Today we’d like to introduce you to Anja Stoll
Anja, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hey there, it’s Anja – your favorite German! I’m a proud mom of two little ones and happily married since 2017. My journey into the world of photography began early on during my high school years in Norway, a country I consider the most breathtakingly beautiful place I’ve ever lived in. It was the perfect place to learn.
My dad taught me the basics of photography – light, composition, texture, color and depth, while watching the sunset over the fjords and mountains. This was way back when I was only 10 years old!!
I became inseparable from my camera at that point. My journey with photography began in high school, where I experimented freely with settings and techniques. When I moved from Norway to the US for college, I was encouraged to shoot senior photos, family portraits, and weddings, and I embraced that advice wholeheartedly.
After about six years, I realized that while I was taking photos, the passion and creativity that initially drew me to photography were missing. It wasn’t until I spent 15 months living in the German-Austrian Alps, where I connected with models and photographers in the fashion scene, that my love for photography was reignited.
Upon returning to the US, settling in Idaho, I took a break from photography to focus on my family. However, after the birth of my daughter, I felt a strong pull to return to my craft. I took a leap of faith and secured a photographer spot for a major photoshoot with Utah fashion designer VanderRose. This opportunity opened doors for me in the Boise fashion scene and led to lifelong connections with talented photographers, models, and the VanderRose designers.
Since then, I’ve fully immersed myself back into photography, focusing on creating art, editorials, and fashion shows. My work has been recognized, and I was named one of the top 100 portrait photographers worldwide by Dodho magazine. I’ve been published in multiple magazines, including cover features and exclusive interviews, and I’ve shot various fashion shows, both locally and at Utah State Fashion Week.
I also founded Euphoria Magazine (@euphoriamagofficial), a platform showcasing creatives, photographers, models, fashion designers, and artists around Boise. Due to high demand, we’re now accepting submissions from Utah as well. Through Euphoria, I proudly represent a number of exceptional runway and editorial models, three of whom were cast for Utah State Fashion Week, where they walked for several designers.
This September, I’m continuing my photography journey at New York Fashion Week, where I’ll be accompanied by Euphoria Magazine models who will be walking for various designers. I’m also collaborating with fellow photographers and New York designers on exclusive photoshoots while in the city. Additionally, I’m part of an underground electronic music movement in Boise, where I’m making waves in photography and organizing pop-up fashion shows at underground raves with Euphoria Magazine.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing and perfecting an art is never a smooth road. My photography journey has been shaped by hard work, setbacks, successes, and countless hours of dedication. There have been times when my passion waned, and balancing family life, photography, and a full-time job as a graphic and web designer made it challenging to build momentum. I’m incredibly thankful for my supportive husband, who truly understands and believes in my passion for photography.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What I Do:
Photography: I am a professional photographer with extensive experience spanning well over 20 years.
Graphic and Web Design: I work as a graphic and web designer alongside your photography career.
Magazine Founder: I founded Euphoria Magazine, a platform that showcases creatives, photographers, models, fashion designers, and artists.
Event Organizer: I help organize fashion shows and underground raves as part of an underground electronic music movement in Boise.
What I Specialize In:
Portrait Photography: Known as one of the top 100 portrait photographers worldwide.
Fashion and Editorial Photography: I specialize in creating artistic and editorial content, as well as photographed a variety of Fashion Shows
Magazine Curation: Through Euphoria Magazine, I focus on curating and showcasing local talent in the creative industries, especially in photogrpahy and fashion.
What You Are Known For:
Top 100 Portrait Photographer: Recognized by Dodho magazine as one of the top 100 portrait photographers globally.
Published Work: My work has been featured in multiple magazines, including cover stories and exclusive interviews.
Fashion Show Photography: I have photographed a variety of fashion shows, including Utah State Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week.
Influence in Boise’s Fashion Scene: I have significantly contributed to Boise’s fashion scene, connecting with local photographers, models, and designers.
I have established a reputation for creating compelling, artistic, and editorial content – while maintaining an incredible knowledge base, and teaching others how to elevate their photography.
What I am Most Proud Of:
Reigniting My Passion: Overcoming periods where my passion faded and finding my way back to photography with renewed creativity.
Euphoria Magazine: Building and expanding a magazine that highlights creative talent
New York Fashion Week: Continuing my photography journey at New York Fashion Week, accompanied by models represented by Euphoria magazine.
Balance and Support: Managing to balance family life, a full-time job, and my photography career, with the support of my husband.
What Sets Me Apart from Others:
Diverse Experience: My journey includes a unique blend of portrait, fashion, editorial photography, and graphic/web design, which gives me an extremely well-rounded perspective.
Passion and Creativity: I have a deep commitment to creativity, focusing on the artistic side of photography, which was reignited during my time in Germany.
Community Builder: Through Euphoria Magazine, I actively support and elevate other creatives in your community, making me not just a photographer but a curator and advocate for others in the industry.
Underground Influence: My involvement in Boise’s underground electronic music scene and fashion shows highlights my innovative and boundary-pushing approach.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
my parents and sister, husband and kids, my closest friends, and a huge list compiled of photographers, models, fashion designers, marketers, and influencers I have met along the way that have endlessly supposed me
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anjastollphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjastollphoto
