Meet Vennessa Rena’ | Destination Elopement Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vennessa Rena’ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vennessa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I really wanted a creative outlet. I love being able to capture and be part of special moments for clients. I am humbled by the clients who have chosen me to capture their special moments. I look at the client loyalty and brand I’ve built and believe it truly reflects my intentions from the beginning. I wanted to create a space where I could offer quality services and imaging at an affordable price point.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I started this business it was because I love, love, and all it’s shapes, sizes and forms. I love people, hard and genuinely. What better subjects than humans to capture the essence of love, family, and marriage than through a lens? Whether it’s a wedding, maternity session, or family session – I am in awe of the details that are captured in time that you don’t pay attention to in everyday life; like a kiddo’s missing tooth, a bride/groom first look, or being able to capture a family growing. It’s the most beautiful expression of art to me. I would say a big factor in the success of my brand is ​acceptance and my willingness to work with different situations. This is not just a business for me. Growing up the way I did, I didn’t have all the warm and fuzzy moments to look back over as I grew up. I want to always make sure that clients have the ability to look back on these moments, no matter the complexity of the situation. Also, compassion and flexibility – you can’t do anything without it. I feel this way about life in general. But looking through a photography lens, when you do family sessions, some kids just aren’t feeling it. I’m not super strict on session times because it may take 45 minutes for a kid to trust me and become comfortable being in front of the camera. I’ve found the end result is so much better when compassion and flexibility are extended. Other times, we have no control over it and the weather throws a wrench in things, so we have to regroup and find a solution. I don’t leave clients to figure that out – we put our heads together to make it work. With all that said, I would want people to know there is always a seat at my table.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohhhh this is a hard one. Elizabethtown is a small town, but has so much character and has grown so much over the years. I would say let’s start the day at Vibe Coffee and grab some morning smoothies or fruit açaí bowls and then head to Bernheim Forrest, one of my favorite state parks. It’s BEAUTIFUL. Also have to check out the Giants there, they are made by Danish Artist Thomas Dambo and they are just the coolest. After exploring I’d say a late lunch/early dinner at Impellizzeri’s the pizza is good, and my favorite is the bruschetta, I could seriously eat a plate all to myself. Then a night cap at The Dreamery which is our local gelato shop and always have new flavors to try. Vibe, Impellizzeri’s and The Dreamery are apart of our historic downtown and seriously one of my favorite pleases to hangout with friends.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to first and foremost shoutout my clients. Without them I wouldn’t be able to do what I do today. I would also want to shoutout my best friend and mentor Kenna, she is also a photographer and has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter since day one. Then of course the creative community, I am so honored and humbled to work along side and collaborate with so many amazing creatives.

Website: Vennessarenaphoto.com

Instagram: @vennessarenaphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vennessarenaphoto