redefining your ‘why’ as an artist…
This week on The MOOD Podcast, Vanessa Joy, celebrated wedding photographer and educator, revealed the secret to sustaining a long and fulfilling photography career: embracing the evolution of your purpose. In a world that constantly changes, so too should your reasons for creating art.
“Your ‘why’ doesn’t have to stay the same—it’s allowed to evolve, just like you do.”
During our conversation, Vanessa shared a poignant moment of realization in her career. Early on, her ‘why’ revolved around proving herself as a professional photographer. But over time, as her life and priorities shifted, so did her ‘why’. When she became a mother, her focus shifted toward balancing her creative passion with her growing family. She confessed that learning to embrace these changes was liberating—and essential for her continued growth.
Many photographers, especially those new to the craft, feel the pressure to define a single, unchanging purpose behind their work. This rigidity can lead to burnout, self-doubt, and creative stagnation, especially as life inevitably evolves.
Vanessa believes your “why” should grow alongside you. Here are three takeaways to help you navigate your evolving purpose as a photographer:
Reflect on Your Current “Why”: Regularly reassess what drives you. Is it personal growth, financial stability, creative exploration, or connection with others? Accept that your motivations can shift over time.
Embrace Life Changes: Life events—whether they’re joyful or challenging—can reshape your priorities. Instead of resisting these changes, allow them to influence and enrich your work.
Experiment and Explore: If your current “why” feels stale, try new techniques or genres. Vanessa mentioned that learning flash photography reinvigorated her passion when she felt burned out.
“Your evolving ‘why’ doesn’t diminish your artistry; it deepens it.”
By staying open to change, Vanessa transformed burnout into a fresh start multiple times in her career. For her, this meant shifting her focus from proving herself as a photographer to creating emotional connections with her clients and preserving their legacies.
Listen to our full conversation here.
Happy Shooting,
