Anne Snape Parsons’s passion for the arts started when she was young, with an interest in traditional painting and music. Six years ago while helping her son search for a wedding photographer, her interest in photography was sparked. Before long Anne started a photography business, but not for weddings. Anne is a portrait photographer who captures the spirit of her subject. 

Anne’s focus on storytelling and photographing women over 40, a segment of women that typically are less seen, is awe-inspiring. Her work is thought out but feels raw in emotion. It also feels traditional, but refreshing at the same time. Anne is an artist to follow. 

We were fortunate to see her latest work while designing a new Custom Site.

Thank you Anne for allowing us to share your work and your experiences with PhotoBiz. Please tell us about yourself, where did you grow up?

I was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and grew up just east of the city in Uddingston, Lanarkshire.

What got you into photography — were you always drawn to the arts?

Yes, I have always been drawn to the Old Masters’ paintings, literature, and classical music. I began photography 6 years ago when my son asked me to photograph his wedding. To that end, I rented a camera, equipment, and started watching Creative Live to learn about photography. It gave me a sense of purpose, and a growing desire to give back.

That’s amazing, you transitioned into photography not long ago. What has been your focus as an artist? I see you are drawn to portraits of women.

As women reach each stage of their life, their roles change, and many go through an identity crisis. Part of my mission is to provide her with an image that gives her confidence in her authentic self.

Your work ranges in styles, but there is a storytelling aspect to it. Why do you create such elaborate work?

I photograph portraits mostly — I feel so honoured that clients trust me to show them the beauty that shines from within. Every person has a story to share. It is invigorating to help create an image that tells that story. 

What is your process like?

It depends on the client, or what I want to create. I can be inspired by a painting, a walk on the beach, or clouds floating past. Like a story, it grows from there.

You specialize in something I rarely see, photographing women over 40, what made you choose this area of focus?

As I say on the website "One's beauty does not diminish with age.” Many women believe, “I’m not photogenic, I never look good in photographs,” or they’ve fallen into the pit of “I’m no longer attractive, I’m overweight, I’m too wrinkled, and so on.” That woman has built a platform of negativity that diminishes her self-worth. You are good enough NOW.

Now is the time to fall in love with yourself, time for you to be on the cutting edge of a new definition of yourself, time for you to feel empowered. And, most of all, time for you to celebrate your age and own it.

What is it like for your clients to work with you? Do they let you have total control or do you collaborate with them?

Collaboration is of utmost importance. I want to know how they want to be photographed, how they perceive themselves, and we go from there.

You have been a customer with PhotoBiz for some time, and recently decided to upgrade to a Custom Site, what made you decide to do this?

I have been working on a photographic exhibition “Women Warrior: Past, Present, Future.” My website was full of old photos and it needed to be updated with new information.

Your site has a richly textured quality to it, what made you decide that for your brand?

Because I love textures — they provide a painterly quality to my work.

We also spoke with the designer who built your site. She was thrilled about the project. Here’s what she had to say:

What was it like creating a site like this for Anne?

Designer: It was a fun and interesting challenge. Most of our clients want light and airy websites that have editorial layouts, but not Anne! It was a refreshing change of pace, as I was challenged with the soft browns and textures Anne requested for her site. Her work, however, made it so easy, as it has such a unique style and feel, and every single image is stunning in its own way.

What did you think of her work when putting it together? What was a big takeaway from building her site?

Designer: When I opened Anne’s folders of images I was absolutely floored. Not only is her work crisp, clean, and warm, it celebrates women and their accomplishments. I enjoyed incorporating as many images as possible into her site, in fact, I wanted to celebrate every single one. 

It was difficult for me to choose which image to display on each part of the website because they are all so incredible. She’s doing wonderful work, and if I ever felt I needed to have a portrait that celebrated me, Anne would be the first person I would call.

Anne was wonderful to work with. She knew exactly what she wanted, and wasn’t afraid to ask for changes. Clients like that are always lovely, and I look forward to working with her again.

Anne, what was the experience of getting a Custom Site like?

Worry-free. I provided the images, the text, and suggestions for how I wanted the pages to appear.

Would you recommend getting a Custom Site with PhotoBiz?

Yes, of course.

What’s next for you?

I have some ideas that are still in the formative stages.

Thank you for your time!

Anne's work is much like her own story, it is growing and evolving. When inspiration struck, she took on a new profession and she is mastering it. Anne's work is an inspiration to the craft and showcases how you always have a story to tell. Her new Custom Site is helping to tell that story.

Check out Anne’s website and if you want to have a Custom Site designed by our Pro Services team, call us at 1.866.463.7620, we’d be happy to help build your site.