Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Carreno.
Hi Anna, 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?
I first fell in love with photography after the birth of my daughter 12 years ago. Her newborn session was my first experience with professional photography, and I vividly remember how meaningful the entire process felt. Those images remain some of my most cherished photographs to this day. That experience planted a seed—I knew I wanted to learn how to create images like that one day.
About a year later, my husband gifted me my first DSLR camera. While I began experimenting, life was full as I balanced being a new mom and a full-time teacher, leaving little time or resources to fully pursue photography. When my son was born eight years ago, we returned to the same photographer for his newborn session, and that passion was reignited. I knew then that I wanted to not only capture my own family’s memories, but also provide that same meaningful experience for others.
Today, photography is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I am grateful every day to create lasting memories for the families I serve.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many creative journeys, it has come with its share of challenges. In the beginning, balancing a full-time career as an educator alongside being a wife and mother left very little time to fully pursue photography. Progress was slow, and much of it happened in the margins of everyday life.
About five years ago, I made the decision to fully immerse myself in photography education through online courses and in-person mentorships. That commitment deepened both my skills and my passion, and it confirmed that this was more than a hobby—it was something I was truly meant to pursue. Discovering such a meaningful passion later in life, in my 30s, has been incredibly rewarding and has shown me that it’s never too late to grow, learn, and build something you love!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The heart of my work is centered on families, with a special focus on the journey from maternity through a baby’s first year of life. I am passionate about growing alongside the families I photograph and documenting each milestone as their story unfolds. From those early newborn days to first birthdays and beyond, I love creating images that become part of a family’s history.
What I am most proud of is the lasting relationships I’ve built over the years. Many of my clients return time and time again, and being trusted to document their growing families is something I never take for granted.
What truly sets me apart is the experience I provide. Once you meet me, you’re not just hiring a photographer—you’ve gained a friend for life. My goal is to create a relaxed, low-stress environment where families feel comfortable being themselves, allowing me to capture authentic moments and meaningful connections just as they are.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as creating meaningful, lasting relationships and images that truly matter to the families I serve. Success isn’t measured by numbers or trends, but by trust—when families return year after year and invite me into their lives to document their most meaningful moments.
As a photographer, success also means providing an experience that feels genuine, low-stress, and personal, while creating photographs that stand the test of time. Knowing that my work will be cherished, displayed, and passed down for generations is what truly defines success for me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annacarrenophotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna.carrenophotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anna.carrenophotography
- Other: https://book.usesession.com/i/_ab9Of8-1
Image Credits
Ashley Newman Photography (for my single headshot image)
