Photographer in a black blazer and jeans holds a camera while smiling on an urban walkway with city buildings in background.
Professional photographer with long dark hair holding a DSLR camera stands in front of vibrant purple flowers.
A photographer in a black jacket and jeans takes pictures with a professional camera along a railing outdoors.

This session felt extra special in so many ways. While I was in Austin for work, I had the chance to connect with my friend Ella, the incredible photographer behind Ella Rod Photography. We knew it would be the perfect opportunity to create something together, so we planned a branding session that felt true to her, joyful, warm, and full of life.


We spent the day exploring downtown Austin and a nearby park, capturing a mix of cityscape views and lush, green spaces. That blend created the perfect backdrop to showcase both her personality and her brand, professional, approachable, and full of heart.


Ella brought such a natural, light energy to the session. Whether she was smiling behind the camera, lifting it with excitement, or laughing in between shots, everything felt genuine and easy. It didn’t feel posed; it felt like her.


What I love most about branding sessions like this is getting to capture not just what someone does, but who they are. And with Ella, that joy and passion for her work came through so clearly in every moment.


After the session, she shared something that meant so much to me:

"I had the pleasure of working with Vanessa for a business photo session, and the experience was nothing short of amazing! Vanessa demonstrated exceptional professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. Her ability to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere during the shoot made the entire process enjoyable and stress-free. I am thrilled with my photos and will be using them for my website and social media. I highly recommend Vanessa to anyone seeking a talented and dedicated brand photographer."


Sessions like this remind me how powerful it is to support and uplift other women in business and to get to create alongside them and help bring their vision to life.

A photographer in a black top and jeans stands outdoors holding a camera against a green natural background.
A person in a black jacket and jeans poses on a bridge walkway with city buildings visible in the background.
A photographer in a black top and jeans laughs while leaning on a railing outdoors with a camera around their neck.