Meet Vanessa Kuns

We recently connected with Vanessa Kuns and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I owe my work ethic entirely to my parents. My dad ran a landscaping business, and he treated every customer like family—going above and beyond with integrity at the core of his service. My mom, an Executive Assistant in a corporate office, showed me the power of being resourceful, supportive, and committed to excellence. They each dedicated 35 years to their careers, leading by example and proving that hard work, integrity, and genuine care for others are the keys to success. Their influence shaped how I approach my own work today.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a professional newborn and family photographer with over a decade of experience capturing life’s most precious moments. My passion lies in storytelling—preserving the love, connection, and warmth that make each family unique.

Newborn photography, in particular, is an art that requires patience, planning, and a gentle touch. Those first few weeks fly by, and I strive to turn fleeting moments into timeless fine art that families can cherish forever. My approach is all about authenticity—creating images that feel natural, intimate, and full of emotion.

At the heart of my work is a deep appreciation for the beauty of real life. I don’t just take pictures; I capture memories that tell a story, one that grows more meaningful with time.

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?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey:

Resilience – Building a business, especially in a creative field like photography, comes with challenges. There were times when bookings were slow, when I questioned my skills, or when I had to adapt to changing trends. But resilience kept me going. I learned to embrace setbacks as lessons, pivot when needed, and keep pushing forward.

Relationship-Building – Photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about people. Whether working with clients, networking with other photographers, or fostering long-term relationships, connection has been key. I’ve built a business not just through skill, but through trust, warmth, and genuinely caring about the people I work with.

Business Acumen – Talent alone isn’t enough to sustain a successful business. Understanding marketing, pricing, client experience, and long-term strategy made all the difference in growing my brand. I invested time in learning the business side of photography, and that knowledge has been just as valuable as my technical skills behind the camera.

Advice for those starting out:

Develop resilience by accepting failure as part of growth. Keep improving, keep learning, and don’t let challenges derail you.

Focus on relationships by prioritizing client experience, networking, and treating every interaction with care.

Invest in business skills early—whether through courses, mentors, or trial and error. The more you understand how to run a business, the more freedom and success you’ll find.

At the end of the day, passion is what fuels the journey, but these three qualities are what sustain it.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

When I first started in newborn photography, I was deeply inspired by Ana Brandt, a renowned expert in the industry. Her work ignited my passion for capturing newborns, and through her online and in-person workshops, I gained invaluable knowledge about newborn safety, proper posing, lighting, and the business side of photography.

Beyond Ana Brandt’s influence, I’ve continued to invest in my growth by attending various workshops focused on both photography and business. Each experience has helped refine my skills and strengthen my ability to create meaningful, timeless images for my clients.

I also owe a great deal of gratitude to my husband, who has been an incredible support system in building this business. He has played a crucial role in helping me navigate the financial side, ensuring that my passion for photography could grow into a thriving and sustainable business.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Credit: Vanessa Kuns Photography

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