Meet Vannessa Lesso | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vannessa Lesso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vannessa, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
As a parent, I believe the most important thing I’ve done is lead by example, showing my children the importance of resilience, hard work, and kindness. Whether through pursuing my passion for photography or balancing work and family life, I want them to see that with dedication and love, they can achieve their goals while still being kind to others. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where they feel empowered to express themselves, try new things, and learn from their mistakes

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a maternity, family, and birthday photographer based in North Houston, and I’m incredibly proud of the growth I’ve made over the past three years. When I started this journey, I never imagined I’d become a photographer, and yet, here I am today, loving every moment of it. What truly sets me apart is my work ethic, kindness, and integrity. I don’t just see this as a job—it’s something I’m passionate about, and I love making my clients feel comfortable and cared for throughout the process.

The road hasn’t always been easy. Like many, I’ve faced challenges, especially dealing with imposter syndrome and the pressure to stay fully booked like other high-end photographers. Growth takes time, and it can be stressful when you’re striving to reach the next level. But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to be patient and trust the process.

I want the world to know that no matter where you start, the sky’s the limit. One day, you might be working for a corporate company, and the next, you’re your own boss, pursuing a passion you never expected. My story is a testament to that, and I hope it inspires others to never give up on their career dreams

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, we’d definitely have a mix of outdoor adventures, good food, and laid-back moments to catch up on life. Since I love outdoor fun, we’d start with a beach day—nothing beats the sound of the ocean and some sunshine. I’d also take them to the Aquarium and the Zoo for some animal-filled excitement. For a bit of fun, we’d have a movie day or head to Dave & Buster’s—I’m a kid at heart, after all!

When it comes to food, we’d eat well, starting with some of my favorite spots. For a fun hibachi experience, I’d take them to Shogun. We’d indulge in Italian cuisine at Italianos and enjoy delicious Michoacana seafood. And of course, no trip is complete without a great breakfast, so we’d hit up The Toasted Yolk or IHOP to start our mornings right.

We’d also have to squeeze in some shopping therapy—because who doesn’t need that? But honestly, the best part would be catching up. Life gets so busy, and we often forget to take time for ourselves and our friends. So we’d keep it simple with relaxed hangouts, maybe even at a coffee shop, just chit-chatting away. In the end, I’d just enjoy spending time and reconnecting with them.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout first and foremost to my husband and family. My husband has been my biggest supporter from the very beginning, believing in me and investing in my career when I needed it most. He’s also a huge part of my business, helping with major projects and always encouraging me to keep pushing forward. My kids also play a big role, always helping move things around and assisting during sessions. They’ve been an integral part of this journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for them.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my mentor, Cotiphotography, and Yancy Photography for guiding me along this path. Their classes have inspired me and pushed me to continually grow as a photographer. A big thank you to my colleagues, BrightDreamPhotography and NatyPhotography, for always being there to support me. In a field where competition can be tough, it’s rare to find such amazing friends who truly believe in community over competition, and I’m thankful to Cotiphotography for bringing them into my life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlesphotographyllc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072712779165

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