Smiling person with long hair wearing a floral dress, holding a camera, leaning against a light-colored wall.

Meet AP!

I am SO happy you are here! My name is Anna Payton Long, but my friends call me AP, so you can too!

Born and raised in Alabama, my southern roots are nothing but deep. I have seen and valued tradition at its finest and watched how tradition and legacy are vital parts of photography. Legacy is woven through our lives and with that comes the necessity to preserve it.

After graduating from Auburn University in May 2024 and focusing on international nonprofit ministry, I moved to Nashville to pursue life and jobs here. After 3 months of working in the sector I graduated in, it was evident that I missed my camera and had a passion for it like never before. The Lord led me back to photography and it is with great JOY that I get to do this full time. I get to serve people as a living, and I could not be more excited!

I am currently living in Nashville, but will be moving to Birmingham, Alabama in May!

Cursive handwriting of "Anna Payton Long" in blue.

the

story

behind

A man smiling and helping a young girl on a tricycle outdoors. The girl is wearing red patterned overalls. In the background, there is a dog and a pink and purple toy car. Trees and a house are also visible.

When I was 9, my Christmas gift from my grandparents was a red Canon digital camera. I was immediately hooked. Years later, I forget about that camera.

Vintage black and white photo of a bride and groom in front of large building columns, bride in lace wedding gown, groom in tuxedo.

it

Growing up and seeing my grandparents wedding pictures, there was a tangibility of their big moments through those photos. I loved getting to thumb through photographs of their family members. 

Black and white image of a person holding a Canon camera, wearing a patterned top, and denim jeans.

Following that, I took a high school photography class, and that passion was reignited. From there I asked my parents for a “real” camera and tried and failed and tried again.

 After I got the basics down, upgrades happened, more people trusted me with their moments, and it all led me to right here, sharing my story with you.

Five women in white dresses with graduation cords stand in front of a house numbered 128, smiling and interacting. The house has a porch with plants and a brick exterior.

To wholly preserve you in this moment, in this time.

what matters most.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Black and white photo of a woman sitting on grass, smiling, wearing a white blouse and jeans, with trees in the background.
Person holding a camera, wearing jeans and a white top, walking barefoot on grass.

I am passionate about missions and serving those who go unseen.

A woman holding a camera outdoors, wearing a white eyelet blouse and jeans, with long hair, taking a photo.

Alongside my passion for people, I have a passion for Jesus through Whom I could do nothing without. I believe each person has been uniquely made by Him and for Him. Because of this belief, my hope is that people know more about Him through the work of my hands. My love for Him has transformed my love for people and my love for travel which means a passion for missionary work has been the heartbeat behind what I do.