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

Vicki, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back in time, I would absolutely start my business sooner. Photography has always been a part of my life, but for the longest time, I didn’t realize it was anything more than something I just did. I wasn’t trying to be a photographer, I was simply capturing life as it happened. I saw moments, and I took photos.

Back then, I always had a point-and-shoot camera with me. I knew I loved taking pictures, but I never thought about turning that love into something bigger. That started to shift in 2005. We had just sold our house, and I told my husband the one thing I really wanted after we closed was a real camera. That Christmas, he surprised me with my first DSLR. At first, I had no idea how to use it. I kept it on auto mode and took pictures of everything… my kids, family events, school activities, and dance classes. Eventually, I realized that since it was digital, I could experiment without fear. I finally dove into manual mode and learned through trial and error. Slowly, my confidence began to build.

In 2009, everything began to change. My daughter and I were walking through EPCOT when we heard music in the distance. We followed the sound and discovered a band playing as part of EPCOT’s Sounds Like Summer concert series, which featured tribute bands. I had no idea this even existed. That moment sparked something in me. I went back the next day with my camera and photographed more of the performances. Out of all the acts I saw, Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute stood out as my favorite. Their energy, stage presence, and crowd connection were electric, and I knew I wanted to photograph them again. After that experience, I decided to return the following year with the intention of photographing every band in the series.

The next year, I spent the summer capturing each set, but I found myself especially drawn to Slippery When Wet. At the end of their run, I nervously approached them during a meet-and-greet and handed them a CD of my photos, along with my contact information. My hands were shaking as I made a few awkward comments, handed over the disk, and walked away, fully expecting to never hear from them. Surprisingly, a few weeks later, I received an email from their drummer asking if I’d be interested in doing a solo shoot with him. I jumped at the chance. The shoot went great, and he was happy with the photos, but not long after, he left the band.

I wasn’t ready to give up on this band when my only contact with them had left. I worked up the courage and reached out to the lead singer, Jason Morey, when I heard they would be playing at House of Blues in Orlando. I reintroduced myself as “the girl who handed you the photo disk at EPCOT” and asked if I could photograph their show. He said yes. That night was my first time photographing at House of Blues. It was a big leap from taking photos while sitting in the crowd at EPCOT. Afterward, I sent Jason the images, and he began posting them on social media and the band’s website. That moment was the beginning of something real. Jason believed in me and gave me a chance, and that helped me start believing in myself.

Over the next few years, I photographed Slippery When Wet every summer at EPCOT, as well as any other shows they played in Central Florida. I also began reaching out to other tribute bands and local acts, slowly building a name for myself. In 2011, Departure: The Journey Tribute Band gave me a shot, and I’ve worked with them ever since. To this day, nearly every photo on Slippery When Wet and Departure’s websites are mine.

In 2013, everything began to escalate. That February, my little sister, Sherry Lynn, who was getting her start in country music at the time, invited me to join her in Nashville for CRS (Country Radio Seminar). While there I had the opportunity to photograph a special concert at the Ryman Auditorium, featuring artists like Luke Bryan, Lady A, Eric Church, Billy Currington, Vince Gill, George Strait, and many more. It was so surreal.

In June I accompanied her again to Nashville, as her photographer for CMA Fest. I photographed all of her performances and appearances. It was an amazing experience, especially since I was getting to photograph my sister’s shows.

In July I found myself back in Nashville once again. This time I was there to photograph Sherry Lynn performing at the Grand Ole Opry alongside Crystal Gayle. They had recorded a duet together called “Beautiful Life,” and Crystal invited her to perform it live. I stood out in front of the stage, within the crowd, and captured one of the most incredible nights of her life. This was a huge honor and definitely an incredibly proud sister moment. Here we were, both doing something we loved.

Not long after that, I was out at a local show when a photographer named Chuck Davis approached me. He told me he’d seen my work and was impressed with my photos. He said he was putting together a photo team for a local radio station and asked if I’d join. I was floored, so of course I said yes. That fall, on Halloween night, I photographed my first arena show which was Nine Inch Nails. It was intense! The lighting was wild and the strobes were unpredictable. I leaned into everything I’d learned in the small, dimly lit bars and made it work. It was a challenge, but I left with shots I was really proud of. That night confirmed for me that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Since then, I’ve continued to grow while photographing shows, managing our photo team (which I’ve led since 2016), and continuing to build meaningful relationships within the Central Florida music photography scene.

Do I wish I’d started sooner? Absolutely! I would have loved to capture some of the bands I’ve photographed now back in their heyday. If I’d started earlier, I might have had opportunities to go on the road with touring bands and experience an entirely different side of the industry. Once I started taking music photography seriously though, that was never really the goal for me. I knew I was passionate about it, but I also knew my heart was at home. I made a conscious choice to stay local, so I could be present for my family while still doing something I loved. That balance allowed me to grow as a photographer without missing out on the moments that mattered most.

When I began my journey in music photography, my kids were getting older and would be heading off to college. My life had revolved around them since the day they were born, and I needed something of my own… something that reminded me who I was outside of being a mom. Photography gave me that. It gave me purpose, joy, community, and confidence. Looking back, everything happened as it was meant to. I might have started late, but I started strong, and I’m still going.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Over the years, I’ve built a strong reputation as a music photographer in the Central Florida area, and I feel incredibly lucky to say that what started as a personal passion has grown into something truly meaningful. Since things really took off for me in 2013, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph some of the biggest artists in the world, including artists I grew up listening to, whose songs became the soundtrack of my life, and whose live shows are a true honor and thrill for me to capture.

One of the most unforgettable experiences of my career was in 2014 when I had the opportunity to photograph Linkin Park at a legendary venue in Los Angeles. They’ve always been one of my favorite bands, and to capture them live, on such an iconic stage, was an absolute dream come true. It was one of those moments where everything came full circle.

Through my work as part of a freelance photo team, that partners with local radio stations, I’ve had the honor of photographing some of the biggest names in music across genres… from icons like Paul McCartney, Lionel Richie, and Bon Jovi to country stars like Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan, and chart-toppers like P!nk, Bad Bunny, and Pitbull. I’ve also captured unforgettable shows from legendary rock bands like U2, Journey, and Metallica. For every show I photograph, I always make it a point to photograph the opening acts, because you never know who might be the next big star.

What makes this work so special to me is the challenge of capturing the feeling of a live show… the emotion, the energy, and the magic of a moment on stage. My goal is always to help people relive that experience through the photos. I do this because I love it. Music photography is my passion, plain and simple.

That said, the industry has changed over the past few years. Some artists no longer permit photographers at all, and others have implemented extremely restrictive photo release agreements. In some cases, artist management now requires photographers to sign over the rights to their own images… free of charge… limiting how we can use or even showcase our work. These types of agreements make it difficult to maintain ownership of the creative work we produce. Out of respect for my work and the years I’ve spent building my portfolio, I now choose to respectfully pass on shows that come with these types of rights-grab contracts. Despite those challenges, I continue to photograph as many shows as I can because I believe in what I do and the value it brings to both artists and fans. My work helps preserve memories, amplify energy, and tell stories that connect people long after the lights go down

While live music is my first love, I’ve also branched out into other types of photography over the years. I’ve photographed smaller weddings, college football, corporate events, family moments, and candid lifestyle sessions. One of the most humbling and meaningful experiences of my career was photographing the Invictus Games when they were held in Orlando in 2016. Created by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games are an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured, and ill service members and veterans. Witnessing the strength, courage, and humanity of the athletes was powerful and unforgettable. I’m deeply grateful to have been part of that.

More recently, I’ve begun expanding into the world of AI-enhanced fine art photography, combining some of my original images with digital artistry to create striking, emotionally rich visuals. This new creative branch allows me to reimagine my work in fresh and meaningful ways, whether it’s vibrant animal portraits, expressive landscapes, or bold abstract pieces. I’m currently in the process of launching an online shop where I’ll offer high-quality wall art, home décor, and gifts featuring my AI-enhanced prints and photo-based artwork. Every piece begins with a photo I’ve taken myself, and each one is created with intention, story, and heart. I’m excited to share this new side of my work with the world soon.

Whether I’m photographing a stadium concert, a family gathering, or creating an artistic print for someone’s home, I approach every project with the same commitment: to capture emotion, preserve beauty, and tell a story that resonates. I strive to deliver high-quality images that not only look great—but feel like something. I want people to experience those photos, not just see them.

What sets me apart is my perspective and the care I put into every shot. Music photography in particular is a space where every photographer brings their own lens… both literally and emotionally. For me, it’s about connection. I’m not just documenting a show; I’m freezing a moment that someone can hold on to forever. That feeling and that heart is something I carry into all of my work.

In 2018, I was honored to be named Music Photographer of the Year by the Josie Music Awards, one of the largest independent music award shows in the country. It was an incredibly proud moment, and a reflection of the years I’ve spent building a trusted reputation in this field. More than any award though, I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built, the trust I’ve earned, and the community I get to be part of. I work hard to maintain a positive presence, not just for myself, but for the amazing team I’m part of. We collaborate, support each other, and lift each other up. That’s something I value deeply.

For anyone discovering my work for the first time, what I most want you to know is this: I don’t just take pictures—I feel them. Whether it’s a concert, a quiet family moment, or a reimagined piece of art, every photo I share carries a part of me. This isn’t just what I do… it’s a part of who I am.

