Anne Marie Fox

I attribute my success to passion, discipline, perseverance, and preparation. Growing up with a single mother who worked tirelessly taught me the value of hard work, while my education in all-girls Catholic schools instilled discipline from an early age. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, like Lee Daniels and Jean-Marc Vallée, who recognized my talent and gave me opportunities to excel. Guidance from my therapist helped me see every stage as part of a larger journey, and maintaining faith, positivity, and focus has been essential in navigating a career with no guarantees. Coupled with a natural eye for photography—an inheritance from my father and grandfather—my passion and dedication have been central to my growth and longevity in this field.

The best career advice I ever received came from a photo editor at Max Magazine in Italy, who helped me realize my true path. After two years building a portfolio as a fashion photographer, he told me, “Really nice imagery, but where are the clothes?” I wasn’t a fashion photographer—I was a portrait artist meant to work with actors. That guidance saved me from pursuing a genre that didn’t fit my strengths. Equally influential was my therapist, who taught me that every stage is part of a larger journey and that daily effort builds toward future results, even on difficult days. And my mother’s words—“The world doesn’t want to hear your excuses; it wants to see results”—have continually fueled my focus, perseverance, and patience through uncertainty.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to educate yourself thoroughly and stay informed—read trade magazines, watch films, and immerse yourself in the craft daily so you understand how the industry works. Think creatively about building your portfolio and opportunities, even when resources or contacts are limited; early in my career, I ran a blog showcasing actors, athletes, and performers, which helped me grow my work and network. Seek mentors and allies who recognize your talent, stay focused and clear about your goals, and practice gratitude along the way. Most importantly, persevere—especially during setbacks or long waits. I was once told I wouldn’t succeed because I was female and Black, but I used that as fuel. Faith, discipline, and persistence are essential, and if you stay committed, doors will eventually open.

The biggest challenges in my field are its competitiveness, physical demands, and the persistence required to succeed. There is typically only one photographer on a production, so securing a position means overcoming significant odds. The industry is also male-dominated, and I was once told I wouldn’t succeed because I was female and Black, which made perseverance essential. Long days on set demand stamina, so I prioritize fitness and health to keep up. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to adapt and grow—like taking a masterclass in AI to stay informed about emerging technologies. Staying curious, adaptable, and proactive is key to thriving in a constantly evolving industry.

The values most important to me are discipline, humility, passion, faith, and continuous learning. Discipline was instilled early through my upbringing with nuns, all-girls Catholic schools, and a single mother who balanced work and school, teaching me the importance of hard work and results. Humility and gratitude guide my work, reminding me to honor opportunities and stay open to growth, while respect, positivity, and professionalism shape how I interact with others. Faith and optimism sustain me in a career with no guarantees, and staying informed—through trade magazines, masterclasses, or daily steps toward my goals—ensures I keep evolving. Above all, observation and presence are central, both to my work and how I approach life.