Behind the Lens With Fathom 24 Best Travel Photographer Anna Petrow

We're thrilled to name Anna Petrow one of our 24 Best Travel Photographers. A regular Fathom contributor, we've long admired the way she captures motion in food and travel. We wanted to get to know her better, including why she thinks eating well and traveling often are the two most important things.

Tell us a little about yourself.
My work is guided by my mantra: Eat well, travel often. Food and travel are the two things I care most about in life, so I'm working to shape my career around both by focusing my photography on those industries. I believe life is better spent in new places, and there's nothing I enjoy more than an aimless walk or drive in an unfamiliar place. It's the best way to get to know an area and see new things. The day I stop finding excitement in observation is probably the day I'll stop being a photographer, but I can't foresee that ever happening.

I recently returned from a month of travel to Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, and Tampa. Tampa was strictly work, Atlanta was for an engagement shoot and to scout some new culinary clients, and St. Louis and Chicago were purely for fun. I spent my time in Chicago at a Cubs game, eating lots of pizza and donuts, and wandering around the city. St. Louis was two consecutive weekends of trying out new restaurants, visiting friends, and one weekend in Desoto for time in the country making s'mores and hanging by the lake.

Kansas City is home and my favorite place to photograph. The culinary variety is astounding. To me, it's the best city on the planet.

How would you describe your photography style?
In the moment. I started out as a sports photographer, which is how I learned to react quickly to the motion of everyday life. I especially strive to capture the moments that make travel and dining so unique. I hope to convey a sense of movement in all of my photographs; even the styled food shots. I hope my work inspires people to get up and do something – from trying a new restaurant to planning a trip.

What do you love most about photographing on the road?
Photography is such a wonderful trade because it forces you to slow down and pay attention to details. It helps me to notice things I would otherwise pass by. These details usually turn out to be the things I remember most after my travels. It's a great practice, one that's worth adopting even if you aren't a photographer. I also love being able to share my travels with those who aren't with me. It helps me relax and enjoy my time because I know I'll be able to relive the experience later on.

Where are you headed next?
Honestly, for the first time in a long time, I don't know! My dream trips would be to Thailand and India, and I would love to return to Buenos Aires. I also need to get my food-obsessed self to Austin as soon as possible. Wherever I go, I promise to share it on my Instagram feed.

A QUICK PORTFOLIO

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

Anna Petrow Stories on Fathom
24 Best Travel Photographers
Anna Petrow: Portfolio
Anna Petrow on Instagram