The Second Half Photography

The Second Half Photography Former breast surgeon turned photographer — I traded the OR for the sidelines, still chasing focus, precision & heart.

The Second Half Photography — telling the stories of young athletes so they can see what the world already sees. 📸✨ Since 2014, I worked as a breast surgical oncologist, empowering women through their journeys with breast cancer treatment. It was deeply meaningful work that shaped who I am. But after three years of juggling spine surgeries, in 2025, I knew it was time to make big changes in the se

cond half of my career. I put down the scalpel and picked up a camera. I want to continue empowering girls, women, and anyone who’s ever felt unseen — capturing their strength, beauty, and spirit in every frame. Through the lens of my camera, photography has become more than a creative outlet; it’s a way to help people truly see themselves at their strongest, most beautiful, and most genuine. From the grit of an athlete mid-game, to the confidence radiating in a senior portrait, to the quiet power of an unguarded moment, my goal is always the same: to reflect back their worth, their truth, and the undeniable spark of their spirit. I want every girl to walk away knowing she is powerful, capable, and unforgettable. Now, you’ll most often find me courtside, camera in hand, capturing my two basketball-loving daughters in action. It’s a world away from the operating room, yet still rooted in the same principles: focus, precision, and heart. Here’s to fresh starts, unexpected turns, finding power and beauty in the shift, and to making every second half count.

To the moon and back. 🌙✨The theme was Moondance, and I was completely over the moon for this performance! Marching band ...
09/06/2026

To the moon and back. 🌙✨

The theme was Moondance, and I was completely over the moon for this performance! Marching band and color guard are truly some of my favorite things to photograph!

Here’s a little sneak peek! Once the full gallery is ready, I’ll send the gallery link and ordering information to the band director to share with families so everyone can browse and shop. 🚀🥁🎺

A few more favorites from the Sages’ HUGE win over Rantoul! 🖤💜💛🏈Once the full gallery is ready, I’ll send the gallery li...
09/05/2026

A few more favorites from the Sages’ HUGE win over Rantoul! 🖤💜💛🏈

Once the full gallery is ready, I’ll send the gallery link and ordering information directly to the coaches to share with players and families. You’ll be able to browse all the photos and shop for digitals, prints, and more!

Go Sages!

New black home uniforms. Still bleeding purple and gold. 🖤💜💛The Sages debuted their new look—and backed it up with a HUG...
09/05/2026

New black home uniforms. Still bleeding purple and gold. 🖤💜💛

The Sages debuted their new look—and backed it up with a HUGE win over Rantoul! 🏈🔥

What a night for Monticello football!

09/02/2026

🎄 Can you believe it’s already Septem-BER?

The holidays have a way of sneaking up quickly—so why not check holiday photos off your list now? I’ll provide the beautiful sets, wardrobe options, and posing guidance. All you have to do is come ready to enjoy the magic. ✨

📸 The studio portion of these Monticello holiday experiences ends in LESS THAN ONE WEEK. Availability is limited, so don’t wait to reserve your spot!

🎟️ THE GOLDEN TICKET EXPERIENCE

• Individual portrait experience aboard the train
• Additional studio scene where immediate family may join for a greeting-card portrait
• Five finished digital images
• One 8×10 and three 5×7 prints
• One personalized photo button
• One photo ornament
• 25 personalized greeting cards with envelopes

📖 THE HEIRLOOM STORYBOOK EXPERIENCE

• Custom-designed 12×12 silk-covered heirloom album
• Exclusive train access and specially designed studio scenes
• Fully curated storybook wardrobe
• Parents and siblings welcome in selected scenes
• 20 finished digital images
• One 8×10 and three 5×7 prints
• Three personalized photo buttons
• Two photo ornaments
• 25 personalized greeting cards with envelopes

Reserve your experience here:
➡️ https://thesecondhalfphotography.pixieset.com/booking/

A few important booking details:

Your initial booking will reserve the greeting-card portrait and indoor studio portion of your experience. The on-train portion will be scheduled separately later in September, so your complete experience will take place on two different dates.

A 50% payment secures your reservation. The remaining balance is due October 1.

