Be my virtual second shooter through
real-life weddings and engagements
Styled shoots create unrealistic circumstances with perfect conditions. This over-the-shoulder training experience guides you to overcome the unpredictable, high-stress situations of real sessions.
Get 22 Bingeable Behind-The-Scenes Wedding And Engagement Sessions
Get instant access →
Ever wondered how seasoned pros handle the chaos of a wedding day?
Watch as I navigate the unexpected, turn stressful situations into stunning photos, and create beautiful memories in the midst of any challenge
Picture yourself standing in the middle of a bustling wedding reception...
The music is loud, the lights are dim, and emotions are running high. Now imagine knowing exactly:
- Where to find the best light
- When (and how) to use flash
- How to pose your couple effortlessly
- And when to capture those fleeting moments of pure joy
...all because you’ve seen it done before — by a seasoned pro.
Walk into your next wedding knowing exactly how to handle any lighting, posing, or logistical challenge that comes your way.
That “yes, I can do this!” confidence only comes from getting the real-world experience you need to stay calm and capture every moment — especially when things inevitably don’t go as planned on wedding day.
No more second-guessing or missed opportunities
Watch me in action with real clients as I:
Pose a couple fast
Choose my camera, settings, and lenses
Decide whether to use natural light or flash photography
Work with second photographers and assistants during the day
Edit images quickly and consistently every time
Transform unexpected moments into beautiful, candid shots
...And so much more
Get instant access →Ever wished you could shadow a top wedding photographer in action during a real wedding day and learn the secrets behind their stunning images?
Imagine the confidence you'll gain by watching 22 full behind-the-scenes sessions — from the first look to the final dance.
See How Vanessa Handles Intimidating Circumstances During Wedding Shoots
Gain confidence
Get inspired
Reignite your passion
Raise your hand if...
Anxiety gnaws at you before a wedding as you cross your fingers that everything goes smoothly
You’re feeling that stuck and uninspired
You're constantly chasing the perfect shot but never quite getting there
Here's the secret I wish I knew sooner...
The key to elevating my craft wasn’t in more practice — but in watching how a professional navigates real-life wedding scenarios.
You’re already a talented photographer
Now let's elevate your skills by seeing how a professional handles real-life wedding scenarios
Wedding photography success isn't just about getting the perfect shot. It’s about handling the unexpected and making the best of every situation.
Seeing how an expert works under pressure, finds solutions, and still captures beautiful moments is a game-changer. And you simply can’t get that from a staged shoot or a scripted video.
Once you have seen me tackle enough real-world situations on my own sessions, you will start to instinctively find your own solutions when problems arise for you and your clients.
You'll be able to save any session no matter what is thrown your way.
Get instant access →
No photographer gatekeeping here
I know it’s not always possible or easy to find a photographer who is willing to let you shadow them. And now, you don't have to pitch or plead or convince an experienced photographer to let you in on exactly how they do it.
You get to come on the job with me, virtually.
You don’t have to pretend to be a client to see how much I charge, one of the many bonuses I’m including is my wedding pricing.
You’ll get all the insider, behind-the-scenes know-how so that you can be confident shooting weddings for your own clients.
Trust Yourself In Every Lighting Situation
Imagine walking into a wedding where the lighting changes every hour — from the soft glow of morning sunlight to the dim ambiance of an evening reception.
How do you ensure your photos look flawless in every setting? I use both natural light and flash photography — both on and off camera.
Whether it's enhancing the beauty of a sunset ceremony or capturing the energy of the dance floor, I’ll show you how to handle any lighting challenge with confidence.
You’ll see exactly how I make the most of every lighting scenario, effortlessly switching between natural light and flash to create stunning, consistent images.
You’ll master the techniques that can save a session and turn good photos into breathtaking ones, no matter the circumstances.
From bright outdoor ceremonies to dimly lit receptions, you’ll be prepared to capture every moment, beautifully.
Shadow me through 22 different wedding and engagement shoots so that you’re prepared to handle anything that comes your way
Inconsistent lighting?
-
No problem.
Location less than ideal?
-
We find solutions.
Bridal party late?
-
We'll do it in 10.
No matter what happens at a wedding (and trust me, over 20 years of photographing weddings, I’ve seen it all)...
I still make my clients feel like supermodels.
Now, you can get access to behind the scenes of what really happens during weddings, so that you can confidently photograph your clients — no matter what.
You can SEE me work in REAL LIFE situations instead of just hearing me talk or write about tips and tricks.
Keeping up with changing trends and industry standards can feel like an endless chase... But this?
This is a timeless skill that will never go out of style.
If the wedding industry feels saturated, the way to stand out is to learn this skill:
Let me show you how to think on your feet
Introducing
Shadow a Pro Wedding Photographer
A video series for photographers to be my virtual second shooter.
You’ll hear me pose, pick first look locations, capture styling details, and see me use both natural light as well as both on and off camera flash. And you'll get in-depth commentary and tips throughout each shoot with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage you won’t find anywhere else!
