EP 77 - Photography Then vs. Now: A conversation with vanessa joy
Hi friends! Today I’m so excited to sit down with a true photography legend, and someone I’ve looked up to for a long time now—Vanessa Joy. We both attended WPPI this year (though somehow didn’t cross paths!), and now we finally got to chat all things wedding photography, from the early 2000s to today’s trends. Let’s dive in to the conversation.
Meet Vanessa:
Since 2002, Vanessa Joy has been photographing weddings, portraits and corporate branding primarily in the Austin, NJ and NYC areas. She is a Canon Explorer of Light and trusted by brands like Hilton Grand Vacations, Bravo, Profoto, Lexar and more. Through online education and resources, she helps photographers elevate their craft. Find her at VanessaJoy.com and on YouTube.com/vanessajoy.
Business vs. Creative: Finding the Sweet Spot
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing Vanessa talk about how her love for the business side of photography has evolved. After 23 years in the industry, she’s still super passionate—but these days, she gets her biggest creative buzz from marketing and experimenting with strategy. We talked about how business success can actually be super measurable and fun, especially compared to the more subjective nature of art.
Old vs. New in Wedding Photography
We got into the topic of old-school vs. new-school photography—how much has changed, and what’s circled back around. Vanessa shared her perspective on staying relevant while still holding tight to the classic elements she’s always loved, like creamy backgrounds and true-to-life skin tones. It was a refreshing take that made me feel like there’s room for both innovation and tradition.
Staying Engaged with What’s Trending
We also talked about how to stay inspired when you’ve been in the game a while. Vanessa shared how she keeps her work fresh by following some amazing up-and-coming photographers and giving herself permission to play with trends—without totally changing her style. I love that mindset so much.
The Power of Print
One thing Vanessa is super passionate about (and I couldn’t agree more) is making sure clients actually print their photos. It’s so easy to let memories live on our phones, but there’s just something about holding an image in your hands. She’s big on delivering work that won’t just look good today but will still be treasured decades from now.
Final Thoughts
This conversation had me thinking a lot about what it means to grow with your work—to stay curious, flexible, and intentional. Vanessa’s perspective was full of wisdom, and I’m so grateful she shared it with all of us.
If you’ve been feeling a little stuck or like you’re not sure how to keep up with what’s “in,” I think this episode will feel like a warm hug and a gentle nudge forward.
Thanks for tuning in, and if you loved the episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, or shoot me a message—I always love hearing what resonated with you!
See you next week :)
Connect with Vanessa:
Instagram: @vanessajoy Youtube: @vanessajoy Website: vanessajoy.com
Photography Business Mastermind: www.breatheyourpassion.com
Safari Prints (all proceeds go to charity!!): www.safariwildlifeandlandscape.com
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