Whether you’re searching for a photographer who understands the grit it takes to build a business from scratch, the care it takes to edit a wide range of skin tones, or just the impact of a well-timed joke, I’ve got you! I love creating images that blend vibrant color and intentional styling to make photos that are unique and eye-catching. My style has long been inspired by the creativity and sophistication of editorial photography. 

I spent almost a decade celebrating alongside wedding couples and creating art that would decorate their homes for a lifetime. Then, I realized I could incorporate my love of marketing and background in Media Studies to help businesses transform their brand imagery. 

Today, I partner with creative brands and passionate business owners to radically boost their businesses through immersive, storytelling brand imagery. I help capture the attention of ideal clients, transforming them from potential clients to forever fans!

But I don't spend every minute behind a camera! When I’m not hanging with business owners like you, you can catch me reading a fiction book with a latte in hand, testing a new cookie recipe, or out exploring Cleveland.

But enough about me! I can't wait to connect over coffee and learn more about the heart behind your brand.

MEET JONTELL

BOOK nERD. amateur baker. BRAND STORYTELLER.

Have you ever felt like a contractor isn’t giving you the same level of care and attention they would if you were a bigger business raking in billions? I definitely have! And I want to make sure no client I ever feels that way. You’ve created something extraordinary, and no matter the size of your business, I’ll document it as if you were the next Pottery Barn or Keller Williams!

BILLION-DOLLAR BRAND RESPECT

We all love a good story. We may forget products we've seen on random Facebook ads, but captivating stories stick with us. This is why I choose to approach marketing with a storyteller's eye, crafting images that truly tell the story of your brand. And with my signature editorial flair, your gallery will be both colorful and engaging!

VIBRANT STORYTELLING

I believe you should be an active partner in this process, not just a participant! So, instead of simply telling you how I do things, let’s discover how WE do things. Together. From my curated branding guide to our in-depth planning questionnaire, you’ll feel informed and in control every step of the way! 

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXPERIENCE

After spending years flipping through fashion magazines, fascinated by the photos inside, I wanted to give photography a try. But it didn’t take long for my parents to get tired of me running off with (and sometimes losing…oops!) their point-and-shoots. So, they decided to give me my first real camera of my own. Excited to document the world as I saw it, my Canon Rebel T3 became a constant companion through high school.

Picked up my first camera

2012

WHERE I AM NOW

FINALLY MAKING $$

I FOUND MY FOOTING

THE EARLY YEARS

THE BEGINNING

While pursuing a Media Studies degree at The University of Virginia, I had the opportunity to put that shiny new camera to work! I launched my photography business, taking my first steps toward transforming my passion into a career. As an intern for a talented local photographer, I rapidly discovered I had an eye for the details others missed and caught moments that would have slipped by forgotten.

Officially launched my photography business

2014

WHERE I AM NOW

FINALLY MAKING $$

I FOUND MY FOOTING

THE EARLY YEARS

THE BEGINNING

When I graduated from UVA, I decided to go all-in on my photography business! I refined my style and process as I poured myself into refining a luxurious client experience. The more I photographed, the more I loved it! And even as I devoted the majority of my time to weddings, I began dabbling in other styles, too. Before long, brand development captured my attention!

Graduated college & expanded my brand

2018

WHERE I AM NOW

FINALLY MAKING $$

I FOUND MY FOOTING

THE EARLY YEARS

THE BEGINNING

After years of photographing weddings, I felt drawn to helping creative brands achieve their dreams. I knew the power imagery had to build businesses, so I started experimenting with brand photography. Before long, I was totally hooked! So, I made the wild decision to leave weddings behind and shift my focus in an exciting new direction. Today, I photograph brands and businesses exclusively, and I couldn’t be happier! 

Began telling brand stories like yours!

2019

WHERE I AM NOW

FINALLY MAKING $$

I FOUND MY FOOTING

THE EARLY YEARS

THE BEGINNING

Today, I exclusively offer brand photography and product photography for brands in Ohio, Virginia, and around the country! I can't wait to help you bring your brand story to life in an impactful way. Let's connect! 

Where I am now...

today

WHERE I AM NOW

FINALLY MAKING $$

I FOUND MY FOOTING

THE EARLY YEARS

THE BEGINNING

MY PHOTOGRAPHY CAREER TIMELINE

-Aqura, All The Plans

She was so easy and calming to work with, as it was my first branding session. She led me throughout the way and the images are perfect! “

"I am certain that because Jontell got to know me and my brand up front, it allowed her to capture exactly what I wanted.

-Melissa, Taste N Dash

The day of the shoot was just as amazing as her preparation and the shoot was so much fun given that I was a ball of nerves prior. She made me feel super relaxed and the entire shoot just flowed.”

“The level of detail with the guides and her overall communication was top notch and she didn't skip a beat. 

I love propelling business owners like you into new, exciting phases of business. Let’s celebrate your brand’s personality with bright, captivating photography that sells! Ready to see how my signature brand photography experience can transform your business? 

Like a well-staged home,
eyecatching photography has the power to sell!

ready to get started?

© 2024 jontell vanessa photography. BRAND DESIGNED BY PRESS AND PALM.