We’re looking forward to introducing you to Valarie Winkleman. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Valarie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely, yes! I think ten steps ahead with my clients in mind every step of the way. I go above and beyond while staying professional, making sure my clients feel informed, comfortable, and cared for. I balance giving plenty of information with keeping things clear and easy to follow. From prep guides, planning details, and location info (with links) to delivering images with step-by-step instructions, I make the process seamless. Safety is always my top priority. With years of experience photographing 1,700+ newborns, and working daily alongside doctors and nurses, I’ve earned the trust of hospital staff who even hire me for their own family moments. I believe the little things matter. Remembering details, asking for input, and keeping communication open for any questions. Every session is customized to the family I’m working with. My goal is simple: to make the experience stress-free, safe, and meaningful while capturing timeless images.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Valarie, the photographer behind Valarie Joy Photography. I’ve been behind the camera for ten years and for the past five years, I’ve been serving families here in Charleston, South Carolina. My journey into newborn photography began with my (now) 4yr old niece, which opened the door to working in hospitals where I safely photographed anywhere from 4 to 16 newborns a day. Since then, I’ve photographed thousands of babies and have had the joy of watching families return for their second, third, and even fourth little one! I offer photos outdoors, in the hospital, in your home, in a studio, and I’m willing to travel.
I specialize in maternity, newborns, milestones, and family sessions, but what makes my work unique is the personal connection I build with each family. I want every session to feel comfortable and customized. Many of my clients have become lifelong friends, and most even say I’ll be their photographer for life. To me, that’s the most rewarding par. Seeing those tiny newborns grow year after year knowing I get to capture their story along the way.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I felt limited, like I had to tiptoe through life. Now, I know I am limitless. I can achieve anything I set my mind to with hard work and determination, even if self-doubt still shows up. As I’ve grown, especially through being a business owner, I’ve learned how to really understand myself and what I need to thrive. My ADHD is now my superpower and has taught me to be creative in finding fun ways to stay on track and avoid burnout. I’ve shifted from working against myself to working with myself by thinking ahead, leaning into my strengths, and using my energy and empathy to serve others in an efficient way.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I was no stranger to adversity growing up, but during my college years I faced one of the hardest challenges….watching my dad’s health decline. My dad was my biggest supporter and my friend. He taught me his incredible work ethic. He understood me in a way no one else did. No matter the struggles he faced, he cheered me on and reminded me often how proud he was of me. When my dad passed away, I was 24. It was the most painful experience of my life. That loss is part of what pushed me to move to Charleston, where the fresh start has been incredibly healing.
Over the years, I’ve learned not to hide my pain but to use it as a way to connect with others. Navigating grief has shown me the beauty of documenting loved ones while they’re here. Photography has become a form of healing for me. I get to create memories they’ll treasure forever. My grief has shaped me, made me stronger, and given me a deeper purpose: to remind people they’re not alone and that our memories are worth preserving.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, absolutely. I’m so open about my life that sometimes I wonder if I’m “too much,” LOL, but you’ll always get the real and quirky me! People often tell me they feel like they already know me! I wear my heart on my sleeve and truly love connecting with people. My friendliness and openness are often what clients say makes them feel so comfortable in front of my camera, which is the best compliment I could receive.
I share pieces of my everyday life, and I love that it sparks conversations that lead to real connections. Charleston is a small, close-knit community, and yet I’m still surprised (and so thankful) when I discover how many of my clients know each other. One of my favorite things to hear is that people are following along and celebrating my journey with me. My heart is so full when I get to learn how my clients are doing. I love chatting just for the sake of it, catching up, and seeing how the kiddos are growing.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember how I made them feel. I hope they cherish the photos and memories I captured, but more than anything, I hope they remember the experience: the laughter and the joy of spending time together. I truly remember each and every session, even when I’ve photographed the same family so many times and the moments merge together in my mind, I remember the little things that make each family unique.
I hope people remember me for my kindness and the genuine way I show up for others. I want my legacy to be that of someone who treated everyone with love and patience. Someone who made people feel seen and valued. I hope they remember my energy for celebrating life’s milestones and the fun along the way. More than the photos, I hope people remember me as a person who truly cared, who gave her all to make others feel special, and who left the world just a little brighter because she was in it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://valariejoy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valariejoyphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valariejoyphotography
Image Credits
Headshot @charityrebekahphotography
All other photos @valariejoyphotography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
