Anna Tumarkina - The Story Behind the Camera

When I first met Anna Tumarkina, the first thing that stood out to me was her big smile, flowing hair and exuberant personality. After packing up her life in Ukraine, she moved to Canada in 2022 looking for a fresh start. Anna knew building a life in a new country would take time, but over the past few years, she has done just that.

Now based in Toronto, the 28-year-old has built Tumarkina Photo into a thriving photography business, capturing families, couples and life's most important moments while creating a name for herself in Canada’s largest city.

What she didn't expect was that photography would become the very thing that helped her find her place. While photography is now her profession, her creative side began showing up long before she ever owned a professional camera.

"Back home I studied art and design at university, and I think that's really where everything started for me creatively,” Anna said. “I've always been into visuals and little details, but I didn't fully understand at the time that it would turn into photography as my career.”

Growing up as an only child, Anna says she was fortunate to be surrounded by a close-knit family. Some of her happiest memories were made at her great-grandparents' countryside home outside the city, where summers revolved around the lake and winters brought endless outdoor adventures.

"I spent most of my summers at my great-grandparents' countryside house outside the city, near a lake," Anna shared. "That place is still one of my strongest childhood memories."

"It was such a simple life there. In the summer we swam in the lake and picked flowers in the fields,” Anna said. “Winters were different but just as fun. We went skating on the ice and spent hours outside until we were completely frozen.”

Photography entered Anna’s life when she was about 12 years old after her mother gifted her with her first camera.

"I just wanted to take cool Facebook photos at the time," Anna said.

What began as a childhood hobby quickly became something more. Anna started photographing friends, spent countless hours watching YouTube tutorials, and taught herself Photoshop and editing techniques.

At the same time, she attended art school for five years, where she developed an eye for color, composition and design.

"I don't paint as much anymore," Anna said, "But that background definitely still influences my photography a lot."

After university, photography remained a side business to earn extra income. It wasn't until she moved to Canada that she began taking it seriously enough to imagine it as a full-time career.

"Moving to Canada was a big change for me," Anna said. "At first it was definitely not easy, but Toronto made it easier than I expected. It's such a mixed city. I love that you can meet people from everywhere and try food from literally any culture. It slowly started to feel like home."

Photography unexpectedly became part of that transition.

"Photography ended up being the thing that really helped me build my life here,” Anna said. “Through shoots I met so many people, made friends, and found my place in a new city."

Like many entrepreneurs, Anna quickly discovered that running a business involves far more than the work clients actually see.

While people often imagine photographers spending their days behind the camera, much of her time is dedicated to editing, answering emails, managing social media, communicating with clients and keeping the business running behind the scenes.

"I really love the flexibility that comes with being my own boss and the ability to build my own schedule," Anna shared. "I can choose what I work on, and when I do it; which gives a lot of freedom in how my days look.”

Because she manages every aspect of Tumarkina Photo herself, switching off isn't always easy.

"Since I handle everything myself, it can sometimes feel like there's always something to do,” Anna said. “If I'm not careful, it easily turns into working all the time."

Finding time for family and friends often requires creativity.

"A lot of the time, I end up combining things. For example, I'll be on the way to a shoot and use that time in the car to also connect and spend time together with my fiancé,” Anna said. “Sometimes I also have to move or adjust plans with friends, just to make everything fit. But overall, I feel grateful for the people around me who are supportive and understand this rhythm."

When asked what inspires her most, Anna said its people.

"Honestly, I get inspired a lot just by observing the world and the people around me during my photo sessions," Anna said. "I love noticing small moments that naturally unfold in front of my camera; just seeing the way people connect when they forget they're being photographed."

"There's something really beautiful in real emotion and everyday honesty, and that inspires me a lot in my photography,” Anna shared.

Meeting new people is another part of the job she genuinely enjoys.

"Every person, couple, or family has their own energy and story, and that makes every shoot feel unique and meaningful,” Anna said.

Travel has also become one of her greatest creative influences. Anna has visited twenty countries and travelled through eight Canadian provinces; experiences she says continue to shape the way she sees both people and places.

"Every trip gives me fresh ideas and a new perspective," Anna shared. "I love exploring the beauty of different places, discovering new cultures and cuisines, and meeting people from all kinds of backgrounds. I always come back feeling creatively recharged."

For Anna, photography doesn't end when she finishes work for the day.

In fact, one of her biggest hobbies is photography itself — just in a different form.

While digital photography is the foundation of her business, she's developed a love for film photography, something she says forces her to slow down and be more intentional.

"I love photography so much that one of my biggest hobbies is film photography,” Anna said. “There's something really cool about slowing down, being intentional with every frame, and waiting to see how the photos turn out."

Travel has become the perfect opportunity to indulge that passion.

"I especially love taking film pictures while traveling. I take pictures of streets, people, textures and sunsets," Anna said. "I actually have five film cameras and my living room wall is completely covered with framed photos I've taken over the years."

It's another reminder that photography isn't simply a business for Anna; it's the way she experiences the world around her.

One of the busiest times of the year for Anna begins long before Christmas decorations start appearing in shopping malls.

From October through the end of December, Anna enters her busiest season.

"One project that feels really special to me every year is Christmas photo sessions," Anna said. "From around October until the end of December, I'm usually doing shoots almost every day; it honestly becomes a whole season of its own."

While the schedule is demanding, it's also one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

"I love seeing people prepare for the holidays, get into the Christmas spirit," Anna said. "There's something really magical about that time of year. I work really hard to create beautiful memories for people and deliver the best photos possible during such a special period."

That desire to preserve meaningful memories is something that appears throughout Anna's work and creativity. Her love for creativity extended beyond the lens. At home, Anna found another passion in the kitchen.

"My grandma taught me how to cook when I was little," Anna said. "That’s where my love for cooking started. I used to just stand next to her in the kitchen and watch everything she did.”

When asked what her main motto in life is, her response was as optimistic as her personality.

"I really like this phrase: 'Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day,'” Anna said.

"I think that kind of reflects how I try to live my life. Not every day is perfect, especially when you're building a career and balancing so many things, but I always try to notice the small good moments.”

It's a mindset that seems fitting for someone whose career depends on noticing details other people often miss.

For anyone hoping to build a career in photography, Anna's advice is refreshingly honest. Success, Anna says, doesn't happen overnight, and there isn't a shortcut to finding your own style.

"Keep shooting as much as you can. Practice really is everything in photography," Anna said. "The more you do it, the more you understand your own style and what feels right for you."

As a business owner, she's learned that creativity is only one part of the job.

"It takes time to build something real, but consistency and showing up every day makes a big difference," Anna said. "And don't forget the less exciting side like paperwork and taxes. It can be boring, but it's really important for your business in the long run."

Anna also believes there's value in building relationships with other photographers rather than viewing them as competitors.

"Don't be afraid to reach out to other photographers," Anna said. "I feel really lucky to have friends in the industry. They inspire me a lot and I've learned so much from them."

Looking back, Anna never imagined that the camera her mother bought for her at 12 years old would eventually lead her across the world, help her establish a business in Toronto and introduce her to hundreds of people she otherwise never would have met.

Photography gave her a career, but perhaps more importantly, it gave her a sense of belonging. ||

PS. The Little Things

1. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Check my emails.

2. What is your favorite thing to wear? Jeans and a white t-shirt.

3. If you could pick one word to describe you what would it be? Inspired. 4. What’s one beauty tip you would pass on? Drink a lot of water.

5. Everyday is better with: Sunshine.