Meet Vanessa Hendrickson | Photographer / Working Mom

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

Hi Vanessa, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As a working mom and wife , work balance is always on your mind. I do not work the traditional 9-5 job. People tend to think we have all the time in the world. As a business owner, we work past the regular 40 hour/7 day week. Even though it can be challenging at times, I love the freedom of making my own schedule .I have been fortunate to have the opportunity of booking sessions and events around school functions, swim, soccer, birthday parties, even holidays. I do not make100% of the activities but I make sure I do not miss the important things.  I make it a point to block out family time on a schedule so I can unplug and really be present at home. When I say unplug, it means no computer or phone.  It is so important to be active with family and other activities that are not work related because it can be overwhelming, especially during our busiest seasons. Work follows us everywhere, particularly when it comes to social media. Creating non-work hours are essential to our mental health and family life.  I have been doing this for over 20 years now and I can see how balance with work changes with the seasons in your life. I started this business before I was married.  Then with a preemie newborn with many medical needs and now she is 16 years old and works with me part time. Work balance is a constant adjustment.  It depends on what stage of life you are living and the circumstances you are experiencing . To me, family is my number one and I will always put them first to the best of my ability.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a photographer that specializes in High School Seniors and families. I have done all types of photography from weddings to products, newborns, families, seniors, and events. I have come to love photographing seniors the most. I think that it is so exciting that they have come so far in school, and it is such a great accomplishment to celebrate. It is so special to see the parent’s joy as we capture those last moments before they leave for college. What I love the most is when I receive a message from the senior telling me that they felt so confident in their session, and they loved their pictures. I feel so honored that I am now photographing seniors that I photographed as newborns. Creating those connections with the families for so many years is why I do this for a living. I do not want the families to see me as a photographer they use once but someone that is part of their life events to capture so many memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to say that I can do what I do because of my amazing husband. I know that can sound cliché, but he genuinely goes out of his way to help me achieve my dreams. He figures how to get me new equipment when I need it , he motivates and pushes me when I am defeated . He is such an involved and dedicated father to our daughter so I can fully focus on work when I am gone. He supports us in every aspect of life.

Website: www.cpcamera.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpcamera/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/cpgrads/