Meet Mary Anselmo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Anselmo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I have always been a big risk taker because it’s like gambling – high risk = high reward. You only live once, so why not take the risks because if you don’t you may regret it. I’ve never looked back on my life regretting that I’ve done something I’ve only looked back regretting NOT doing it. I say go for it, it’s God’s way of giving you an opportunity!

I took a huge a risk quitting my 9-5 studio job to create my own business from the ground up. I was giving up certainty and consistency for the unknown and financial mayhem that comes with a startup. I put a lot of money and time into my vision of Lyfe Photos, but knew it’d be worth it because I was creating something I truly believed in. I knew it was going to be a difficult journey, but I saw the light at the end of the tunnel and have an amazing support system with my family and faith.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Lifestyle Photographer specializing in everything including but not limited to ; portraits, families, events, weddings, headshots etc. My style is candid, playful, nostalgic, documentary-like. There is a film effect to my photographs due to my editing style to give them a nostalgic feel, like you’re looking back on old memories. I love to interact with my subjects in different ways to bring out a variety of emotions or step back at events to let scenes play out naturally and capture the essence of the day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would obviously scope out the most pictureesque spots for a photoshoot and capture the most gorgeous portraits of them in all the different scenery California has to offer – Thousand Oaks rolling hills, Malibu beach along the coast, scenic views in the canyons etc. We would have slow mornings finding a different local coffee shops around town, hike, take a yoga class, and have lots of beach days of laying in the sand reading our favorite books, talking about our dreams, and taking naps. We would take little day trips north to ventura for their thrift shopping and nightlife buzz. Ojai to taste wine and ride horses. Santa Barbara for their boujie small town vibe and beach. Of course, we would have to take another quick trip to Mammoth Lakes, the most beautiful mountain town and second home to me. Depending on if it’s in the winter or summer we would either go snowboarding or camping with lots of lake activities!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My entire family, God, my mentor from Score (Dan Frederickson), and a couple therapists along the way all contributed to my success. I grew up with a mom who was a successful stock broker, so I learned from a young age how to be a boss. I credit photographer Brooke Borough for hiring me as a second shooter and giving me the opportunity to learn from her as well. She is definitely someone I look up to as an inspiring person, photographer, and mother.

Website: www.lyfephotos.com

Instagram: lyfephotosbymary