THE WOMEN BEHIND THE CAMERA


ANNIE BANTON

Hey there! I'm a 26 year old wife to a loving and handsome husband, a mommy to the absolute sweetest little boy and girl, and a real life story teller!

As a life-long Christ follower, I find it nearly impossible not to find the things and people of this world fascinating and beautiful, therefore I do my best to capture them in photographs that can be admired for years to come. I'm obsessed with capturing that “OH MY GOSH” moment from each session that just makes your heart swell when you see it. Nine times out of ten, these moments aren't posed at all, as I try my best to use prompts that will incite true reactions and emotions rather than forced smiles. It's important to me that each photograph holds a fresh and new emotion that your heart can settle into.

♥️Ever since my incredible warrior of a mother passed away from cancer and heart failure in October of 2019, I have become an even bigger advocate for pushing people to get photographs of and with the ones they hold most dear. I truly believe that photography is the pause button of life, and can hold every emotion and memory that your mind forgets over time. With one look at a photograph, you're instantly flooded with exactly where your heart was in that moment, and I find that to be totally irreplaceable.


Fun Facts about me:

  1. I LOVE Jesus! My happy place is when I get together with my friends and family to worship and soak in His love.
  2. In November of 2020 I decided to have VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) weight loss surgery. Since then I have lost about 130 lbs and am a much happier and healthier version of myself! Because of this, I feel I know how to capture bodies of ALL sizes in a natural and beautiful way!
  3. I rely far too heavily on iced coffee to get me through the day... Dunkin', Starbucks, Jackson Avenue. You can find me at one of these coffee spots ordering my signature iced mocha on the daily!
  4. TV shows that are on shuffle while I edit are usually New Girl, Parks & Rec, or The Office.


CHARITY Smith

Hi guys! I'm Charity Smith! I'm a 24 year old animal-loving gal who loves the super simple things in life. I live on the outskirts of Mattoon with my fiancé, Christian, and our 20+ animals (including dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, and a bearded dragon). You can almost always find me barefoot outside, gardening or tending to our fur-babies!

Although I have always loved taking photos, I started in Photography with Annie in 2017 and have learned 90% of what I know from watching and shooting with her. I've photographed far too many weddings to count with/for Annie over the last 6 years, along with a few mini session events (holiday themed and otherwise). I specialize in Weddings & Couples, but also love working with families & Seniors!


Fun Facts about me:

  1. I'm a Matcha Latte junkie!
  2. My favorite color is yellow, so much so that I painted my front door & refrigerator that color!
  3. Other than photography & gardening, I also love to bake & play with DIY crafts.
  4. YES, Annie & I are family! She married my big brother, so we've been close friends (and considered each other family) for over 11 years now!

More Photos of Annie & Charity!