Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Barry.
Hi Annie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was always the kid with the camera. I had upgraded from silicone encased, to disposable, to digital, to DSLR by age 12. They were toys, growing up.
I spent a lot of high school in the dark-room, going to gallery shows, and competing. At age 16, I became a published writer and photographer, and started working as an editor for a small, local magazine. The job didn’t pay, but that didn’t matter since I was also waiting tables.
In college, at the University of Kansas, I was a writer & photographer for the campus newspaper. I got my degrees in English: Literature, Language, & Writing; Creative & Analytical Writing.
Meanwhile, I had been serving all over Kansas City. From dive bars, to BBQ, to fine dining; north and south of the river.
One shift, my manager asked me if I would take photos for the menu at her new restaurant, and my trajectory changed. In the time since, I’ve started my own business as a professional food & drink photographer.
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?
Everything about my life, as a photographer, has come from happenstance. Passion has led the way, and the rest has followed. I am very lucky to be able to do what I love. I can’t call that struggling. This is the start to living my dream.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a restaurant photographer from inside of the industry. My style is based on my perspective as a fine dining server, in Kansas City.
I specialize in food, beverage, & event photography; mainly for menus, online ordering services, social media & print marketing.
Much of what sets me apart is my experience with restaurants, menus, food, cocktails, wine, and service. I understand plating specs, can spot a broken sauce, and know the second that a dish, or drink is dead. My standards are the same on the expo line, as they are when I’m shooting.
My style also comes from being a storyteller, above all. As a writer and editor, I often look for the most resonating and effective ways of communication. The same applies to my photography. There is so much to be conveyed within every photo: from key ingredients that make the dish; to the hands and minds that curated it; and the ambiance of the guests enjoying it all.
I’m proud of how everything has crossed over. All of the time spent, staring at plates, has given me an eye for detail that can spot a dot of fine black pepper in vanilla bean ice cream. At one point, I thought that I would serve until I found a job that got me out of working in restaurants. Now, I’ll never leave the industry.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I cannot thank my former manager, Anna Smith, enough for the opportunities that have thus started my career.
As well as my family, for ensuring that I was equipped to go on this journey. Thank you, Stevie, for everything.
They all knew what was in store for me, well before I did. And I thank them endlessly for seeing it in me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anniebarryphotography.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: @anniebarryphotography