If you’d like to follow my work, you can find my music photography on Instagram and Facebook at @vickidphotography. My website is currently being refreshed, and I’m excited to share more there soon. For those interested in my upcoming collection of AI-reimagined fine art, you can follow along on Instagram at @whiskeycatartistry. I’m always creating, always evolving, and always honored to share my vision with others… whether it’s from the photo pit at a concert or through an artistic piece that brings a moment to life in a whole new way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2023, while covering a major music festival I attend every year, I experienced one of the most devastating moments of my photography career. I’ve always felt safe at this event. The crowd is generally kind, and I’ve never had a reason to second-guess my surroundings. I cover the festival annually with a fellow photographer, and while we usually stick together, we happened to be in separate areas at that moment.

It was after dark, and I was standing under a light, taking long-exposure shots of one of the stages. My camera was attached to a tripod, and I had just stepped down from a stool I’d been using for a better vantage point. I was preparing to move on to another stage, but decided to grab one last quick video clip with my phone. I had already retracted the tripod legs and was holding the camera setup with one hand… it wasn’t just sitting there unattended. The tripod was positioned between me and the stool when someone came up from behind, shoved me just enough to knock me off balance, and in one swift motion, ripped the entire setup from my hand and took off running.

Despite being in a well-lit area, no one saw a thing. It happened so fast, and with a crowd of thousands moving in all directions, it was incredibly easy for the person to disappear. I quickly regained my balance, spun around, and instinctively took off running. I chased him through the crowd as fast as I could, dodging people, nearly falling, and almost taking others down in the process. Sadly, I just couldn’t keep up and I lost him in the sea of people. All I could see was his back, and then he was gone. In just seconds, several thousand dollars’ worth of equipment was gone: my camera body, lens, memory cards, batteries, and tripod.

I was devastated. I called my fellow photographer immediately, and she quickly found me. We connected with festival security and tracked down the police to file a report. Even the officers were surprised. Petty theft happens at large festivals, but this was different… this was targeted, intentional, and bold. The entire event is fenced in, which means the person likely had a plan to get the equipment out.

Later that night, the police stopped someone as the crowd was leaving. He had a backpack and he matched the very limited description I was able to give while everything was still fresh. Unfortunately, the photos the officer sent me of his gear confirmed it wasn’t mine. My equipment was never recovered.

I went home that night angry, heartbroken, and stunned that something like this had happened. I had let my guard down for just a moment, and someone took advantage of it. I didn’t sleep much, but the next day, I took a deep breath, regrouped, and moved forward.

Thankfully, I had good insurance that eventually covered the loss. While I waited for the claim to be processed and my gear to be replaced, my friend and fellow photographer didn’t hesitate, she generously lent me her backup equipment so I could continue covering other concerts. I wasn’t going to let a coward scare me away from doing what I love.

I returned to the festival again this year, and while my friend and I now take extra safety measures and no longer go out alone after dark, it wasn’t hard to go back. That’s how much this work means to me. I love what I do, and no amount of loss will take that away from me.

That experience didn’t break me… it made me more aware, more prepared, and more determined. I’m still here, still doing what I love, and more committed than ever to capturing the moments that matter.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2020, like so many others connected to the live music industry, I faced an unexpected and painful halt when the pandemic brought everything to a standstill. For years, concert photography had been the space where I recharged, expressed myself, and found balance outside of my 9–5 desk job. When live shows disappeared overnight, so did that outlet. Though I was fortunate to maintain job stability, the absence of that creative energy left a noticeable void, and I needed to find a new way to stay connected to what I love.

Concert photography has always been my creative escape—something that balances out the routine of office life and allows me to express myself in ways my day job doesn’t. With shows on hold and the world feeling upside down, I had to pivot—not just professionally, but mentally and emotionally. I began taking my camera outdoors and connecting with nature photography. It wasn’t what I was used to, but it gave me a new way to keep doing what I love: capturing emotion, light, and storytelling through imagery. That shift helped me maintain a sense of purpose and stay grounded during such an uncertain time.

That experience also opened my mind to new ways of thinking about photography and creative growth. More recently, I made another major pivot… this time by choice… into the world of AI-enhanced fine art. I started experimenting with ways to reimagine my original photos using digital tools, not to replace my photography, but to expand it. AI is coming at us fast, and I wanted to find a way to use it with intention, authenticity, and respect for the craft. It’s allowed me to turn my images into something completely new… something emotionally rich, expressive, and often surreal.

This pivot also opens the door to a new income stream, which is especially important in today’s economic climate. As artists, we’re often forced to adapt in order to sustain our passion and livelihood, and for me, this is one of those moments. I’m building a collection I’m proud of, and I’m excited to launch my shop and share this new side of my work. Pivoting doesn’t mean letting go of what you love, it means finding new ways to keep it alive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vickidphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vickidphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VickiDPhotography/
• Other: Instagram and facebook @whiskeycatartistry – this is my shop that will be launching soon for the reimagined art work. the website will be tied in to my Vicki D Photography website, so that’s why my website is currently being revamped

Image Credits

Vicki DiAddezio
Anglela Sansom