One final sneak peek from Emily’s senior session—the girls’ edit. 🎀🩰✨From pink doors, ballet shoes, and an unexpected sh...
09/01/2026

One final sneak peek from Emily’s senior session—the girls’ edit. 🎀🩰✨

From pink doors, ballet shoes, and an unexpected shopping spree at KJ & Co. (thank you for opening your doors to us) to color powder bombs lighting up the night, this is a session I will never forget.

And just like that, she’s off. 🤍Running toward everything waiting ahead—but with one last look back, as if to say, “It’s...
08/31/2026

And just like that, she’s off. 🤍

Running toward everything waiting ahead—but with one last look back, as if to say, “It’s okay, Mom. I’ve got this.”

Have the most beautiful senior year, Emily. And thank you for playing along with my ethereal garden vision—you brought it to life perfectly. ✨

🎄 ONE WEEK LEFT!!! *insert surprised Kevin McCallister face here* 😱📸 After this parent got a little sneak peek, that's w...
08/31/2026

🎄 ONE WEEK LEFT!!! *insert surprised Kevin McCallister face here* 😱

📸 After this parent got a little sneak peek, that's when it hit. The beauty, the feelings, knowing that these will be the moment's she'll cherish when she pulls out her silk-covered album and remembers this exact season of her daughter's life ❤️

The Heirloom Storybook Experience in Monticello, IL ends in ONE WEEK so book now before all the spots are taken!

Book here ➡️ https://thesecondhalfphotography.pixieset.com/booking/
*Please note, the booking will only be for the greeting card photo and the indoor/studio photos. The on-train experience, including boarding pass and Christmas keepsake, will be booked later in September. Please be aware that the session will be split into two dates. 50% of your session fee secures your spot. The remaining 50% is due by October 1st.

Emily. 2027. We will call this one "Sundress at Sunset". May your senior glow as much as you.
08/31/2026

Emily. 2027. We will call this one "Sundress at Sunset". May your senior glow as much as you.

Swipe through and meet the woman behind The Second Half Photography. 📸I’m Anna. Before picking up a camera, I spent 10 y...
08/27/2026

Swipe through and meet the woman behind The Second Half Photography. 📸

I’m Anna. Before picking up a camera, I spent 10 years as a breast surgical oncologist—a chapter of my life that shaped the way I care for people and taught me how important it is to truly see the person in front of me.

Today, I photograph athletes, dancers, seniors and families—people stepping into big moments, celebrating hard-earned achievements or simply wanting to preserve this season of their lives.

Because every story deserves to be remembered. Every achievement deserves to be celebrated. And every person deserves to feel confident, valued and genuinely seen.

That’s what I hope to create with my camera.

That’s The Second Half. 💫

Whether you’re a dancer taking center stage, a senior heading toward graduation, an athlete ready to own your moment or a family wanting to capture what matters most, I would love to create something meaningful with you. ✨

🎄 Just 5 spots remain for an Heirloom Storybook Experience this weekend in Monticello!

Book here ➡️ https://thesecondhalfphotography.pixieset.com/booking/

*Your initial booking is for the greeting card and indoor studio portions of the experience. The on-train experience—including the boarding pass and Christmas keepsake—will be scheduled separately in September, so your experience will take place over two dates.

A 50% payment secures your reservation, with the remaining balance due October 1.

08/27/2026

📸 5 spots left for an Heirloom Storybook Experience this weekend in Monticello, IL 📍🎄

Here's what actually happens: You show up nervous. I calm you down in the first 5 minutes. Then we spend 1.5-2 hours building a story, not rushing through poses, but actually creating something. You get to wear different looks. And by the end, you're not just posing for photos anymore. You're having a blast making amazing memories - your very own storybook ✨

Let's invest in professional images your family will keep forever. The kind that end up in an album. The kind your kids will show their own kids someday. 🤍

Book here! ➡ https://thesecondhalfphotography.pixieset.com/booking/

______

*Please note, the booking will only be for the greeting card photo and the indoor/studio photos. The on-train experience, including boarding pass and Christmas keepsake, will be booked later in September. Please be aware that the session will be split into two dates. 50% of your session fee secures your spot. The remaining 50% is due by October 1st.

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Monticello, IL

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