Get high-quality, industry-leading education in the most accessible way
GET INSTANT ACCESS →What you'll find inside
15 weddings sessions
Across 5 different states
+ 10 different themes
7 engagement sessions
and how to make them as special as the wedding day
Real lighting challenges
6 sessions in locations with no good light to be found
You'll discover
- A little-known way to get good photos when there's no good light to be found
- Surprisingly easy ways to pose clients naturally
- The real secret to delivering perfect photos in high-stakes situations
- A sneaky lighting trick to immediately take your photos from dull to dazzling.
- How to edit photos quickly — and give your bride a preview at the reception!
- A peek inside my gear bag and what I’d do with limited gear
- Revealing when I use natural light and when I use flash photography
- An over-the-shoulder on how I work with my second photographers and assistants through the day
+ witness how to:
Pose the bride and the groom
Do group posing
Handle reception lighting
Use outdoor and indoor flash photography
What to do in low light situations
Style layflats
Photographing florals
Capture the ceremony space and the dress
Do fun bridal party poses
And so much more
Plus these 12 bonuses that alone make this offer more than worth it
01 Client Questionnaire
Communication before the shoot gives you a head start on how to make your clients happy and pose them to look like themselves. Sell more by starting with this simple five question survey.
02 Posing Cheat Sheet
Steal these quick ideas if you run out of your own or get bored. This grouping of 100+ photos will easily get you back on track if you ever get stuck.
03 Family Starter List
Never forget a family grouping again. Easily set realistic photo list expectations and breeze through family lists quickly, even if you have the priest or planner breathing down your neck.
04 2nd Shooter Training Manual
Get hired, wow-them, get hired again, make more money. Or, use this to train your second photographers that work on your jobs. These are the essentials they need to know!
05 Posing Phrasing Guide
Stop taking pictures and start telling stories with these 27 helpful phrases.
06 One Month Free Access To Photo Insiders
Get 70 hours of content, online community, and $1600 value of discounts. The video series pays for itself with these savings! If you're interested in ongoing education and perks, Photo Insiders also offers much more through a subscription service, where you'll find all this content and more!
07 Same Day Edit Process Video
Capture the day’s energy and create an emotional and memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression. This can turn satisfied clients into enthusiastic advocates for your brand.
08 Same Day Album Link List
Get step-by-step video and link list of every product Vanessa uses to surprise and delight her couples.
09 Same Day Edit Preset
Quickly edit and deliver a selection of stunning images on the same day as the wedding, impressing clients with fast results and enhancing their overall experience.
10 Mastering Instagram for Photographers
Stop wasting time on Instagram without seeing any tangible results. This video series gives you actionable steps you can take to get more followers, higher engagement, better return on your time investment.
11 Vanessa's Current Pricing
For NJ/NYC as as well as Austin Texas, Associate Photographer Pricing, and post-engagement session and post-wedding sales packages pricing as well.
12 Full Wedding Gallery Access
Take a look at over 50 weddings Vanessa has photographed and see every single picture that she delivered to her clients. Analyze her poses, lighting and much much more.
Become my virtual second shooter
- Get instant access to the entire collection of behind-the-scenes videos
- You can watch at your own pace and revisit them as often as you need
- Plus, enjoy the bonuses that will make business so much easier!
All of these resources add up to tens of thousands of $$$ value.
Due to the digital nature of this video series, all sales are final.
★★★★★
I found you three years ago and fell in love with not only your photography but everything else that comes with running a business. I love watching your videos and going “oh I didn’t think of that” and try to implement it in my own business. Thank you for being an awesome inspiration to all creators.
— @biancatweddings
★★★★★
I’ve been following you for years. I love your work and all your teaching points. You are so genuine and a gift to our profession.
— @stephanie.heymann.photography
★★★★★
You rock my socks @vanessajoy! The education you provide has been a go-to for me always. Thank you! ❤️
— @msphotomoxie
★★★★★
Your work is amazing! You have always been a great teacher and and generous with your experience!✌🏽🙌🏾
— @seeburt
★★★★★
There is so much valuable information to make the session run smoothly as well as the psychology of photographing people. Vanessa’s running commentary has so many tips and tricks to use outside of posed sessions. Now I am confident instead of awkward posing my clients.
— rhoda gordon
Discover how pros turn mistakes into the perfect shot
You could keep trying to get by with free content...
But freebies lack the depth and context needed to fully understand the nuances of how to think on your feet in the moment. They provide general tips but don’t offer the tailored guidance or real-world application necessary to handle the unique challenges of a wedding day.
You could participate in styled shoots...
Styled shoots are great for building a portfolio, but they don’t replicate the unpredictable nature of a real wedding. In a controlled environment, you’re not learning how to adapt to unexpected challenges, difficult lighting, or the emotional pressure of capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments.
You could keep waiting and hoping the right opportunity falls on your lap...
