BEHIND THE cAMERA
When my children were younger, I thought I would remember everything. The first games. The school events. The traditions that felt like they'd last forever. At the time, it never occurred to me that one day I would struggle to remember exactly what those moments looked like. The older my children get, the more grateful I become for the photographs that bring those memories back. As both a photographer and a sports mom, I have learned that the seasons feel long when you're living them and surprisingly short when you look back. I don't think parents hire photographers because they forget. I think they hire photographers because they know how quickly life changes. For me, photography has never been about creating perfect images. It's about preserving the moments that become part of your family's story - the milestones, traditions, accomplishments and everyday moments that deserve to be remembered.
My journey into photography began the way many mom stories do - trying to hold on to moments that pass far too quickly. I started photographing live-action sports in 2017 simply because I loved watching young athletes compete and grow. With a big, encouraging nudge from my incredible Cross Country mom tribe, Anchor Photography SRQ was born in January 2021.
I've experienced the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that come with raising student athletes. Both my son and daughter were multi-sport varsity athletes at Sarasota High School. My son also competed as a DII cross country runner and track athlete in college and my daughter is currently attending college on an athletic scholarship for dance team. Their experiences have given me a unique perspective on the moments that matter most to athletes and their families.
Today, I'm fortunate to combine that perspective with my passion for photography as the sideline storyteller behind Anchor Photography SRQ. I am an approved Level 2 volunteer with Sarasota County Schools and am thankful for the opportunity to work within the school community and alongside the athletes, families, and programs I serve. Over the years, I've had the privilege of photographing football, basketball, baseball, softball, lacrosse, cross country, track & field, dance and cheerleading athletes, high school seniors and families. Whether it's a game-winning play, a senior night celebration, a championship performance, or a quiet moment of determination, I believe everyone has a story worth telling. My goal is simple: to create authentic images that preserve the grit, joy, emotion, and memories families will look back on long after the final whistle, finish line or curtain call.
Wendi Crisp
Anchor Photography SRQ