Starting A New Chapter

I WILL BE MOVING DIFFERENT IN 2027.

On September 5th, 2026 I ventured outside of my comfort zone.

I had the opportunity to join the esteemed AfroFiesta Festival as a vendor, where I offered on-site personal portrait sessions.

what I expected to be my first festival as vendor turned into a marketing experience. And honestly? Organic marketing was exactly what I needed.

The experience opened my eyes to the changes I needed to make to bring my brand closer to what it was always meant to be: a Cultural exchange.

Not to mention, I had many people asking me if I offer event photography. 👀

Outdoor vendor booth with black canopy tent, folding table, and promotional banner at an open-air event near a concrete building.

Next year will be bigger and better.

The Culture

immersion.

You’re probably wondering what I meant by

“Cultural Exchange.”

This was the first time in years I’ve been surrounded by such a large group of people who looked like me.

Growing up in a small town, it’s easy to feel disconnected from cultures beyond your immediate surroundings. Much of what I’ve learned about African cultures has come from social media and documentaries rather than experiencing them firsthand.

So, being at AfroFiesta and witnessing different African identities coming together through music felt like more than attending a festival. It was an opportunity to experience that cultural connection in person, surrounded by people sharing their music, identities, and energy.

That’s what cultural exchange meant to me.

The moment of change.

Deep down, I knew something was shifting. While I love portrait photography - whether it’s family sessions to headshots, I felt like I was looking for something more.

I wanted to create images rooted deeper in purpose.

I’ve been thinking about event work off and on for a while, but I want sure if my skills would transfer well.

Then came AfroFiesta.

The energy of different African identities mixing through music and food, was a reminder that there are so many stories waiting to be told.

I met many wonderful people who are trying to make a difference in their communities. Hearing their stories reminded me that photography could be a way to document more than a person or a single moment.

I could use my skills to capture the energy of a community, the passion behind someone work, and the connections that bring people together.

Not only did the festival offer me a change of pace, but it also gave me a chance to see what my community is looking for in a photographer.

I’m always looking for ways I can grow Vanessa In Focus while keeping my creativity alive. Event work is the way for me to go because it will allow me to explore and connect with different communities and the stories they have to tell.

AfroFiesta didn’t create this interest, but it helped solidify a direction I’d been considering for a while.

And perhaps that’s what this experience was really about: recognizing the possibilities in front of me and giving myself the chance to explore them.

People dancing outdoors at a festival near a large speaker and black tent stage.

I had a front row seat to the Zumba class, best believe I joined in from my booth.

Withdrawal

ya girl needs some EXCITEMENT

I miss the energy of different cultures and musical identities coming together while still keeping it family-friendly.

If you know you know. 👀

My family isn’t from here, like many others, I grew up somewhat disconnected from my Caribbean culture.

So, seeing and experiencing a genuine exchange of African cultures coming together was invigorating to say the least.

There were DJs representing their cultural regions along with some from the Caribbean. Yes, y’all Barbados 🇧🇧 was in the house!

Being in an environment surrounded by music and good vibes has always brought me out of my shy shell.

So I thought why not center my business around my other love, music.

Diverse group of people gathered outside a modern building for an outdoor community event on a warm evening.

The MC did a count of all the countries represented by the DJs to get the crowd hyped! 🌍🎶 By the time they got to the Caribbean, I’m pretty sure my friend lost some hearing! 😭😂 Ya girl got LOUD when Barbados 🇧🇧 was mentioned!

What Is In Store For The Future?

its a lot, but i like variety.

Vanessa In Focus will continue to offer my current sessions, but my focus will gradually shift towards the creative world while still maintaining my values at the heart of my work: Storytelling & Authenticity.

What does this mean?

Some sessions will still have the same name but different purposes. For example, The Living Archive will focus on festivals, cultural gatherings, and community events rather than Family Portraits.

The Presence Series will continue to offer branding but with a more creative twist. I’m also introducing personal photography for Musicians, including Dj’s, alongside marketing material for small businesses both editorial and creative.

My other sessions will still be available upon request and can still be accessed through a separate page on my website.

I want to remain an active photographer across multiple categories because exploring different subjects keeps my creativity flowing. At the same time, as a business owner, I recognize the importance of choosing a primary niche and building a clear direction for my brand.

what else does Vanessa In Focus Offer?

You may be wondering what other services are still available. Here’s a look at the sessions and work you can explore:

● The Graduate Collective — Student headshots and personalized graduation portraits.

● Family Sessions — Portraits for immediate and extended families.

● Couples Sessions — Anniversary celebrations, proposals, and portraits that capture your connection.

● Automotive Portraits — Photography for motorcycle and car enthusiasts.

● Fine Art Prints — Landscape and wildlife photography.

I’m also currently running a graduation photography campaign for this semester at St. Clair College’s Windsor campus.

There’s a lot taking shape behind the scenes, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes Vanessa In Focus.

My Process

my goal is to enjoy the journey.

Now that I’ve discovered the direction I want to take, I know there are a few things I need to work on. This means revamping my website and portfolio while continuing to sharpen my skills by attending festivals, indie concerts, seminars, and other creative events.

From now through 2027, I’ll gradually release more content on my social media platforms. I’m also considering starting a YouTube channel in the future, where I can share more in-depth, behind-the-scenes videos of my work and creative process.

Sometimes, starting a new venture or growing an existing one can feel daunting. If you’re anything like me, slow progress can sometimes leave you feeling as though you’re falling behind.

But growth doesn’t always happen at the pace we expect, and that’s okay.

To everyone reading this blog: give yourself a pat on the back for trying, for showing up, and for continuing to work towards something that matters to you. Don’t give up on yourself just because the journey is taking longer than you imagined.

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Enjoy the journey, give yourself room to grow, and remember to celebrate how far you’ve come.