Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Tran.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi, I’m Annie!
I’m a wedding photographer based in California and Virginia, but I’m open to traveling anywhere in the world! I know, it sounds a little unusual to be based in California and Virginia! I primarily shoot in Southern California (mostly Orange County and San Diego), but I often travel back and forth to Virginia for weddings as well! My boyfriend, Tilden, is a wedding videographer in Virginia (Lexa Visuals), so we split our time between coasts to visit each other and shoot weddings together. I officially started my wedding photography business in February 2025, but I’ve been shooting weddings for longer than that!
My journey has been anything but linear. I actually grew up in the wedding industry. My dad was a wedding photographer, and my mom helped him run the business, while also doing bridal florals and makeup, so I was exposed to the world of weddings for as long as I can remember. I was pretty much into photography and videography the moment I had a phone that had a camera. When my dad noticed my interest in photography, he gave me my first camera, and I photographed everything I could! That included making my cousins model for me in 90 degree weather in the summer. At 16, I assisted at my first wedding — and instantly fell in love.
In college, I stepped away from photography, thinking I needed to pursue something “more practical” (as those around me would say). But photography never really left me. I’d always have friends asking me to do headshots, branding photos, and graduation photos. In 2023, Tilden asked me to second shoot a wedding with him. I picked up a camera again for the first time in eight years and everything changed. I remembered exactly why I loved it and I have to give Tilden full credit for getting me back into the wedding world! I started second shooting in 2023-2024 and in 2025, I decided it was time to branch out on my own and start my own business!
Outside of photography, I’m also a non-traditional pre-med student working towards applying to medical school. People often assume you have to choose between science and art, but I believe in balancing both! So here I am now — building a life around two passions. Photography gives me space to express myself creatively, while medicine fuels my curiosity and desire to serve others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, it’s been a pretty smooth road, but like anything worthwhile, there have definitely been some challenges along the way. Each challenge has taught me something valuable and helped me grow—both as a photographer and as a person. One of the biggest challenges was finding my unique style and brand. In the beginning, I had so many creative ideas that I overwhelmed myself trying to fit into multiple aesthetics at once. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and lean into what feels most authentic to me. I learned that I love the nostalgic look of film and documentary photography, so my style emmulates that!
Another hurdle was learning to be less critical of my own work. After every shoot, I used to hyper-analyze every single photo—even when there was nothing wrong with them. I’ve come to realize that perfection isn’t the goal; capturing real, meaningful moments is. That mindset shift has helped me appreciate my progress and focus on what truly matters.
And finally, one of the toughest ongoing challenges has been balancing my time. Juggling photography—where I strive to give each client the best service and photos possible—with the demands of rigorous STEM courses and studying for the MCAT hasn’t been easy. But it’s taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of staying grounded in my purpose.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a wedding photographer who specializes in capturing couples, engagements, elopements, and weddings. My work blends documentary-style storytelling with an editorial touch—I love capturing both the raw emotions and the dreamy, cinematic moments that makes you relive all of the emotions of the day while also feeling like you’re in a magazine.
What sets me apart is that I aim to make film and editorial type of photography more accessible as I offer flexible and affordable options without compromising quality. I want every couple, no matter what their budget is, to feel like their love story matters and deserves to be beautifully captured. I also take pride in building a genuine connection with my clients, so the experience feels more like working with a friend than just a vendor.
I’m most proud of the way my clients feel when they see their photos. I’ve had couples tell me that looking through their gallery felt like reliving the day all over again. That, to me, means everything. My goal isn’t just to deliver pretty pictures—it’s to tell a story that you’ll be able to relive for years to come!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I love listening to “Oh Shoot” by Cassidy Lynne whenver I need a spark of inspiration from another wedding photographer! I also take a lot of inspiration on Instagram from my favorite photographers Hannah Rosser and Kayleigh Taylor whenever I’m in a creative rut. Pinterest is also a must have for me as well! I love being able to visualize my client’s visions!
Pricing:
- My wedding packages ranges from $1,695 to $2,895 with 6-10 hours of coverage but I also offer custom packages as well!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.honeyannephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyannephotography?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
