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As a visual communicator, photographer Anita Buzzy Prentiss ’93 takes pride in capturing beauty in all her subjects. Nevertheless, she finds that her bachelor’s degree in communication arts helps to set her apart from other photographers. 

“My diverse and well-rounded education from Allegheny contributed to my successful business,” says Prentiss. “I can have conversations with all types of clients in different fields because I took courses in so many interests and had friends of a variety of majors and cultures. It helped me get an understanding of all kinds of people in the world.” 

After graduating from Allegheny, Prentiss interned with several photographers and became the owner of Buzzy Photography in 1996. The entrepreneur specializes in portrait photography for personal branding, dancers, high school seniors, and family photos. 

“I love being an important part of each stage of life up close. I am trusted to celebrate the highlights of people’s lives and am honored to create images that become important representations even after people are gone,” says Prentiss. 

During the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., Prentiss spent time showcasing almost 200 Pittsburghers for her first book, Porchraits: Pittsburghers on Their Porches During the Quarantine. Prentiss and her co-author complemented the pictures with narratives from Pittsburghers about their experiences during quarantine. 

In 2021, Prentiss was distinguished with the Pittsburgh Professional Women Award for her creative first publication. She is currently working on Waiting in the Wings, a project that will feature Pittsburgh dancers during the pandemic.