Candid Family Photographer based in Richmond, VA. Family photographer Anna Dobrovolskaia|Richmond, VA

About me


I became interested in photography during my early university years. I started exploring local photographers and admiring their work, although I’ve always loved Polaroid and film cameras since childhood for capturing moments. Even then, I longed to own a professional camera and try photography myself. However, lacking the funds and believing I had no talent or inclination for photography, buying a camera seemed pointless and wasteful.

Later, with the advent of smartphones, I regularly snapped pictures of the city and nature, enjoying editing them with apps. Despite this, I never seriously considered pursuing photography—I felt there were already too many photographers around.

In 2021, feeling burned out at work, I began searching for a new passion and remembered my interest in photography. That’s when I purchased my Fuji XT-200 camera, an excellent model for beginners. I quickly immersed myself in photography, inviting acquaintances for shoots. As my skills grew, I started earning money, eventually quitting my job to become a full-time photographer.

For me, photography is a path to freedom and self-expression. It’s where I discover new things about myself and the world, and the process itself feels like meditation. It’s about capturing beauty and showing the world through my perspective.