What part of the First Coast do you reside in now, and how long have you lived there?
I was born and raised in Jacksonville. I have lived in many parts of this city and St Johns County. After 10 years in Atlanta, I have settled and bought a home by the Intracoastal.
Why did you get into photography?
I started in Atlanta, which is full of resources due to the strong presence of the Entertainment industry. I was gifted a camera by my ex-husband, and through classes and mentoring from other photographers, I slowly started working on my craft.
What photographers are your biggest influences? How did they affect who you are and how you create?
I was lucky to meet Michael Belk and he was a high-fashion photographer for household names like Calvin Klein. He said to me, “Learn to look at light. How it reflects off of cars, behind people and other objects.” And it stuck with me. Another friend of mine in Georgia who was of great influence was my friend Kelle Mac. She does beautiful work and taught me how to use my creative eye to capture moments of people.
How long have you been shooting? How do you feel you’ve evolved since you started?
I started in 2014, and I spent the first year really learning the technical side. Over the years, I have taken classes as well, since technology keeps changing. Overall, I think there is always room to learn more, and I believe I have evolved from someone who wanted to do it as a career to someone who just wants to shoot what they love.
Tell us about your photographic identity. You know you as a person have an identity that fundamentally makes you who you are. Tell us about that as a photographer:
I am drawn to natural light. I can use flash if required but I love the natural glow that comes from the sun in the right setting. I was at a party a couple of weeks ago, and the light behind a couple I know was giving the perfect golden backlight. I took their phone and took a photo for them. I love those kinds of moments! Unplanned and just getting that right sweet moment.
Tell us about the gear that you’re using. Please give us a list with reasons why you chose it. Please be descriptive. We want to know how it helps you translate your creative vision:
I have my trusty old Canon 6D and a few lenses. I also have my first Canon mirrorless, which I have some lenses for, as well as an adapter so I can use some of my EF mount lenses with it. I have a few staples, the 85MM and a 72-100.
Natural light or artificial light? Why?
Natural! I can work with flash and even off-camera as well, if needed. I do think artificial light is key for getting that editorial look when it comes to portraits or headshots.
Why is photography and shooting so important to you?
I have always had a love for art, painting, and drawing. However, I could never be as good as I wanted. I discovered photography lets me capture what I see.
Do you feel that you’re more of a creator or a documenter? Why? How does the gear help you do this?
I think I have moments of both. I love macro work and using the Lensball, which makes for creative pictures. I also have a side of documenting or capturing lifestyle moments.
What’s typically going through your mind when you create images? Tell us about your processes, both mentally and mechanically?
When it comes to shooting for people, I have to be on point. Especially when I did weddings. I had to plan out shots, write shot lists, and make sure to tell couples not to cover the rings when exchanging, or how to do the kiss, so I could get the right photo. In addition to camera settings and which lens, and switching lenses throughout the wedding. It’s a lot to think about because you don’t get a 2nd chance at weddings. What I love about shooting landscapes or using the Lens Ball, it’s more of a let me throw this ball in front of the water and see what I get. I truly just wing it when I am shooting for myself.
Please walk us through your processing techniques?
No matter what I shoot, I go through and cull out the ones that just can’t be worked. Blurry, too much exposure, whatever, I just remove them. Then I go through them and tag the ones I think I can edit and improve. For people, it’s a lot of details, minor skin softening because I don’t want them to look over edited, bright eyes, etc. Then, for landscapes and other random subjects, it’s about light. Adjust highlights, exposure, and tint to get the effect I have pictured in my mind.
What made you want to get into your genre?
When starting out, I wanted to shoot weddings because I loved the idea of documenting love. I also truly loved shooting the bride and the getting-ready photos. Over time, my relationship with photography changed, and instead of focusing on one genre, I found that I enjoy the freedom to photograph whatever inspires me in the moment. I am fulfilled capturing sunrises (my favorite time of day), everyday life, or a meaningful moment for people I love. It’s less about fitting into a category and more about being creative and capturing what speaks to me.
What photographer (current or historical) do you draw the most inspiration from?
I loved Annie Lebowitz; whenever I have done indoor headshots or portrait-type work, I think of her stunning editorial style. My friend in Ga. is probably my biggest influence. Kelle’s work is always full of light and beauty. When I photograph people, her work has the most influence on me.
What do you think is the most important component to producing great results? (camera, lens, light, editing, location, artistic vision, etc.)?
Light! Photography is all about light. I look at the catchlight in people’s eyes so that they don’t look dull and flat. Gear doesn’t always matter, although the full-frame camera is going to be the most beneficial for low-light settings like weddings. However, a great photo of a person or even a landscape can be captured with a Camera or phone, especially the phones out on the market now.
What is the goal of your photography? (A business, just to share on social media, gateway to adventure, etc.)?
I have not thought about it, I am always happy when someone wants a landscape print or to hire me to do something like Prom or Senior portraits, or even a wedding. I don’t have goals to make it a career or full-time job because I don’t want to get burnt out on photography. I have met established photographers, and they don’t ever want to pick their camera up, sometimes even to take photos of their own family. I prefer to just have photography as an artistic outlet, and if people enjoy my work, that’s even better.
What is your favorite photographic accomplishment?
I captured a full moon over the pier one year ago; it was low to the horizon, big and bright. The sky was purple and I didn’t even have to edit much to show what I saw. That’s the best, when you can use straight from the camera shots.
What advice would you give someone who has just picked up their new camera on how to get started?
Learn how to use the settings and get comfortable with shooting in manual. The software for editing changes constantly, so the less you can do in post-production, the better.
If you had a question you would like to ask another photographer, what would it be?
I honestly have no idea. When I meet another photographer, I usually ask what they shoot or if they do it for work or fun.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
After 10 years away, being home. It took me a long time to find a way to be back here because Atlanta has more job opportunities for project managers. I love being able to get up and drive to the beach in less than 15 minutes and see the sunrise.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
How can we see your work?
You can see my work on Instagram; I don’t have a website anymore. I have two Instagrams. One that’s pictures of everyday life and also my landscape work, VanessaAndrea413. The other one, VanessaAndreaPhotography is the work that I shoot primarily with my Canon gear, and also includes my work from portraits, headshots, and weddings.
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
