Adorama sits down with professional wedding photographer, Vanessa Joy, who specializes in luxury and destination weddings. Vanessa is also the newest addition to the AdoramaTV team with her new series “Breathe Your Passion with Vanessa Joy” which will be launching in February. Based in New Jersey, Vanessa spills on everything she’s learned in over a decade in the business, who are her biggest influences, and what equipment she would never leave home without.
Where is home?
My home is in New Jersey, but lately, I’ve liked the idea that home is where your heart is and you can make anywhere home.
If you could live anywhere, where would you build your dream home?
I’d love to build my dream home somewhere warm, in a culture that prioritizes family and hopefully wouldn’t cost me and arm and a leg to build it! If you know where that is, let me know.
What sort of work do you specialize in?
I am a wedding photographer and I don’t venture too far past that. I was once told that focusing on one area of photography would help me master it and I’ve been striving for that ever since.
Did you go to school to study photography?
I did and I have a college degree in photography, among a few others (music, social sciences, Spanish, and education). But to be honest, I learned nothing about photographing a wedding or running a business so I’m not so sure it was a wise decision in the long run.
How long have you been a photographer?
Fifteen years or so, with 12 in weddings.
What (or who) got you started in photography?
My high school photography teacher was a wedding photographer as well, and after I graduated I worked with him for a few years before going out on my own.
How would you describe your style?
I go for a timeless look that’s colorful, romantic, and dare I say, a bit light and airy.
Which photographers influenced you? How did they influence your thinking, style and career trajectory?
Jasmine Star has been an influence for her marketing sense while Jerry Ghionis continually inspires me creatively. Sal Cincotta is my number one at the moment because he is always pushing me to be more and do more than I would on my own.
What type of cameras do you shoot with?
What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
My Profoto lights. I have the B1s and B2s and oh my goodness I practically never leave home without them.
Can you describe how and when you use flash, video light, reflectors and natural light during a shoot?
All of my decisions for these choices are circumstantial to the environment and the look that I’m going for in the photograph. Because I tell my clients that I’m as unobtrusive as possible and we’re usually short on time, I try to work with natural light and reflectors most of the day until the reception when I’ll bounce flash and use my Profoto lights.
Are you a MAC or PC lover?
MAC
When you go on one of your travels, what do you take with you (and why)?
I take as little as possible! There’s nothing more annoying than schlepping suitcases around the world. In addition to making sure my clothing only needs a carry-on bag, I usually choose just one or two lenses, my camera body, and no flash.
What is it you want to say with your photographs, do you think you have succeeded?
My job is to be a storyteller and help my brides and grooms remember their wedding day long after it’s escaped from memory. If they look at their wedding photos again and again over the years, then I have succeeded.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started?
That there are going to be days where I take everything personally and can’t separate business from emotions. It’s so amazing to pour your heart and soul into what you love, but you have to be prepared for how vulnerable that makes you.
What do you think makes a memorable wedding photo?
Any picture where the bride and groom can look at it and get lost in it, thinking, “Yes, that’s how I felt that day.”
What first drew you to your style of photography? How did you discover it?
My style of photography has changed drastically (feel free to go back to the beginning of my blog at www.vanessajoy.com if you’d like to cringe). As I learned more as a photographer and understood more about the needs and wants of my clients, I began to hone in on a style that I loved and that made me money as well.
How does black & white versus color come into play? Are they one and the same to you, or do you tackle it in completely different ways?
I give my clients all of their photos in color because I want to let them know that they have the best of both worlds and can turn any color picture into black and white. When it comes to the pictures that I edit personally, I’ll turn something into black and white if I feel it enhances the drama of the photo or if the color is just God-awful (like in most Catholic churches). I use it sparingly because black and white isn’t too supportive of the brand that I’m going for.
When you are out shooting, how much of it is instinctual versus planned?
All of my shooting is planned on a wedding day in the essence that I know where I need to be and when. Things happen suddenly throughout the day and capturing those quick moments is where my instincts and experience comes into play.
Describe your photography style in three words.
Romantic, timeless, and colorful.
Social media has played such a crucial role in the creative world, how do you think this has changed our industry for better (and for worse)?
I’ve been saying for a long time that I see some of the most talented photographers I know become starving artists, and mediocre ones become wildly successful. Because of how business works in the United States if you’re not keen on marketing, which is primarily through social media now, you may have a very hard time making it as a photographer. It’s changed our industry a bit, but realistically I don’t think it’s been for the better or worse, it’s just a change that we have to adapt to.
What are some of your most interesting stories behind the shot? (anecdotes)
I’ve often considered writing a book of all of the fun, crazy and shocking moments on a wedding day – there are a lot of them! Most recently though, I had a bride who wasn’t happy with her hair and, rightfully so, needed her friend (who was also a hairdresser) come up and in her wedding dress trim the extensions that the hairdresser put in incorrectly. The bride was covered in white towels to prevent the little pieces of hair from irreversibly catching in her dress and all of us were laughing hysterically. I just loved being able to be a part of and capture that fun moment.
Photographers are constantly on the road, what are some things you cannot live without?
Mobile everything. You’ll see an episode about all mobility tricks soon!
With the popularity of Instagram and easy access to photographers work on the internet, many photographers are considered social influencers, aka, the “new celebrity.” How do you stay grounded?
I treat Instagram like every other social media outlet. I use it as a tool to promote my business and browse for inspiration and new trends in the industry.
