Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vanessa Dubois. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vanessa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I have always been interested in photography. My dad had a very nice camera and I always said that I would have a camera like dad one day. In college I bought my first camera to take photos during my last year’s internship. I worked in an aquarium and we would do outings to observe dolphins. I just then started taking my camera with me everywhere and would shoot any occasion. People started noticing my photos and telling mebthat I had an eye for it. Totally didn’t believe them until a photographer developed some of my photos and really emphasized on how the composition of my photos was very interesting.
That was the beginning of my photo career. Capturing moments, beauty and making people feel when they look at my photos.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Vanessa Dubois, a 43 year old French American (since December 1st, got my American citizenship 😉) queer photographer based in San Diego. I came to San Diego after college. I graduated in 2001 in France with a Bachelor in Marine Biology. After an intership on dolphins at SDSU, I started working in Special Needs. Shortly after arriving in California, I came out and then I quickly got involved with San Diego Pride and have been taking photos for the past 20 years. I worked with a few LGBT magazines throughout the years. I specialize in nightlife events (drag shows, nightclubs, concerts…). Lights & movements are what make my photography unique and full of emotions. Capturing moments that people can relive over & over makes me happy.
The best compliment I have ever received about my photography is that Im like a ghost… You see me but you don’t really. I am everywhere and nowhere…. And the reason behind it is that, first of all, when I work, I try to tell the story from as many angles as I potentially can and second, the event I am shooting is not mine. So of course I try to be as discreet as possible.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I seriously feed of people’s happiness. Through my lens, I can contribute to people’s happiness. I know it sounds corny, but by capturing moments and emotions, I am able to make people feel…and that is what is rewarding for me.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I compare myself to other photographers… I am my own worst critic. And not that long ago, a younger fellow photographer came up to me and was asking what settings I use when I shoot in nightclubs. After showing her and chatting with her, I told her to never compare herself or her work to others. But instead to be inspired by other’s art. Learn for each other but never feel like your work isn’t worthy. And at that moment, I realized that I needed to follow that advice as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.xpozdphotography.com
• Instagram: @xpozdphotography