Meet Victoria Dowling

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Victoria Dowling. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Victoria below.

Victoria, 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?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing and the values instilled in me by my parents. Growing up, I watched them work hard to provide for our family, which taught me the importance of dedication and resilience. My dad told me when I was a junior in high school “You can’t be a lazy photographer,” and that really struck a chord with me. As an adult in the field, it’s a constant reminder that photography, like any art form, requires not just talent but relentless effort and hundreds of hours of commitment to perfect my craft and stand out against the crowd. I have tried multiple different forms of photography commercially, in the medical field and within my own business.

Pursuing my BFA in Photography and Film from Virginia Commonwealth University also reinforced that perspective. The rigorous training and collaborative environment pushed me to continuously strive for improvement. It was humbling to be a part of the 10% accepted into my program. I worked hard to prove I belonged there with my other SUPER talented peers. Every shoot, every project is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m passionate about continuous learning and growth. I took a huge career jump from fashion/commercial photography to medical photography in 2021. I love being a part of cutting edge research at New Jersey Plastic Surgery as both their Clinical Photographer and Research Coordinator. The opportunities that NJPS has awarded me over the last 3 years has provided so much value. Dr. Barry DiBernardo has invested so much wisdom, time and education into helping me perfect my craft in the clinical field and I will be forever grateful for the expertise he has offered me.

As both a photographer and business owner, I specialize in capturing the beauty and intricacies of both the art world and clinical settings. Victoria Dowling Photography’s brand includes personal projects (that are often nature inspired) and client photography sessions. What excites me most about my work is the ability to tell stories through images. I love creating visually stunning portfolios for my clients and bonding with them through the process making them feel as comfortable as possible with me to get the best possible images. I believe that every photograph has the power to connect people and evoke emotions, and that’s what makes my work special and stand out.

I’m thrilled to see where this journey takes me, and I hope to continue connecting with my audience through both my art and my role in the medical field!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, I’d say the three most impactful qualities for me have been adaptability, consistency, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Adaptability: The photography world is constantly evolving, and being able to adjust to different styles, techniques, and environments has been crucial. From working in art galleries to fashion photography and even now as a medical photographer, each experience has taught me to be flexible and open-minded. For those just starting out, I recommend embracing new challenges and not being afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Every experience, even if it feels unrelated, can contribute to your growth.

Consistency: This has been key in building my business and maintaining my skills. Whether it’s committing to regular practice, keeping a consistent brand presence, or delivering quality work to clients in a timely manner, consistency fosters trust and growth. My advice for newcomers is to establish a routine that allows you to work on your craft regularly. Set achievable goals, and hold yourself accountable to them. No one else is responsible for your life except you!

Continuous Learning: I’ve always believed that there’s no end to learning in photography. My experiences with various photographers and in different roles have enriched my understanding of the art. I encourage aspiring photographers to seek out mentorship and education, whether through formal classes, workshops, or even informal networking. Youtube and other photographers offer many tutorials and opportunities for self-growth. I know plenty of photographers who are self taught and are SO talented. I learned a lot from going to college for photography, but I would definitely say that I learned the most from my mentors in the field and from hands-on experience. Be curious and open to feedback; every piece of advice can be a stepping stone for improvement.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I begin to feel overwhelmed, I need to take a step back and reconnect with nature. Spending time outdoors, whether it’s a hike with my husband and dogs or a quiet moment by our lake, helps me clear my mind. I find that being in nature not only inspires my photography but also brings me a sense of calm.

I also have a few strategies to manage that sense of overwhelm. I prioritize my tasks and break them down into smaller, manageable steps, which makes everything feel less daunting (as someone with ADHD this REALLY helps me get things done). Sometimes, I’ll even take a short trip with my husband to change my environment and gain fresh perspectives.

Ultimately, it’s all about finding balance and remembering to enjoy the process!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://victoriadowlingphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriadowlingphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriadowlingphotography/
• Other: Google: https://g.co/kgs/yoHzhdV

Image Credits

Victoria Dowling Photography