She’s built a photography business that spans decades, continents, and platforms — but behind the portfolio is a deeper story.

In this episode of The MOOD Podcast, I sit down in person with Vanessa Joy — award-winning wedding photographer, educator, speaker, and creative entrepreneur — for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build a career that blends art, business, mentorship, and meaning.

We unpack how her relationship with control, creativity, and leadership has evolved — from the early days of flash photography and client chaos to building an ecosystem of retreats, masterminds, and passive income that supports both her family and her students. We talk about the emotional weight of capturing life’s most fragile moments, the quiet value of print in a digital world, and why she’s leaning harder into legacy than ever before.

This is a conversation for the creatives who want to last — not just go viral. For the artists learning to sell without selling out. For the ones building something that still feels like them.

Watch, reflect, and share it with someone building something that matters.


Follow Vanessa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/vanessajoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajoy/
Website: https://vanessajoy.com/

_________________________

(00:00) Intro
(01:59) Recent Photography Retreats
(04:53) The Role of Photography in Vanessa's Life
(06:21) Managing Client Expectations as a Photographer
(09:52) Photo Insiders vs. Mastermind: What’s the Difference?  
(12:18) How a $20K Coaching Investment Changed Her Business  
(13:24) How Podcast Interviews Boosted Vanessa’s Brand  
(17:42) Overcoming Burnout by Restructuring the Business  
(19:28) What Success Looks Like After 20+ Years in Business  
(22:16) Staying Visible in the Age of Social Media  
(23:10) How to Be Authentic Online 
(25:15) The Power of AI and the Authenticity Crisis  
(32:47) The Pressure of Photographing Timeless Moments  
(35:29) Staying Relevant as a Photographer in The Digital Age
(41:13) Vanessa Approach to Storytelling  
(43:17) Why Artists Need to Choose Passion Over Profit  
(46:48) Why YouTube and Content Still Matter in 2025  
(50:32) Why Vanessa Shares Everything…
(53:48) How to Build a Brand as a Creative

Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!

Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work.

YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay

Learn with me
https://mattjacobphotography.com/voice-alchemy

My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter

Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com

Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay