We were lucky to catch up with Janessa Sanderson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Janessa, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Honestly, I stay creative by living life with my eyes wide open. Inspiration doesn’t always come from fancy places—it’s in the way the light hits someone’s face at sunset, a moment of connection between a couple, or even just watching their kids play. Their curiosity and imagination remind me to loosen up and see things differently.
I also switch things up often. Whether it’s trying a new location, experimenting with editing styles, or just playing around without the pressure of a “perfect shot,” giving myself room to explore helps keep the spark alive.
And sometimes, creativity needs space to breathe. If I’m feeling burnt out, I step back—go for a walk, listen to music, journal, or just rest. That space always brings me back with fresh eyes and new ideas.
At Golden Palm Photography, I’m not just capturing images—I’m capturing emotion, connection, and the little things that make life beautiful. As long as I stay connected to real moments and the people I serve, the creativity keeps flowing.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Janessa, founder of Golden Palm Photography, a South Florida-based brand capturing love, connection, and life’s most meaningful moments. From luxury weddings to soulful maternity sessions and branding shoots, I tell real stories through timeless, emotive imagery.
What sets Golden Palm apart is the heart behind every frame. I’m not just snapping photos—I’m freezing moments that matter. We’ve just launched 2026 luxury wedding collections, cinematic videography, and content creator packages to better serve our high-end clients.
This business is my passion and along with my children, it’s my purpose. It’s about art, impact, and legacy—and I’m just getting started.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Emotional resilience – Building a business while going through personal challenges, has taught me how to keep showing up even when things feel heavy. Resilience isn’t about being tough all the time—it’s about learning how to rest, not quit. My advice? Protect your peace, ask for help when you need it, and know that slow growth is still growth.
2. Storytelling through imagery – Photography is more than pretty pictures; it’s about capturing feeling and freezing a beautiful moment in time. Developing the ability to tell a story with emotion and intention has been a game-changer. If you’re just starting out, focus less on perfection and more on connection. Learn to see people, not just pose them.
3. Branding + client experience – You can be incredibly talented, but if your branding doesn’t reflect your value or your client experience isn’t thoughtful, people won’t remember you. I’ve spent a lot of time refining how I show up online, how I communicate, and how I make people feel. My tip? Let your brand reflect your energy and your heart, not just your aesthetic.
How would you describe your ideal client?
At Golden Palm Photography, my ideal clients value intentionality, elegance, and emotion-driven storytelling.
I work best with planners who are curating luxury experiences and want a photographer who brings more than just technical skill—I bring presence, calm, and a deep understanding of how to seamlessly flow with the rhythm of a wedding day.
My dream clients are couples who trust the team around them, want to feel fully present, and appreciate photography that’s timeless, romantic, and artfully done. They’re not looking for cookie-cutter—they’re looking for connection, and they want images that reflect the depth and beauty of their day.
If you’re a planner who prides yourself on elevated experiences and bespoke design, I’d love to be your go-to partner for weddings that deserve to be remembered with heart and style.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://GoldenPalmPhotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/goldenpalmphoto
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/goldenpalmphoto
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