Relying on luck won’t build your skills or confidence. The best photographers actively seek out opportunities to learn and grow. Without intentional practice and real-world experience, you'll miss out on essential learning moments that only come from diving into actual weddings.
Stop relying on staged shoots
Learn how to handle real wedding day challenges with confidence
Join me virtually as I navigate 22 full wedding and engagement sessions. You'll see how I handle everything from difficult lighting to tight timelines, transforming stress into stunning photos.
This real-world, over-the-shoulder training will prepare you to capture every moment flawlessly, no matter what the day throws at you.
Elevate your photography skills by learning from authentic, behind-the-scenes experiences—so you can shoot weddings like a seasoned pro.
Start shooting with confidence
About Vanessa Joy
Experienced
For the past 20+ years, Vanessa has been photographing events, portraits and marketing projects and has been published in places like Yahoo!News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder, Professional Photographer Magazine and many, many more.
She was hired by well-known companies like Bravo, Canon, David Tutera, The Knot and Hilton all while educating pros worldwide as an influential speaker for well over a decade.
Renowned
Vanessa Joy has earned 5 college degrees (Education, Spanish, Photography, Music and Social Sciences), received a PPA Photographic Craftsman degree and Grand Imaging Award, been named a WeddingPro Education Expert, and has been sponsored by Canon, Adorama and Profoto to name a few.
She’s a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 wedding photographers in the United States.
Approachable
Being a mother of two and having previously been a Spanish teacher, Vanessa knows how to explain concepts so that you can actually practice it (and not just talk about her work!). Your sessions will be both easy to understand and fun to watch!
Vanessa’s tangible, informative and open-book style of teaching is loved by over 145,000 subscribers on YouTube and 124,000 on Instagram.
★★★★★
Vanessa is brilliant at sharing info and in a way to be able to UNDERSTAND! I'm starting weddings and this was perfect for getting a handle on the lighting and different styles to use throughout the day.
— aDD NAME
★★★★★
Thanks for making me confident with off-camera flash!
— @soul_visuals_photography
★★★★★
I always watch one of your videos before heading to a shoot. Have learned a lot from you.
— @real_pravav
★★★★★
I still appreciate the incredible level of knowledge you have, and the smartest ways of using the techniques I’ve ever seen!!! Simply the most brilliant photography instruction out there today!!! 🙌❤️👏
— @markweixler
★★★★★
You are an absolute rockstar. Beyond being very technical with your equipment, knowing your light, seeing the moments, your heart is there just as much. You are a dynamic woman and I am so glad you put yourself out there for people to learn from because you are the ABSOLUTE real deal on every level!
— @janawilliamsphotos
★★★★★
Took the Speed Posing class last week to prep for my wedding this Saturday, got my family photos done in 13 mins! Wrote out a list ahead of time but it was in my camera bag somewhere else and I just jumped in and it flowed super well!
— kristin furbeck photography
★★★★★
I used Speed Posing for a wedding I covered and midway through the wedding the entire reception gave me round-of-applause!! - appreciating me.
— chima anidobe
★★★★★
I love the way you teach and put your materials together. It is very hands-on and shows it being applied in the real world. Can't wait to try it on my next couple. Thank you so much!
— Nicholle Simpson
★★★★★
I didn’t know I needed this and now I can’t imagine going back to my old ways! Before I felt nervous about posing but now I feel empowered! Vanessa is patient, articulate and professional.
— crystal stewart
If you want photography to feel like your "dream job" again —
You need more than pretty photos
You need to stand out as someone who can handle anything thrown their way.
(This is also the easiest way to retain clients!)
My behind-the-scenes video series isn't done in perfect conditions like styled shoots. It’s real-world problem-solving that helps you deliver stunning results, no matter what happens.
Once you master this skill, then it leads to:
- A career with the flexibility to set your own schedule.
- A way to stand out and get recognized.
- A clear path to success and financial freedom—without burnout.
- More professional success as well as personal fulfillment and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I have access to the videos?
Each purchase includes lifetime access to the videos. You can watch and re-watch as needed!
Do you offer refunds?
Purchases are non-refundable since you will have instant access to the digital content.
Can I sign up anytime?
You can! But I can’t guarantee it’ll stay at this price for long, or contain the current bonuses.
What if I’ve never been paid to shoot a wedding or engagement session before?
This is the perfect resource so that you will know how to handle unexpected situations that inevitably arise and be confident you’re handling it like a pro after watching me do it through these raw and real videos.
I’m not sure I have time for this?
That’s why I’m giving you all of the content at once, so you can watch at your own pace, and each shoot is independent of the others so you don’t have to watch in any particular order. You can pick and choose what resonates to you most.
What if I don't have the same gear as you?
Not at all! The most valuable part of this isn’t the gear I’m using, it’s the behind the scenes experience seeing what I’m saying, how I interact with clients and wedding guests, the way I do my same day edits. I can’t help it if you get gear envy though! Don’t we all?
I have more questions—how can I get in touch?
Shoot an email to [email protected].
