I normally start these posts with some lofty statement about my guest's accomplishments, or some other overly deep setup. Not today. Today may be the easiest opening I have ever written...

Vanessa Joy is a joy to work with.

Every email I have received during the planning stages of this show has made me smile because of her email signature. She ends her emails.... "enJoy life". That sums up what you are in for on this episode.

In doing some research on Vanessa another thing stood out to me, her website's About page starts off that page by saying:

"Hello! First off, I’m just glad you’re here. Thank you.

I could go on about the "history" of me, my awards and publications and my 20+ years in photography, but the truth is I just love marriage and being a part of one of the most important times in my couples’ lives."

That is awesome. I owned a DJ business for 18 years, and I was on some of the top referral lists in So Cal. That is to say that I have worked a lot of weddings, with a lot of wedding photographers. That opening statement perfectly says what I always felt when I did a wedding, and what I rarely - if ever -  heard from a photographer I worked with. Still, if Vanessa won't list her accomplishments perhaps I can.

There are only five Canon Explorers of Light in the field of Wedding Photography, just five. Vanessa is one of them. On it's own, that's enough of a list, but let me continue...

Vanessa Joy photographs weddings from Austin and Dallas, TX, to New Jersey, New York City, and Manhattan, and of course is sought after for destination weddings. Her style is photojournalistic, and has led to multiple awards. Her work has been seen in The Knot, RangeFinder, Grace Ormonde, Brides, and more. Last time I counted she has 11 classes on CreativeLive, and you can even buy her preset packs. And yes, she's an author, with her book "The Off-Camera Flash Handbook: 32 Scenarios for Creating Beautiful Light and Stunning Photographs" available now.

Let's just say that Vanessa Joy is at the top of the wedding photography game, and I am so glad to have her on the show.

Please join Canon Explorer of Light Vanessa Joy and me as we jump head first into the wonderful world of Wedding Photography, while discussing this beautiful image of a bride framed by her veil, on this episode of Behind the Shot.

Connect with Vanessa

Website: vanessajoy.com

Website for Photographers: breatheyourpassion.com

Blog: vanessajoyphotographyblog.com

Twitter: @vanessa__joy

Instagram: @vanessajoy

Facebook: @VJoyPhoto

YouTube: @vanessajoy

Vanessa's Book

Amazon: The Off-Camera Flash Handbook: 32 Scenarios for Creating Beautiful Light and Stunning Photographs

Vanessa's Secrets To Perfect Poses

Speed Posing Course: speedposing.com

Free Guide: Posing Inspiration Guide

Vanessa's Photographer Picks

Steven Kramer: kramerportraits.net

Seth Miranda: lastxwitness.com