Annelise Loughead
We’re stoked to have our friend Annelise Loughead with us for this week’s Dreamos Round Table! Annelise is a photographer and videographer building her dreams from Nashville, TN.
More than a career, Annelise has built a dream of telling stories through the lens of her camera. From helping artists bring their vision to life, to capturing moments that bring others together, her ability to unlock the magic of those around her is unlike any other.
Whether it’s working with artists like Maren Morris, Parker McCollum, or Lucie Silvas, Annelise’s life is a perfect example of what happens when consistent faith collides with opportunity. We know you’ll be encouraged and inspired as you hear more from her heart, story, and pursuit.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
I’m currently a photographer and videographer based in Nashville, TN. My dream is to continue growing in photography and the film world. I’d love to be a director. I’m lucky to have been able to direct some small projects already.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
I was sitting with a friend, and we were talking about what makes us happy from day to day. I was just doing photography as a hobby at the time, but during this conversation something changed. I realized how much I really love photographing people. I turned to my friend and said (not a direct quote), “You know, I really want to go for it. I don’t know what I’ve been doing doubting this for so long because I see other people doing it. I’ll do stuff for free until it turns into something bigger.”
The next day I sent out some emails to a few people I knew offering free work to them. It snowballed quickly, and two years later I was able to quit my day job and freelance full time.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
A few weeks ago I asked God to tell me why He’s given me this desire to photograph people. I was having one of those days where I felt like nothing mattered, and what I created didn’t matter. Was I chasing something that was completely self-serving? Did it just boost my ego? I was on the plane to visit a friend in LA a few days later and the list of reasons came pouring in so fast I had to write them down.
To be photographed is to be vulnerable. I’ve been given a great gift of being able to connect deeply with people I may have only just met. I get to surprise them with how beautiful they are and show them how their soul shines. I get to help other artists bring the vision in their head to life. I get to be a part of special, intimate moments like first looks, wedding vows, and prayers.
I don’t take it lightly. I realized what I do matters, and who I am matters even more. I realized God has given me this desire to create meaningful relationships and remind others of their beauty when it may be hard for them to see. I have fun editing, but I realized a lot of my job is in the shooting process. It is so important to be present there, and I view it as a sacred time.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
It’s super important to take breaks. It’s trendy now to “be your own boss” and to be “on that grind” - haha. I did that for a year and was totally unhappy. I wasn’t pursuing my goal for the right reasons and was blowing off relationships and missed a lot of fun times with friends and family for the sake of getting another gig. Taking breaks and knowing when to say “yes” or “no” to things is crucial to being your best self.
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
Set goals, but stay open-minded. Do something every day that helps you grow, even if it’s for 5 minutes. If you work hard at learning your craft, you’ll be ready for the opportunities when they come. You can’t always force them or create them.