I've always had a passion for photography and spent my free time learning as much as I could for years. When I had my kids, I decided to quit my full time engineering job and pursue my love of photography in order to spend more time with them. In 2021 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and the importance of documenting moments with my children became even more important. I love empowering women to feel beautiful, even in the most difficult times, through photos with their loved ones! And I absolutely love donating my time to photograph cancer patients!
Whether it be an updated family portrait, a couture mommy and me session, capturing your pregnancy or providing a timeless portrait of your child, I can't wait to hear from you! Please use the "Say Hello" button below to contact me!
Your local fine art portrait photographer
I'm susan :)
am so excited you're here. I'm originally from Canada (eh?) but currently reside in Wake Forest, NC with my husband, 2 beautiful kids who are 5 and 2 and one fur baby who keep me on my toes! I love pretty dresses (they take up my entire bonus room...my husband jokes he'll never have a mancave!), singing (and even made it to the top 100 in American Idol), french fries, traveling the world and making everyday into an adventure! I always LOVE unique location ideas!
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As seen in
CHILD
Couture Magazine
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Although the original reason I picked up a camera was to document my travels, once my daughter was born, I realized just how much I loved photographing families and children. Children change so quickly that I wanted to be able to remember each milestone and all the fleeting moments, however big or small. I absolutely love capturing the bond within a family unit and being able to witness the purest forms of love through my lens.
The photos of my family are my most prized possession and I hope to create the same for you!
My adorable kids
Family
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Once I became a mother I felt like everyday consisted of me wearing no makeup, yoga pants and a workout shirt. And once I was diagnosed with cancer, my physical appearance changed to where I was almost unrecognizable in the mirror. That's when I realized that every women, regardless of which stage of life, deserves to feel beautiful.
So wear the fancy dress (and if you don't have one, I have over 200 to choose from in my client closet!), put on the makeup, get your hair done and create memories where you look and feel beautiful. Every woman deserves this!
Just a day at the beach
Empowering women
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I actually grew up wanting to be an astronaut (and went to school for it...yes I'm a huge nerd) and after college decided I wanted to have a family one day (which wasn't conducive to being an astronaut). So I told myself I would see as much of the world as I could while I was here! I have been fortunate enough to live in 4 countries (Canada, USA, Korea, Sweden) and travel to 35 countries and counting.
I am always up for traveling and for an adventure! I would love to shoot your family at an EPIC location!!
30,000 foot views
Traveling
"We booked Susan for her sunflower mini sessions and I was totally blown away with the results! Not only did she manage to get each one of our girls’ personality to shine through but also group shots that we will cherish. Susan was wonderful from booking through delivery of our photos and you can tell that she truly loves what she does and treats each client as a VIP. Thank you again Susan!"
children's Session
Jen & Family
"Susan is amazingly talented, and has a heart of gold. Our family photos turned out amazing, and I’ll treasure them forever. Thank you, Susan- I hope you realize how magical you are 💗💗💗"
Mommy&ME session
Linz & family
"Susan did such an amazing job with our family photos. Our 3 year olds were all over the place but she was able to keep their attention and get some great pics. We are so happy with how they turned out and will definitely ask her to take pictures for us again in the future."
Family Session
Robyn & family
"From family photos to maternity photos, Susan is the person you need to book with!!! She provides excellent quality, is extremely professional, and gives her clients nothing but her absolute best each and every time!! These will be photos you will cherish for years to come! I can’t say enough good things!."
Maternity Session
Julie and Ricky
"I am truly blown away with how incredible our family photos came out! Susan was beyond amazing to work with and even more amazing working with my kids (ages 2&5) to get the perfect shots. I cannot stop looking at them and I cannot wait to hire her for more family photos. If you are looking for a photographer who knows what they are doing and want breath taking photos that will last a lifetime Susan is the one you want!"
Family Session
Heather & Family
"Susan VanNess is incredibly talented with such a keen eye for photography. She knows how to use her environments, capture beautiful lighting, and how to advise the client on how to move/pose to flatter your body. The shoots are always low stress and easy to relax during because you know she has it under control and you will get high quality shots of your family. Lifelong client (as long as she'll have me!)"
Maternity Session
Gretchen & Brandon
