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

Vega, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’m entirely self-taught — just me, a camera, a lot of trial and error, and way too many late nights on YouTube. The first subjects I ever really tried to photograph were the cardinals and chickadees in my backyard. They were quick, unpredictable, and honestly kind of bossy — but they taught me patience, timing, and how to actually pay attention to what I was doing.

At the risk of sounding a little slow, when I first started, I thought shooting in manual meant everything had to be manual — not just aperture, ISO, and shutter speed, but also focusing every single shot by hand. The day I learned about autofocus was the day my blood pressure dropped about 20 points.

The skills that have mattered most have been a mix of the technical stuff — knowing my gear, light, and composition — and the people side of things. My background in customer service and my more renegade way of integrating into the community when I first started really helped me find my comfort. They’ve helped me create not just a great photograph, but a whole client experience that feels welcoming and personal from start to finish.

Once I got my Sony A7RIII and Sigma 24-70mm, I was set on gear. The bigger challenge was finding clients. Early on, I leaned into guerrilla marketing and showing up where people were — even if it meant stepping outside my comfort zone. Over time, that built trust, and now most of my business comes from word of mouth.

If I could give my past self a shortcut, I’d say: focus on the people as much as the pictures. Gear and technique matter, but the connections you make? That’s what keeps the work fun — and keeps people coming back.

Vega, 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?

I’m Vega, a full-time portrait, wedding, lifestyle, and branding photographer based in East Alabama. My love for photography started when I was five years old, watching my grandma’s Polaroid print tiny, magical moments right in front of me. Years later, I taught myself the craft through trial, error, and plenty of late-night YouTube sessions.

I provide creative services that go beyond just taking pictures — I focus on crafting a full, welcoming client experience from our first conversation to the final gallery delivery. My background in customer service and my grassroots, community-driven start have shaped how I work. I believe the best photographs come when people feel truly comfortable, so I approach every shoot with warmth, patience, and a little bit of playfulness.

What sets me apart is my emphasis on micro-moments — those in-between glances, laughs, and expressions that tell the real story. I’m proud that most of my business now comes through word of mouth, which tells me I’m delivering more than just images; I’m creating experiences worth sharing.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients and followers to know, it’s that when you work with me, you’re getting more than a photographer. You’re getting a collaborator and cheerleader who’s invested in telling your story in a way that feels authentic, timeless, and uniquely yours.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing people light up when they see themselves in a new way. I’ve had clients call me with happy tears after receiving their gallery because it’s the first time they’ve felt beautiful in a long time. Those moments make me feel so full.

Everyone is beautiful in front of the camera — sometimes they just need someone to show them. Being able to capture that light, that spark, and hand it back to them as proof… that’s the greatest gift of this work.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Yes — Giftology by John Ruhlin has had a big influence on how I think about client relationships. The book isn’t about generic thank-you gifts or transactional gestures — it’s about creating moments that make people feel genuinely valued and understood by gifting them with something that will last a lifetime. No business logos, solely personalized for the client. That philosophy has stuck with me.

In my photography business, I’ve applied those principles by being intentional about the little touches I include for clients — from handwritten cards before a wedding to wooden boxes featuring the bride and groom’s initials in the design of a tarot card. It’s made me think less about ‘closing a job’ and more about building a long-term connection. I’ve seen firsthand how going above and beyond in small, meaningful ways turns clients into repeat clients, and repeat clients into genuine advocates for my work. It’s not about spending the most, but about showing you’ve been paying attention and you truly care.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vegafoster.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegafoster.photography/?hl=en
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@vegaeditsphotos

Image Credits

Vega Foster Photography