Anna Claire Beasley works with film, digital and Super 8 formats and views wedding photography as an heirloom. She fuses the professionalism and attention to detail of a luxury experience with the grit and heart of her West Texas roots and adventurous spirit, creating nuanced, cinematic, and distinctly personal imagery. With a life-long love of travel Anna Claire Beasley captures weddings worldwide.
Where are you based?
I call Far West Texas home — specifically the quirky corner of Texas near Big Bend National Park. I’ve got wild burros running through my backyard and wide open skies big enough for all my wild ideas. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Do you travel for weddings?
Absolutely.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as “luxury grit.” With a background in photojournalism, I am ceaselessly curious about everything and bring that curiosity to my work. I love making connections and blending my artistic eye with the truth of the moment. I view weddings quite cinematically — aiming to create a gallery that first grounds you in a sense of place and then pulls you through both the thoughtful details and raw emotions of a wedding weekend.
What is your most memorable career moment?
Oof, this is a hard question. I think I am constantly in awe of the gravitas and joy of this job and the places it has taken me. Getting hired to shoot one of my Heirloom Sessions in Paris for a couple who had spent the summer together there, or following a couple on their 4-day bikepacking honeymoon and taking photos of the entire experience are both two instances where I particularly felt the intimacy and honor of getting to come alongside couples to document their lives. It’s a gift to bear witness and that never gets old!
What inspires you?
Old things and thrifted things. Family photo albums and the legacies of people and place. I love shared meals and crowded tables; That buzzing energy of people gathering and life happening is a huge inspiration for my work.The ache of nostalgia and desire to try and slow down beautiful moments so you can drink them up just a little while longer keeps me constantly looking for new ways to bring extra heart and intention to my work and my clients.
How would you describe your working style?
I pride myself on bringing a strong sense of calm to a wedding day. I love creating space for my couples and their guests to have candid moments together by encouraging a high-level of presence throughout the wedding weekend. I know most couples aren’t accustomed to being in front of the camera, so I tactfully balance stepping in and providing direction and simply allowing moments to unfold — resulting in photos that are both aesthetic and honest reflections of the day.
I particularly love looking for tiny details that help tell the full story of the wedding — jewelry details in interesting light, a quiet moment being shared between guests, joyful tears being shed during a first dance, a hand squeeze or emotion-filled glance from a mom. If distilled, I would say that my working style is simply paying attention; paying attention to light, to environmental details, to my couples chemistry and how they move together naturally; and then, when giving direction, I just try and enhance and showcase that in my galleries.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I shoot on both digital and film cameras and tailor the type of film I’m shooting and which cameras I select based on my couple’s vision. I also love incorporating Super 8 film coverage into engagement sessions or wedding portraits.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
I never want a client to feel put in a box by their photography coverage, so while I have starting rates available for couples to review after they inquire, I do create a bespoke proposal for every wedding. This ensures their day is documented in a fulsome way, in line with their priorities and vision.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
My Heirloom Sessions. Most often booked by previous weddings clients, my Heirloom Sessions are my signature portrait offering—they allow me to deep dive intentionally with couples outside of their wedding experience— to document their life, love, and legacy in whatever well feels most true to them.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
Anywhere that feels meaningful to the couple. I love storied landscapes, especially family ranches or places that feel like home to my clients. I think landscapes can be such a meaningful character in a wedding day, and I love pulling inspiration from the location when it comes to how I approach my photography.
If I really had to choose, I would love to travel to the northern coast of Spain, Greek Islands, Belize, or Baja.
Who is your dream client?
My dream client would be a couple who values experiences and recognizes that weddings provide a unique opportunity to play host to all your favorite people in a really meaningful way. I love hosting, so I love partnering with couples who share that value and aim to make their wedding experience an intentional and memorable one. Want to have your welcome dinner on a sailboat or your parent’s backyard? Hire a private tour to swim with humpback whales or ride horses in the backcountry? Count me in. No matter the location, size, or budget of the wedding, I love collaborating with couples who bring intentionality and heart to their day.
Anna Claire Beasley Photography
Website: annaclairebeasley.com
Instagram: @annaclairebeasley