It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that last year – as of April 28th – I quit my safe, comfortable, and steady corporate job to dream out loud and become a FULL time wedding photographer! I remember the week leading up to handing in my resignation… I wanted to throw up! That piece of paper I was about to hand to my boss would make everything REAL. I would be giving up a steady paycheck, having the weekends off, a 401K, office friends, holiday parties, the never ending battle with the damn vending machine, and predominately, job security.

For 4 long years I managed to work a full time job, take care of the house, attempt a personal life, and run a part-time photography business. Let me tell you, it was hard! But I had a system and I was comfortable. Comfort doesn’t always mean good! I settled for being part time photographer and working 9 – 5 job knowing I would still get a paycheck on the 15th and 30th of every month. Needless to say, I was tired, overworked and unhappy.

Friday, June 3rd was my 29th birthday. That means this is my last year in my 20s! I’m pretty sure the world is going to end… Well… Not end, maybe I’m being just a tad bit dramatic. But you get where I’m going with this. The thought of turning 30 feels… SO grown up. But what […]

When I called my mother to let her know I have exciting news! Her first response was, “You’re pregnant!”. I get it. It’s expected after being married to Jorge for 5 years, but I have some time, people! Any-who! I’m insanely excited to announce that I AM NOW A FULL TIME WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER! That’s right, you read […]

The best feeling in the world is turning your phone OFF! No really, try it. Take a weekend to yourself, place your phone on sleep mode (for emergency calls only) to unplug from the world and enjoy what’s in front of you. No social media, no texting, no boss calling you about a project piece […]

This is the year for change! Just knowing I’m about to share the good news makes me giddy with excitement but at the same time I want to vomit and cry. That’s totally a normal reaction, right? And before you jump to conclusions, no I am not preggers. Some day, just not now. Cue the drum roll please… ba-dam chah… I am going full time in Vanessa Marie Photography! Yes, I said it, and now I can’t wipe the smile that’s on my face!

Since I started this crazy dream of becoming a professional photographer, I’ve always worked a 9-6 job. At the start of my journey, balancing life was manageable — work, take care of the house, and second shoot for some photographers here and there. The second year was pretty much the same, but I had about 5 weddings of my own — still manageable. In 2014 I wanted to branch out on my own and shoot mostly for myself instead of a second shooting. I wish I had this elaborate story to share and say I was so talented that I was fully booked that year, but that wasn’t the case…