We were lucky to catch up with Yvonne Velis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yvonne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Innovation comes in all shapes, sizes and across all industries, so we’d love to hear about something you’ve done that you feel was particularly innovative.
The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career was realizing—and fully embracing—that VonVis Photography needed a rebrand. It wasn’t an easy thing to accept. I had to face the truth: I wasn’t attracting the clients who truly aligned with what I wanted to create, and I wasn’t fueling my own passion as an artist. It wasn’t about the money, it was about doing something I love, something that feels like me every day.
So, I decided to really analyze what I like, who I am and where I want to be as an artist to reimagine everything. I revamped the approach to my sessions to feel more personal and impactful by asking what the client’s vision was, after all, I want to capture them through my eyes, not have them molded into an aesthetic because they look consistent in my feed. I asked them to send me some images they gravitate to, I just need an idea and I can run with the rest to bring the vision to life. I love that part of the relationship-building part. I offered themed shoots that connect with clients on a deeper level because of OUR vision now, as a team.
Outside of the personal connection, I also had to look at how I operated. I streamlined the customer journey, investing in a CRM system to make everything easier and more seamless. I also focused on using social media to not just promote but listen—paying attention to what my audience wanted and creating experiences that served them.
The changes worked! Within six months of rebranding, my client inquiries doubled, and so did engagement on my social channels. People returned for more sessions, and I started seeing more referrals (which is key for me)—people could feel the difference in the experience, and that made all the difference. The fact that I have developed long-term friendships with clients is a win for me.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. Letting go of my old brand and diving into new systems was a challenge. There was a lot of patience to be learned while adapting. Sometimes, you lose the investment, not all ideas are great ideas but you need to fail fast and keep moving. Those bumps in the road helped me grow—not just as a business owner, but as an artist. I learned how to adapt, how to evolve, and how to keep pushing myself forward.
Innovation for me isn’t about big, flashy ideas. It’s about constant growth, staying true to what feels real, and making sure I’m always creating something meaningful to me, regardless of opinions. VonVis Photography is now more than just a business—it’s a reflection of who I am, what I love, and the incredible clients I get to serve, and that’s what makes it all worth it.
I’ll end with this, I always say if my work looks exactly the same as the year prior, I’m doing something wrong.
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.
Honestly, I didn’t set out to be a photographer—it found me. My junior year of high school in Las Vegas, I signed up for a photography class on a whim. No big plan, no expectations. But the first time I developed a photo, something just clicked. It was of my friend Sarah Winters, mid-laughter, completely unfiltered. I must’ve cracked a ridiculous joke because her smile was everything. Even now, when I look at that photo, I feel the warmth and joy of that exact moment. That’s when I realized what photography could do—it could freeze time, keep something real, and let you hold onto it forever.
After high school, my love for photography grew as I explored the world through travel and hiking. There’s something about standing in the middle of nowhere—Zion’s cliffs, Death Valley’s quiet vastness, or Yosemite’s granite giants—that changes you. It teaches you to slow down and just look. Photography gave me a way to capture that awe, the kind of moments that remind you how small you are but also how alive.
Then life threw me a curveball. During the recession, I had to rebuild my life from the ground up. I decided to move to Houston—a city where I didn’t know a single soul. It was overwhelming and isolating at times, but photography became my anchor. I relied on it as an excuse to get out of the house, go places on my own, and do something I truly enjoyed. It gave me a way to connect with a new city and find myself again.
Over time, photography shifted from a passion to my purpose. I realized what I loved most wasn’t just capturing stunning landscapes—it was telling stories. I wanted to photograph people: their emotions, their quirks, their connections. I wanted to capture those fleeting, in-between moments that say more than words ever could. That’s what brought me full circle to where I started—photographing honest, raw, human moments.
Now, I balance both worlds: chasing sunrises in the wild and connecting with incredible people. Whether it’s capturing the bond between two people, the chaos of a family session, or a moment of quiet introspection, my work is all about creating something meaningful. A photo isn’t just an image to me—it’s a memory, a feeling, and sometimes even a little bit of magic.
What sets my work apart? It’s the way I show up. I bring intention, energy, and a deep respect for your story. I’m not just here to take pretty pictures—I’m here to hold space for the messy, beautiful, unfiltered parts of life that make you …you. I want my clients to walk away feeling seen, celebrated, and maybe even a little in awe of the moments they didn’t know were happening.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
What’s truly rewarding is being able to create from a place of authenticity, whether it’s through photography, poetry, or painting. I don’t have to follow a prescribed path or worry about being ‘right.’ It’s about staying true to myself, and when others connect with that, it makes everything feel fresh and purposeful. It keeps me engaged, and honestly, it makes it easier for me to breathe when I’m in my zone.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Photography has always been a way for me to connect with myself, and I believe it can do the same for anyone. Through my own journey, I’ve seen how picking up a camera—or any creative pursuit—can be transformative. It’s not just about capturing a moment; it’s about discovering new layers of who you are. Creativity comes in so many forms, and it’s never too late to tap into it. Whether you’re 20 or 50, learning something new can be a powerful tool for growth.
I want to lead people to believe in themselves and their ability to evolve. Creativity isn’t just for “artists”—it’s for everyone. It’s about being open to new experiences and realizing just how flexible your mind is when you challenge it. Through photography, or any creative outlet, you open doors to self-reflection, confidence, and personal growth. I want people to see that it’s never too late to start, and in the process, they’ll discover how much more capable they are than they ever imagined.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vonvisphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vonvis_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vonvisphotography
Image Credits
Yvonne Velis