Daily Inspiration: Meet Samantha Annis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Annis. 

Hi Samantha, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I decided I wanted to be a professional photographer when I was 15. I saw a photo of mine coming to life through the chemicals in my high school photo lab. I had rolled the film, gone right outside my parents’ house, in a small town in Israel, and snapped the shot. It felt really magical that I had created something that wouldn’t have existed otherwise. I started out with some family portraits, small product shoots, and eventually made my way to shooting weddings. I had become so busy by the end of the summer that I decided to finish high school online and continue to work on my photography business. At this point, I was only 16 and I knew I didn’t want to shoot family portraits and weddings forever. When I completed my national service, I moved to Los Angeles and studied commercial photography to further pursue fashion and beauty work at the Brooks Institute. Whenever I was not working on technical school assignments I was working on personal assignments in LA. I interned and assisted whoever I could- whenever I could. I reached out to stylists, designers, models, etc., and did as many personal shoots I could to build my network, experience, and portfolio. 

After graduating I continued to grow my network and business. I have gotten to where I am today by not waiting to go for what I want. The best thing someone can say to me is “No.” “No” can either be a catalyst to try harder or a door to a new direction. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There were some learning curves along the way of course! The freelance and creative life can feel often feel unstable. One week you are super busy, the next you don’t know what your next job is. I think growth in this industry needs to be evaluated on a 6-month basis, which requires some patience. Covid-19 was a big yikes, it definitely caused mayhem in the industry and work was on hold for a long while during the stay-at-home orders. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in commercial and advertising portraits with a focus in the fashion and beauty industry. I am known for the bold colors, movement, and personalities I capture. 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Be respectful and sincerely look for how you can enhance others’ journey rather than just your own. The more the people around you succeed, the more you succeed. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.samanthaannis.com
• Instagram: @samanthannis
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/samanthannis
• Twitter: @samanthannis