We recently had the chance to connect with Vanessa Frazier and have shared our conversation below.
Vanessa, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Moments of creativity. Whether it is drawing, photography, or music, there is something about being able to express myself creatively that transcends time and allows me to be me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Vanessa Renée, the artist behind the Bona Fide Photography, LLC (Bona Fide) lens. Bona Fide was a vision that lived on the pages of my journal until 2020. It was not until 2021 that I collaborated with Chef Dorian Canty who started an in-home hibachi catering service in response to the desire of people wanting to experience a dining out experience at a time that restaurants still had not opened, but businesses like Kavi’s Hibachi were able to operate within compliance of rules.
To build my portfolio and practice my craft, I donated services. I took candid photos of the outdoor events to capture the experience and photos of him and his staff for social media content. It was during that time I solidified my love for food, product, and lifestyle photography. However, I was doing traditional family and portrait photography.
It was not until 2023 that I fully stepped into editorial fashion and food photography, which is truly the type of work I wanted to focus on. I think that is the great thing about photography. Similar to discovering the area of law I preferred working in as a paralegal, the early years of my business allowed me to discover what type of photography work makes my heart sing.
Last year, I went on a self-imposed creative challenge and started a creative project in which I am visually capturing the stories of women over 50. I had three volunteers for the 2024 Cohort and I am still recruiting for the 2025 Cohort. The goal is to capture the stories of 50 women and hold an exhibit at the end.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That would be my grandmother, Annie Clay. She was always encouraging and supportive. When I was younger, she was the one who encouraged my creativity. From allowing me to use scraps of fabric and single buttons to design and make clothes for my Barbies to getting me colored pencils and paper when she saw me using a pen and regular paper to draw the faces of the models in the magazines she had. She was always the one to remind me of what I could do, if I put my mind to it and put in the work. She taught me many great life lessons that have stayed with me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think all business owners, particularly those utilizing their creative talents, have those moments when they start to question starting a business. I have definitely not been immune to that feeling, especially when business has been slow. However, in those moments, I am reminded of my “why”. I didn’t start my photography business because it was trending or to make a quick buck. I started it because it was part of the vision I have for when I retire, which is many years away.
What I have been blessed to do thus far due to and with my photography is what high school me thought she would be doing. Building up now for the future is what keeps me going when I want to stop.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I think some people may have their perceptions of me and expect someone different, but I am the same person whether I am assisting an attorney with a case, have my camera in my hands, or needing a weekend of downtime to recharge after back to back social interactions.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
While I work on this daily, I would make it a “by all means necessary” mandate to myself to stop worrying about what others may think or say regarding me or things I do and step full out to contribute to the world in all ways that I can and have the means to do so. I don’t want to leave this Earth holding anything or any dream without at least trying to serve or attempting to pursue it so that I can contribute for the good of all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bonafidephotography5280.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessarenee.bonafidephoto5280
Image Credits
All of the photos provided were taken by me. The sketch was also done by me.
