Anne

“Never be afraid to walk away and start again.”

What do you think draws you to taking pictures?
I just love it! I think I always have done. Especially taking pictures of people. When you can capture a person being themselves in the moment with the light just right, there’s nothing like it.

Tell us about your favourite photo
My favourite photos are always taken by other people. I don’t have a specific photo but I do love photojournalism and always follow the World Press Photo awards. Those photographers really risk themselves to capture their images. Each one tells an amazing story, and it could end up changing how we think about things forever. I think that is such a powerful and important part of photography.

What are the challenges of running a small one-person business on this island?
I’d say staying disciplined and focused. Ibiza is a serious distraction! During the summer if I’m not at a wedding I’m editing a wedding, which means lots of hours spent indoors. I’m also responsible for all my own publicity & promotion which takes time. Sometimes it’s so tempting to skip off to the beach or go for dinner somewhere lovely but I have to stay in instead. I wouldn’t change it though as those moments I do get to enjoy the island are priceless.

What was the last picture you took on your phone?
Does a screenshot count? My lovely friend Rav was 40 at the weekend and I wanted to put together some photos of us for her facebook. I met her whilst working at the same wedding company for a few years and we hit it off right away. So the last photo on my phone is of her singing into a bouquet of flowers whilst we were waiting for a bride to arrive. We had some great times working together and still do even though she’s moved back to London now.

Where is your happy place?
There are lots of places which make me happy. I love really simple places with a small bar or restaurant, somewhere quiet and away from the crowds. I guess my top pick would be the village of San Agustin. There’s a lovely garden bar there called Can Berri which sits right by the church. At sunset the views are amazing and it’s always really chilled.

What’s your favourite day of the week?
I’d say any day where I don’t really have to plan – I love the day to just unfold as it goes along. Being self employed and living in Ibiza means we don’t really have traditional days of the week which feel a certain way. If I had to choose though I’d say Monday. The start of the week feels like a renewal and in those next 7 days anything could happen.

Just when I think I’ve heard it all I meet someone new who changes the way I think or makes a great impression.

What did you do on your most recent birthday?
I’d actually planned a lovely birthday weekend in Paris with a stay in a floating hotel on the Seine. Covid19 had other ideas however, so my Parisian weekend was cancelled and we spent the day at home. I really wasn’t expecting much, just a quiet day with a nice dinner perhaps. But when I got up I saw that my boyfriend had decorated the house with hand drawn Paris landmarks. So I did end up dining by the Eiffel tower after all which was lovely.

What is the best piece of advice that you’ve received?
Ok, so I have a best piece of advice and a favourite piece of advice. It’s a favourite because it’s true and although gross it always makes me laugh. So my best piece is never be afraid to walk away and start again. You are all you need and you’re a lot stronger than you think you are.
And my favourite piece of advice is you can’t polish a turd! So don’t even try!

What is the best thing about living in Ibiza?
I’ve lived in Ibiza for over 20 years, so there’s lots of things which I love. I think what I like best is Ibiza’s ability to surprise you. Just when I think I’ve seen it all I come across somewhere amazing I’ve never been. Just when I think I’ve heard it all I meet someone new who changes the way I think or makes a great impression. This island is so beautiful and it attracts such interesting people, it means there’s always something new to see or learn.

In what ways do you consider yourself lucky?
With most things I think you make your own luck, but I do consider myself very fortunate with the friends I have. I’m an only child so my friends are like my family and are incredibly important to me. I don’t have a huge group of people in my life, but the ones who are there both here and in the UK I couldn’t live without. I’m so grateful for that.