Meet Anne-Marie Shumate, M. Photog., CPP | Master Photographer and owner of Lasting Images Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anne-Marie Shumate, M. Photog., CPP and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anne-Marie, how does your business help the community?
Looking at old photographs of my family from 100 years ago, I often wonder about the lives those people lived, their joys and fears. Along with faded letters and dusty books, these images are all we have left. In the future our children’s children will look at the images we have created and remember us.

I own Lasting Images Photography – a fine art photographic studio in Prescott, Arizona. I am in a business that creates a visual legacy and personal history for families. I also allow individuals to express their story in a personal way through the medium of photography. Art itself is an essential element in the lives of healthy human beings and creation heals us from the stresses and heartbreaks we experience every day.

I have the privilege of being invited to collaborate with people who have a message to convey, a moment to capture, or an event of a lifetime to celebrate. Sitting in front of the camera is a place of vulnerability for most of us. I have the opportunity to connect with another person, put their fears to rest, hear their story, and create images that they can use to show the world who they are and remember the most important moments in their lives.

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.
I create Art from your Life. My goal is to create portraits that are authentic, exceptional, and timeless. As a Master Photographer and Certified Professional Photographer, I’ve studied with some of the finest instructors in the world, building upon a solid foundation of creativity, style and excellence. Since opening Lasting Images Photography in 2003, I’ve designed a studio experience with my clients’ needs at the heart of it all. From the first phone call to the delivery and installation of finished art pieces, we work together to plan and create the images my clients have been envisioning. I’ve loved art and photography since I was young. My father is a devoted travel photographer, and I spent hours looking at his scrapbooks and slides from a lifetime of journeys around the world. When I was a teenager growing up in Prescott, my great aunt Naomi introduced me to fine art photography. She was a retired nursing school professor who started her second career as a fine art photographer at age 78 – proof that it’s never too late to pursue your passion! After graduating from Yavapai College, I continued my art studies independently, finally opening my own studio almost 20 years ago. I worked hard, practiced, and stretched myself every step of the way. I am focused on making sure that each image I create is the best it can be. I also take the time to ensure that my clients experience exceptional personal service and attention to every detail. I am currently pursuing my Craftsman degree through PPA, which is an international organization focused on teaching and mentoring within the photographic industry. I continue to learn and grow through education and travel.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I actually had this opportunity recently! I love Prescott. I grew up here and have lots of favorite spots. We spent years away in Texas and moved back about four years ago. Even though we have visited every summer for years, moving back was an opportunity to rediscover all there is to love about our beautiful town. I would definitely take advantage of the trails with some hiking. We love Constellation Loop in the Dells, Janet Fort Trail out Williamson Valley Road, Thumb Butte Trail, and so many others.

I really enjoy walking downtown at the Courthouse Square early in the morning with a dog or two to greet the regulars. After a long walk, Pecan Waffles with Apricot Syrup at the Waffle Iron was a ritual when I was growing up.

We love Saturday mornings at the Prescott Farmer’s Market. I can’t leave without a bagel and shmear, a lamb gyro from Claudine’s, a green juice and tamale, quiche, or samosas. Not all at once, but definitely hate to miss any of them! Loaded up with vine-ripened tomatoes, mushrooms, and vegetables, we head home.

There’s nothing better than putting your kayak in at Watson Lake and exploring the beautiful rock formations. Time on the lake is so peaceful – there’s no place I’d rather be on a summer morning. After a race back to the dock, there are so many great spots to eat lunch! A new favorite spot is Torme, with its great patio. You could also drop in at County Seat or Limoncello, followed by a trip to my favorite chocolate shop – Black Butterfly. Don’t miss their single source chocolate creations sure to please every palate.

A great way to while away the afternoon is a trip to Sharlot Hall Museum. I worked in their archive as a teenager and love the way they have captured the stories of the past for us to learn from today. After a stroll through the galleries and shops on Whiskey Row, I might finish up with dinner in Chino Valley at Essence Restaurant – great food and service!

Some evenings, we enjoy picking up a pizza from Two Mama’s or Rosa’s and heading up the short trail to the top of the mesa at Prescott Lakes for the 360 degree view, and unparalleled vantage point to watch the sunset.

I haven’t even mentioned the World’s Oldest Rodeo, or the many art shows, festivals, and events that Prescott hosts. There is something for everyone here. The secret’s out, and we are welcoming more visitors and new residents than ever before!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My success as an artist is in large part a reflection of the generosity of mentors, teachers and peers who shared their experience and knowledge with me as I learned my craft and built my business. I would like to thank my colleagues at Arizona Professional Photographers Association for their dedication to the art and business of photography. I have so many moments of illumination and inspiration that have been a result of opportunities to learn and grow with them.

Website: www.lastingimagesaz.com

Instagram: @lastingimagesaz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-shumate-m-photog-cpp-83618037/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lasting-Images-Photography-179801075346

Image Credits
Lasting Images Photography – Anne-Marie Shumate