Meet Our February Alumna Spotlight: Anna Petrow

Our February Alumna Spotlight features Anna Petrow! Read more to hear what she has been doing since she graduated in May of 2014!

Name: Anna Petrow 

Theta pledge class: 2010

When you graduated from Mizzou: 2014

Major/Degree: Journalism

Hometown: Kansas City

Where do you live now? Kansas City 

Where do you work right now/what have you been up to since graduation?

I’ve been working as a full time photographer with my own company for 9 years– primarily with local food and beverage brands, farms, restaurants and hotels. 

What’s the coolest thing (or a few cool things) you’ve been able to experience because of your job?

Although I primarily work with clients in KC, I occasionally have the opportunity to work with some publications like the New York Times, Travel + Leisure and Fathom Travel– which has brought me to really incredible parts of the country where I’ve met new people, tried new things and had the pleasure of seeing my work in print– which any journalism grad will tell is always exciting!   

What's your favorite thing about your job?

I love getting to work with so many creative people– from chefs to makers and other artists, it's an honor to bring people’s passions to life through photography. 

What's your favorite thing about the city you live in?

People are so supportive of each other! I always say it’s a real “community over competition” type of mindset here. My clients are always so generous introducing me to other people– and best of all are the friendships I’ve made with other photographers in the city.  

What do you do in your free time?

I love to cook! It’s fun applying what I see at work in my kitchen at home- I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years on shoots with some very talented, intuitive cooks. 

What are you passionate about?

Sustainable farming really excites me- having grown up in the Midwest my entire life, it’s amazing to see how farmers in the region are embracing innovative techniques that are great for the land, animals, and their end product. One of my first ever clients was Green Dirt Farm, and it’s been an honor to see their growth in the space. They’re opening a cheese tasting room in downtown KC this spring!

Do you have any other future career/life goals?

I recently started spending more time shooting with 35mm film again– which is how I first learned photography as a kid. It’s really helping me reconnect with the creative side of my craft, and I launched a side project on Instagram called @portraits.ofaplace where I’m sharing film-only photography. 

What do you miss most about Mizzou and/or Theta?

The proximity of being with all of your friends is such a gift– over the years, our careers have taken us across the country, and we still reminisce about how special it was to all be in the same place at the same time. There’s nothing like having your best friends just down the hall! 

What is one thing you took away from being a part of Theta in college that has shaped you into the woman you are today? (AKA: What impact has Theta left on you?)

The power of women supporting each other in their endeavors– it continues to be a guiding force in my life today, and I have so many women to thank for helping me enter spaces that would’ve been hard to navigate on my own. 

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory?

Endless evenings with late night cereal and cookie dough straight out of the tub in weekend kitchen! Nothing is happier than piling as many of your pals onto that couch as possible. 

Anything else you'd like to add?

I always love hearing from Mizzou students who want to work in the photo/creative/advertising space! It’s an industry going through constant changes, and it’s fulfilling to swap perspectives on it all.