Meet Vanessa Hohreiter | Portrait & Brand Photographer

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

Hi Vanessa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have been a Crime Scene Investigator for 18 years. At the beginning of my career, I took photography courses at the local community college. Crime Scene investigation is an interesting and rewarding career for individuals with a lot of flexibility in their personal schedules. However, when I started a family, I considered what were my strengths and transferrable skills. Photography came to my mind. I wanted to be able to serve others and reflect God’s creativity in a new way.

I had the technical skills of camera work, but I needed to build my creative skills. Both, creative photography and crime scene photography tell stories just for different purposes. Edgar Degas once said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” I believe whatever I do in word or deed should represent the Lord and serve others with the gifts He has given me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I entitled my portrait photography brand, Story Road Photography. My first forensic Manager in Southern California first said to me, “You are telling a story with your photos.” A story for the detectives, police officers and ultimately the jurors. From that moment I looked through the camera lens a little differently. Primarily, I sought out to portray the events that occurred but also the emotions attached to each event. That statement became my vision whether I was photographing a homicide scene or a wedding.

I have learned to accept my imperfections and to not be discouraged by mistakes. We all make mistakes. It is most important to be honest and try to make corrections when possible. Any business is a learning experience and is not without risk. But it is worth it when it is something you are passionate about.

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?
It depends on the season! In winter I always take out of town family or friends to Breckenridge. We are skiers but Breck offers something for everyone, adults and children alike.

In the summer, I take friends to Grand Lake. The Lake and the picturesque Mainstreet still has a small-town feel. There is nothing better than a morning paddleboard trip and lunch or dinner afterwards. There are many ice cream and coffee shops to enjoy the summer evenings and watch passersby!

There are a few local restaurants my husband and I love to go to, which includes Root Down, Lucile’s Creole Cafe, The Original Pancake House, Scileppi’s at the Old Stone Church and Parker Garage to name a few.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, this may not be the most popular answer, but I am a Christian and I believe that I can do nothing apart from God. All my opportunities and accomplishments have been gifts of grace and my decision to honor God in all I do with what He has given me. With that said, my husband has been my biggest supporter. He was an Air Force Pilot and now an Airline Pilot and having a Forensic career with a husband that travels is definitely not an easy task. But he has always made sure I was able to fulfill my goals and aspirations.

There are many people who have inspired me to pursue and dedicate my life to public service, but a couple female mentors stand out for different reasons. Tacoma Police Department Forensic Manager Kathy Pendrak taught me how to be confident in my abilities and handle setbacks with strength and determination. Napa Police Detective Sergeant Amy Hunter was one of the strongest female leaders I have met. She showed me how to demonstrate empathy and resilience in a male dominant career. I have taken all these characteristics and experiences into my portrait photography.

Website: https://storyroadphotography.mypixieset.com/