So this happened!

This week has been a whirlwind.  As I look back on my journey that started 3 yrs ago with a one hour drive to take Hanson Fong's posing class at the Professional Photographer of Oklahoma School in Stillwater I have realized how far I have come.

That night I felt like I was way in over my head and I did not belong. A fish out of water so to speak. Several days later I was taken under the wings of some great people whom I owe a lot to. I was guided where to go for information, questions were answered and photographers were shadowed. I have studied pictures for lighting, posing, ideas and etc.

I was quickly introduced to Print Competition a few short weeks later. I had no idea what that was at the time. Wowzer, is all I can say. Being a newbie to the industry then, I thought my pictures were great. Little did I know, they needed some work. Ok A lot of work…lol. I chose not to entertain that idea, as I didn't need that stress on top learning new things such as camera settings, lighting ratios and posing.  As time went on I watched and learned the in’s and out’s of print competition at the same time my confidence was building. Print Competition makes you a better photographer which helps make you become an even better photographer for you clients. We have some amazingly talented photographers here in Oklahoma.

What's next you ask. Print Competition at the Professional Photographers of Oklahoma "PPOK" being the state level, then Southwest Professional Photographers of America "SWPPA" which is the district level then on to the National level next year to earn merits towards my Master’s of Photography Degree thru the Professional Photographers of America also known at PPA.

These awards are for the people who have invested, guided, nudged and most of all believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I wouldn't be where I am without each of you.

Robert and Terri Trawick of Trawick Images

Jim Felder of Jim Felder Photography & Design

Jen Tiffany with Jen Tiffany Photography

Lesley Vines with Lesley C. Photography

Dawn Muncy of Muncy Photography

These are for you!

A special Thank You to Jim Felder for the pictures.

Are you a member of PPA or PPOK? If you are interested in learning more about this process leave a comment below.

Sport a Red Nose and Feed a Child

Vanessa Wells Images is putting on a Red Nose in support of Red Nose Day. This is a fun way to raise money and help kids in need in the U.S. and around the world. I love to give back in some way thru various charities. So in honor of National Red Nose Day, I am doing just that. If you book a session in the month of May (Yes, I know May is almost over, but bear with me) I will donate 10% of your sales to Red Nose Day in your families name. If you would like to learn more about Red Nose Day visit www.rednoseday.org

Please share in hopes of helping child poverty.

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If You're Not Uncomfortable, You're Not Growing.

If you know me, you know that I am not a boastful person. It’s not easy talking about myself. I like to be behind the camera focusing my attention on my clients. This is uncomfortable, but I am so excited to say I won 1st Place. Yes! A Blue Ribbon on both of my art pieces. 

I entered the Artists of the Arbuckles Art Exhibit at the Jean Carr Gallery in Sulphur, Oklahoma. I have been watching this art exhibit for 3 years. I’ve wanted to enter but felt uncomfortable. Scared of the feeling of putting myself or my art out there for people to judge. I finally got the nerve to enter and didn’t look back. Choosing the images was the easy part, framing and matting was not. Presentation is a key element, and the time and attention to detail paid off.

The art exhibit will be on display thru the end of May. If you get a chance go by and visit, there are some talented people in our state. Thank you to everyone for your advise and the nudges to get out of my box.  If you're feeling like you're not growing or progressing, get out of your comfort zone, it will help you grow.

If you would like more information on a session with Vanessa, visit www.vanessawellsimages.com