Meet Anita Mcleod | Wedding, Boudoir and Landscape Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anita Mcleod and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anita, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success isn’t just one thing—it’s a combination of deep support, dedicated learning, and genuine connections. I truly couldn’t have achieved what I have without my husband, who has been my rock throughout this journey. He’s not only my biggest cheerleader, always encouraging me to push further, but he also takes on the business challenges and ensures I’m equipped with the best tools to do my job at the highest level. His belief in me has been a driving force behind every step I take.

Being self-taught, I’ve spent countless hours learning, experimenting, and perfecting my craft. Education is a never-ending journey for me, and I’m constantly seeking out new courses to improve, because I believe in offering nothing less than my very best to my clients. But it’s more than just technical skills—it’s about the relationships I build. I pride myself on the personal connections I make with each person I work with. My clients aren’t just clients; they often become friends. There’s something incredibly powerful about capturing someone’s essence, and it’s these emotional connections that fuel my passion for photography. This blend of support, education, and connection is the foundation of my brand’s success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a deeply personal journey that captures the authentic beauty of life’s moments. Whether photographing a wedding, engagement session, a boudoir session, or a breathtaking landscape, I explore each genre through a unique lens, ensuring that every image resonates with emotion and meaning. What sets me apart is my storytelling and emotive approach, where I believe photography goes beyond merely capturing a moment—it’s about evoking a deep connection with every image. This dedication allows me to create photographs that not only document events but also capture the emotions and stories that make those moments truly special.

What truly distinguishes me from others is my storytelling and emotive approach. I believe photography is more than just capturing a fleeting moment; it’s about evoking a deep connection with every image. Whether documenting the joy of a wedding, the empowerment of a boudoir session, or the serenity of a landscape, I focus on the narrative behind every shot. This commitment to storytelling allows me to create photographs that not only capture events but also the emotions and stories that make those moments truly special.

I am most proud of my accomplishments, from being featured in Arizona Highways to having my photos recognized as top 100 in the world twice in a prestigious contest along with other awards and features in magazines. These achievements reflect the hard work and passion I’ve invested in my craft.

Equally important to me are the profound connections I build through my photography, whether capturing the intimate moments of a wedding, the empowering essence of a boudoir session, or the stunning beauty of a landscape. Additionally, my passion for landscape photography and photographing ghost towns has been enriched by my husband, who shares my enthusiasm for learning the history of these places. Many of my most memorable shots wouldn’t have been possible without our joint adventures exploring these fascinating locations.

The path to where I am today has been a blend of passion and perseverance. Starting as a self-taught photographer, I dedicated countless hours to honing my craft. The journey hasn’t been easy—there were many challenges, from mastering the technical aspects of photography to navigating the complexities of running a business. But I overcame these obstacles through resilience, adaptability, and the support of a strong network, especially my husband, who has been a constant source of encouragement.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are invaluable. Perseverance is key—staying committed to your vision, even when faced with challenges, is essential. Continuous learning is also vital; the world of photography is always evolving, and keeping up with new techniques and trends is crucial, while staying true to your brand. Building meaningful relationships with clients has also taught me the importance of connection—it’s not just about taking great photos, but about understanding and capturing the essence of each client’s story.

My brand isn’t just about photography—it’s about storytelling through images that capture the authentic essence of every moment. With a deep commitment to emotional connection, every photograph I take is a blend of artistry and heart, crafted to tell a story that resonates long after the moment has passed. Beyond photography, I am also dedicated to teaching, mentoring and breaking down complex concepts into approachable, practical lessons that empower others to find their creative voice. Watching my students grow is one of the greatest rewards, and through this process, I give back to the community that has nurtured me. This small part of my journey is about continuous learning, sharing my passion, and helping others discover the beauty in their own stories.

My purpose is to capture the beauty and depth of life’s fleeting moments, and to inspire others to see the world through a lens of creativity and connection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an Arizona native, born and raised, I can definitely show you this beautiful state I’m proud to call home. If my best friend was visiting for a week, here’s how I’d ensure they had the most unforgettable time exploring Arizona’s diverse landscapes, unique attractions, and hidden gems. Now I know most of these places are pretty popular, but they are also some of my favorite places in Arizona.

Day 1: Chiricahua Mountains
Morning: Drive to the Chiricahua Mountains.
Mid-Morning: Hike Massai Point or Echo Canyon Trail (choose one based on preference).
Afternoon: Picnic in the park and explore the area.
Evening: Drive to Sonoita and stay overnight. Dinner at The Steakout.

Day 2: Sonoita & Madera Canyon
Morning: Explore Sonoita Creek State Natural Area for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Afternoon: Continue to Madera Canyon for a hike.
Evening: Return to Tucson for the night. Dinner at Yard House.

Day 3: Tucson
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Bobo’s.
Mid-Morning: Visit Saguaro National Park East or Sabino Canyon for hiking and desert views.
Afternoon: Lunch at Saguaro Corners and visit DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun.
Evening: Dinner at Mi Nidito and dessert at Hub Restaurant & Ice Creamery. We could also eat at the Hub. Downtown has so many options for food.

Day 4: Mount Lemmon, Tucson.
Morning: Drive to Mount Lemmon.
Mid-Morning: Hike Marshall Gulch Trail or Meadow Trail.
Afternoon: Have sack lunch at Rose Canyon Lake or Cookie Cabin.
Evening: Enjoy the sunset at Windy Point and dinner at Sushi Garden in Tucson. Head to an Air BNB in Sedona

Day 5: Sedona
Morning: Have breakfast by the creek at Le Auberge De Sedona.
Mid-Morning: Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Afternoon: Hike Devil’s Bridge Trail. (If you don’t want to hike, Tlequepaque is a great place to hang out for the day).
Evening: Dinner at Sedona Pizza Company and explore Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (if there is time).

Day 6: Horseshoe Bend & Lee’s Ferry
Morning: Drive northeast to Horseshoe Bend near Page.
Afternoon: Visit Lee’s Ferry and have lunch at Big John’s Texas BBQ.
Evening: Drive back to Phoenix and check into an Airbnb.

Day 7: Salt River & Phoenix
Morning: Spend the morning at the Salt River for kayaking and enjoying the scenery.
Afternoon: Sack lunch at The River.
Evening: Dinner at Backyard Taco, followed by ice cream at Old Town Scottsdale Sugar Bowl.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my incredible husband, whose impact on my photography career cannot be overstated. His unwavering support has been the cornerstone of my success. From the very beginning, he has been my greatest advocate, offering not only encouragement but also practical help with the business side of things. He’s dedicated countless hours to ensuring I have the latest and best equipment, and his belief in my vision has been a constant source of inspiration.

His support goes beyond just the professional realm; it’s his emotional strength and commitment that have carried me through challenging times. He’s been there through every high and low, always lifting me up and celebrating my achievements as if they were his own. Alongside him, I’m also deeply thankful for my mentors, photography groups, and friends, who have all played vital roles in my growth. However, it is my husband’s relentless dedication and love that have truly made all the difference in my journey. His contribution is immeasurable, and I am profoundly grateful for everything he does.

Website: https://www.anitamcleodphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitamcleodphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitamcleodphotography

Image Credits
Headshot photo of myself by Morgan Nicole Media