We were lucky to catch up with Vicki Bartel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Vicki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

For a decade, I was deep in the world of wedding photography, capturing those unforgettable moments and thriving with a steady stream of clients. The income was fantastic, and I had established a solid reputation. But then, I dipped my toes into lifestyle brand photography and felt a spark. Helping female entrepreneurs tell their stories? That lit me up like nothing else. Weddings started feeling too stressful, and I craved flexibility, more family time, and honestly? A new challenge. But wow, was I scared to take the leap. Leaving the safety of wedding photography felt like diving off a cliff without a parachute.

Then, COVID hit, and the wedding industry screeched to a halt. It was like the universe handed me my answer on a silver platter. I had my doubts—could brand photography really be as lucrative? Was there a full-time market for it? Would people see its value? The uncertainty was overwhelming, but I knew I had to trust my gut.

I didn’t waste time. Within days, I had a new website up and running. It was scary, but I dove headfirst into this new chapter, determined to make it work. And you know what? It did. These days, I get to work with some seriously amazing women entrepreneurs. I help them show off who they are and what their businesses are all about. Looking back, taking that leap was the best move I could’ve made. It’s allowed me to strike a better balance, giving me more flexibility to spend time with my family while doing work I truly love.

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?

About Me:

Hello! I’m Vicki Bartel, a personal brand and event photographer based in Ontario, Canada. My journey into photography began 15 years ago with an entry-level DSLR camera I bought to capture everyday moments of my newborn son. I immersed myself in learning through YouTube tutorials and Facebook sharing, which led to friends requesting family photos and, eventually, my first wedding job. That initial leap marked the start of a fulfilling career. After 13 years of photographing weddings, I transitioned to personal brand photography for female entrepreneurs. This shift has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to help ambitious women showcase their leadership and identity. I also love photographing female-focused events like the recent “Academy in the City” hosted by Jillian Harris and Atelier Collective.

How I Got Into Photography:

I started with an entry-level DSLR camera when my son was born 15 years ago, determined to capture every moment. I dove into learning everything I could—watching YouTube videos on lighting and techniques. Posting my photos on Facebook led to friends asking for family portraits, which eventually resulted in my first wedding request. Did I have it all figured out? Not exactly, but I took the leap, embraced the learning curve, and that’s how my photography career began.

Services Offered:

Personal Brand Photography: I provide customized sessions designed to reflect the unique essence of female entrepreneurs. By understanding each client’s brand and values, I create imagery that enhances their professional presence and personal story.
Event Photography: I offer detailed coverage for events, ensuring every important moment is captured with clarity. Notable projects include the Eras Tour and female-focused events like Academy in the City.
Problems I Solve:

I help clients stand out with high-quality, authentic images that resonate with their target audience. My work enhances their brand visibility and marketing efforts, making their stories and messages more impactful.

What Sets Me Apart:

What sets me apart is not just the deep strategy I bring to each shoot, but also my ability to pull out a supermodel-like confidence in every woman I photograph. I focus on creating a transformative experience during our sessions, helping clients tap into their best selves and feel empowered.

Proudest Achievements:

What I love most is receiving feedback from women who tell me that my photography has helped them step into the next version of themselves as business owners. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear that my work has played a role in their personal and professional growth. Photographing Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was a significant milestone, but it’s the everyday impact on my clients’ confidence and success that truly makes me proud.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Reflecting on my social media journey, I’ve found that genuine connections are the secret sauce. I’ve never bought into follow loops or the follow/unfollow game. Instead, I pour my energy into building authentic relationships. Creating one-to-one connections is incredibly powerful—responding to comments, sending direct messages, and engaging personally with followers fosters a deeper bond. Social media success isn’t about reaching the masses; it’s about connecting deeply with individuals and cultivating a loyal tribe that genuinely supports and shares your business.

Collaborating with others is also a game-changer and key when you want to increase your reach and influence. For example, I partnered with a marketing and business expert to create a post featuring business tips inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. As a photographer on the tour, I provided her with exclusive concert images, and we combined our talents to create a content piece that was greatly valued by our audience. This aligned collaboration increased visibility and created new opportunities for both of us.

And let’s not forget the importance of staying updated with trends and experimenting with new approaches. Social media is always evolving, and keeping up with what’s popular helps maintain relevance and engagement. Trying out new trends and features can keep your content fresh and exciting. For example, when Instagram first announced Reels, I hopped on trying the feature quite early, which paid off in high organic reach!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

For a long time, I hid behind my work and art, battling my own insecurities and avoiding the spotlight on social media. However, through consistent inner work and the commitment to showing up, I began to push through those barriers. One of my favorite quotes that hangs in my studio is by Jasmine Star: “Don’t wait until you’re confident to show up. Show up until you are confident.”

As a result, I witnessed the growth of my personal brand and realized my mission: to empower other women to do the same. Visibility is crucial in today’s digital landscape. I want to inspire women to embrace their unique stories and share them with powerful confidence. Seeing a woman take that step toward self-acceptance and transformation is incredibly fulfilling. My work is not just about creating beautiful images; it’s about guiding women to step into their power and shine brightly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vickibartel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vickibartel.brand.photographer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-bartel/
• Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vicki.brandphotographer