We were lucky to catch up with Vannessa Lesso recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Vannessa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for my business was born during a challenging time, right when COVID hit, and I was furloughed after working 10 years at Atlantic Aviation. I couldn’t just sit around and do nothing—I needed something meaningful and productive. Around that time, my husband gifted me a camera, and I thought, “Why not start offering mini sessions to bring in some income?”

What really motivated me was finding a balance between work and being a mom. I had a crazy schedule, dropping off and picking up my kids, and I needed something that was flexible. Photography not only allowed me to create a schedule that fit my life but also helped me stay more involved in my children’s lives, being there for their moments.

Initially, photography was just a hobby, a creative outlet. But after about a year, I realized how much joy and fulfillment it brought me—not just as a creative passion but as a business. That’s when I decided to take the leap and invest in myself, turning what was once a side gig into my full-time career.

The excitement came from knowing that this business allowed me to be present for my family, while also offering my clients something special—capturing their important moments. I wasn’t just solving a problem for myself; I was providing a service that others needed, too. The emotional connection, the flexibility, and the creativity all fueled my belief that this could work. And now, looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Vannessa , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! I’m Vannessa, a maternity, family, and birthday photographer based in North Houston. My journey into photography wasn’t exactly planned—it all started when COVID hit and I was furloughed from my 10-year career at Atlantic Aviation. At that moment, my husband gifted me a camera, and that simple gesture ended up changing everything. Photography started as a hobby, something I could do while balancing the crazy schedule of being a mom with drop-offs, pick-ups, and family life. After a year, I made the decision to invest in my passion and turn it into my full-time job, and it’s been one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

Today, I specialize in capturing those special family moments—whether it’s maternity sessions that highlight the beauty of motherhood, family portraits that reflect the joy and connection of loved ones, or birthday sessions that celebrate milestones in fun and creative ways. I believe that photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about storytelling, preserving memories, and being a part of the important moments in my clients’ lives. That’s what excites me the most—being able to provide a tangible reminder of those fleeting, but precious, times.

What sets me apart is the personalized touch I bring to each session. From the moment clients reach out to me, I make sure to guide them through the entire process—whether it’s helping them with outfit choices, suggesting props, or making sure they feel comfortable in front of the camera. I often say that I act like their mirror during the session, helping with poses and ensuring they feel confident. I also love creating a fun and relaxed environment during the shoot, which is why I often bring my family along to help, especially my son, who has earned the title of ‘unpaid employee.’

One of the things I’m most proud of is the strong connections I’ve built with my clients. Many of them have become friends, and it’s so rewarding to see families grow through the years, capturing their important milestones. My work isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about being part of those moments, sharing in the excitement, and making sure the memories last a lifetime.

I want my potential clients and followers to know that I truly love what I do. It’s not just about photography—it’s about community and connection. I’m here to be part of your story, whether it’s celebrating the anticipation of a new baby, capturing the love of your family, or creating unforgettable birthday memories. I’m also passionate about networking and constantly improving my craft so that I can continue to offer the best possible experience to every client.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I first started my photography business, I didn’t have much experience, and I had to build everything from the ground up. The initial capital came from sheer determination and a lot of hard work. I began by offering affordable mini sessions, which allowed me to start generating some income, even though I didn’t know much about my camera at the time. My goal was to make enough money to invest in my education, so I could improve my skills and offer higher-quality work to my clients.

My husband was incredibly supportive and paid for my first photography class, which was a huge help. From there, I used the income I made from sessions to fund the rest of my education. It wasn’t an easy journey—I had to hustle and post in every mom group I could find to get those early bookings. People weren’t coming to me for my skill at first; they were booking because I was affordable. I kept my prices low in the beginning because I knew I was still learning, but that first year of classes really helped me grow both as a photographer and as a business owner.

Once I had invested a full year into learning and improving, I realized my worth. I had developed a strong foundation in both my craft and my confidence, and that’s when I shifted my focus from just offering low prices to offering value. I was no longer just the affordable photographer—I was someone who had invested in myself and my clients, and my work reflected that.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first started, I wasn’t posting much on social media. I relied mainly on mom groups for bookings and didn’t put much effort into building an online presence. But that changed after I took a social media course that included a challenge. As I worked through the challenge, it pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to start posting more consistently. I began doing lives, stories, and reels, and that’s when I realized just how powerful a presence on social media can be.

The key thing I learned is that social media isn’t just about posting pretty pictures; it’s about educating your audience and connecting with them on a personal level. Whether it’s through polls, behind-the-scenes stories, or tips about what to expect during sessions, I make it a point to engage with my followers every day. Over time, I’ve built a stronger connection with my audience because they can see not just my work, but the person behind the lens as well.

For anyone just starting out and trying to build their social media presence, my biggest piece of advice is to show up daily. Post stories, even if it’s just something simple. Try to share images of your services 2-3 times a week, and don’t shy away from creating reels. Reels are a great way to showcase your work and personality. The more you put yourself out there, the more comfortable you’ll become, and your audience will start to grow as they see your consistency and authenticity. Social media is an amazing tool to not only attract new clients but also to build meaningful relationships with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://book.usesession.com/i/iQzHwosXto
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlesphotographyllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072712779165