Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Contreras.
Hi Vanessa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I grew a love for photography when I got my first polaroid camera in the 9th grade, but even before that, I loved playing with disposable cameras when I was younger. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that I made it a mission to learn how to capture all the images I would save on Pinterest. And, since I didn’t know any photographers personally, I enrolled in a couple of photography courses at my nearest community college and learned so much about my camera and different types of photography. I realized that I loved the ability to tell a story even with just one image. So, although I primarily shoot families at the moment, my personal favorite kind of photography is documentary which is something I plan to explore more of very soon.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey in my business has definitely not always been easy. I feel with photography there is always an opportunity to learn more which is also something that I love about it. But I think the biggest challenge personally was having lots of self-doubt in the beginning. I have always been a very shy and introverted person and having my own business that puts my work on display really forced me out of my comfort zone in the best ways. I also had pretty severe social anxiety when I first started but I am so proud to say I have come a long way and often hear new people I meet not believe that about me… which is a good thing I guess. I genuinely love how photography has helped me become who I am now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a family lifestyle photographer which means I love to capture all the feelings at my sessions as much as possible. I specialize in maternity, engagements, and family sessions. And, I love working with children because I get to explore their curiosity with them and hopefully make it fun for them. But I personally am very proud of all the baby bumps that have recently stepped in front of my camera because I am able to express my creativity the most with my maternity sessions. I appreciate each client that chooses to work with me, and I strive to make each session unique to them and who they are.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
A book that helped me tremendously when I first thought about starting a photography business was “Big Magic.” It sort of is a self-help book for creatives. I also love and recommend the app “Unscripted” which is like an organized Pinterest for photographer of poses and prompts for when we want to switch it up a bit. But I think I will always have a love for Instagram the most just because I can endlessly explore talented photographers’ work as inspiration and even motivation. But, since I don’t have coworkers, I have found getting to know other local photographers has been most helpful for me. I have fortunately found some amazing people through photography that are so kind to share their knowledge from their experiences.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@vanessacphotography.com
- Website: https://www.vanessacphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessac.photo/
Image Credits:
Alex Vitte
Vanessa C. Photography
