Hey, I'm Vanessa!

If you had told me years ago that I’d be photographing adorable newborns, glowing moms-to-be, and amazing families for a living—while also doing makeup—I would’ve laughed and asked if you were psychic. But here we are!

I’m Vanessa Almonte, born and raised in South Texas to Mexican parents, so naturally, I run on tortillas and coffee (sometimes at the same time). After graduating H.S. in 2008, I joined the Army and spent four years at Fort Bragg, NC. I traded in my combat boots for textbooks and earned my Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology from APSU—because, why not?

Photography started as a hobby while I was in college, but before I knew it, people started booking me for real sessions. The more I worked with clients, the more I noticed a trend—everyone wanted a makeup artist, and booking one was harder than trying to drink hot coffee with a toddler around. So, in true Vanessa fashion, I decided to become one myself! I studied at Nashville AMUA, specializing in makeup and hair for photography and fashion. Knowing how to do it all gives me a unique advantage—I can recommend the perfect look for each session and create a completely tailored experience.

Oh, and did I mention? I’m bilingual! I speak both English and Spanish, and most of the time, you’ll catch me talking in Spanglish or full-on Tex-Mex mode. Don’t worry—it’s just a natural thing for me to do! Whether you prefer English, Spanish, or a mix of both, I’ll make sure we understand each other perfectly.

On the personal side, I’ve been happily married for 15 years to my total opposite, which keeps life interesting. We have two amazing kids, and we’ve truly loved making Clarksville, TN, our home. When I’m not behind the camera or blending out some flawless makeup, you’ll probably find me:
☕ Sipping coffee like it’s a life source
📚 Learning something new (because I can’t sit still)
💡 Thinking of the next big thing for my business

I believe photography should be fun, relaxed, and stress-free—because, let’s be honest, life with kids (or a spouse who can’t coordinate outfits) is already chaotic enough. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, celebrating motherhood, or just need timeless, beautiful portraits, I’m here to make sure the experience is easy, enjoyable, and uniquely YOU.

Let’s create something amazing together!