BRI Featured Artist
Vanessa Joy
How long have you been shooting pro?
About 10 years now, though I've only owned my own business since 2008.
Describe your education & training in photography.
I have an associates degree in photography, but really learned the most through experience, workshops and trial and error. Working for other photographers and a couple of photography studios over the years really has taught me what to do and what not to do in photography and in business.
What challenges did you face early in your career?
To be honest, I didn't face many challenges in the photography end of things, other than the normal learning curve and constantly improving my photography skills, which everyone has to do endlessly. My biggest challenge was learning that you can't always make everyone happy, not your clients, not your colleagues, and that’s ok so long as you're trying your best to.
What is your secret to balancing your
photography business and your personal life?
This is something I wrestle with since my husband is in the wedding industry as well as a cinematographer. The two of us love what we do so we can do it all day and all night without blinking (and sometimes do)! For us, the best way we maintain a personal life is by taking advantage of the trips we take for business by extending them into mini vacations. Even if it's just a night out to dinner and The Comedy Cellar after shooting an engagement session in NYC, it's one of our favorite things to take advantage of.
Define your photography style.
My personal style has only recently evolved into something consistent. For a while I didn't know how to get my pictures to the point where I could look at them and feel the emotion that I wanted to feel for myself, and for my clients. I knew I wanted a dreamy, whimsical, but not quite vintage, feel to them, but wasn't sure how to get there. Through learning how to use natural light better, upgrading my lenses and creating my own action-combos in Photoshop, I really feel that I've finally arrived to where I've been aiming for.
What inspires you artistically (a person, place, movie,
you name it!)?
My couples inspire me, truly. Though I do find photographic inspiration through other photographers, movies and most definitely my husband's cinematography, what really gets to me is the emotion between my brides and grooms. There's nothing more inspiring than watching a couple begin their lives together.
When going into a session, what motivates you?
The drive to do better than the session before and the motivation to give my clients my absolute best.
When working with your clients, how do you evoke the
perfect expression
and pose?
I have a few different tricks up my sleeve. When I start a session, I usually have them do things that are natural to them, like walking away and then towards me. I shoot with a long lens at first to make them comfortable with being photographed in general, before I move in a bit closer to them. I find anything works from positive affirmations of what they're already doing, to telling corny jokes to make them laugh. I don't care how silly I sound so long as it gets a real expression from them!
What business tip would you give the new photographer?
Immerse yourself in the photographic community and connect with other photographers that can help you grow and then return the favor by helping out others. It's amazing how fast you can grow when you have a strong support system cheering you on.