Anna Lens

Anna Lens thinks of photography as part of her life, instead of her career, and is very addicted to it.

Interview With Anna Lens From United States

Interview With The 2022 MUSE Photography Awards Gold Winner – Anna Lens

1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?

Hey I'm Anna, photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up my parents always had cameras they would let me use, and as I got older I got my own and took it everywhere with me.

2Where did you study photography?

Self taught.

3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?

Definitely not, I was so young. It was probably an animal or some type of nature shot.

4What equipment do you use?

Nikon Z7 is my main camera right now.

5What do you hope to achieve?

I have some pretty big dreams, but I like to show not tell.

6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?

Anytime someone tells me that one of my pieces really touched or resonated with them is always the biggest compliment I can get. Creating art is something I love, but sharing it is what I'm really passionate about.

7What inspires your unique storytelling?

I think of my photographs like songs. I always say that a song can mean something different to each person that listens to it, and I feel the same about my art pieces. I want each person who engages with it to find the meaning in it themselves. That's the beauty of art.

8What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?

Bold. Beautiful. Raw.

9Congratulations! As the winner of the MUSE Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?

Thank you! I'm always honored to have one of my photographs recognized. It brings more awareness to each piece, and my driving force is sharing my art with others to enjoy.

10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2022 MUSE Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

The pieces I entered are close to my heart. Photographing horses - one of my favorite subjects if not my absolute favorite - they embody the American spirit. Power, spirit, beauty, strength, and so much more. "Wild Sands" took place on a trip that is one of the fondest memories of my life, an exciting adventure sleeping in a hammock jerry rigged inside of a Jeep. Searching for mustangs to photograph during the day. "Power" was a photograph of the best horse I've ever owned. And "Silk Falls" was a representation of the turning of my career.

11How has winning an award developed your career?

Winning awards is another great way to bring awareness to my work, and it's also just a lot of fun. What's better than that?!

12Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.

Peter Lik, Kevin Abosch, David Yarrow.

13What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?

Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right. - Henry Ford.

14What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?

Just do it! If you love it, there's no better job in the world.

15What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

Don't talk about it, just go do it. Be resourceful.

16How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?

It's addicting to me, not reading and researching would take away 2/3 of my day. The minute you think you know everything, you just lost.

Winning Entry

Wild Sands | 2022

The first thing I did after I arrived on Assateague Island was set up camp and go searching for the famous wild horses. We drove…
(Read more at MUSE Photography Awards)

Anna Lens

Anna Lens thinks of photography as part of her life, instead of her career, and is very addicted to it.

View the interview article with Vivien Schust, the 2022 MUSE Photography Category Winner of the Year.