empathy, and this is one of the things that truly makes a woman special. Women are taking the lead in so many fields, and the fact that we can reach out, share our experiences with others, and encourage one another without taking away from our own worth really lifts us all.

Pricing:

• Wedding Photography – starting at $1600
• Lifestyle Photography – starting at $180
• Headshots – starting at $90

Contact Info:

• Website: www.goldenrebelcreative.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/goldenrebelcreative
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/goldenrebelcreative
• Other: www.pinterest.com/goldenrebelcreative

Image Credit:
Golden Rebel Creative (Anna Dooley)

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