Photography connects us to you, it draws us into your story. We photograph for hearts; for those once in a life time connections we have with our clients, where we can truly see into your story. We strive to create an artistic visual representation in each chapter of your life, leaving you with more than memories to cherish, but a tangible representation of something precious that you’ll have for a lifetime.
We Love
FAMILY. PHOTOGRAPHY. COMMUNITY.
Hello! We’re Vanessa and Anthony, the proud new owners of Essence Photography!
In 2026, we stepped into this beautiful legacy with a shared passion for storytelling and a deep love for family. We recently moved from Ontario, Canada, we’re parents to four amazing children who inspire us daily and remind us just how quickly these moments pass.
We’ve been capturing memories since 2020, specializing in fine art portraits that go beyond just a photo—preserving the emotion, connection, and essence of each season of life.
At the heart of everything we do is relationship and connection. We believe the most meaningful images come from genuine moments, and we are so honored every time a family invites us in to capture their story.
Essence Photography has always been about more than just pictures—it’s about people, memories, and building something that feels like family. We are committed to continuing that legacy while growing, evolving, and serving our community with intention and care.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of this amazing community and look forward to continuing to serve the Greater Redding area with beautiful, meaningful photography for years to come.
Something Unique About Us
What makes us unique? Honestly… our story. We got married just 7 months after meeting, and here we are almost 15 years later, still choosing each other every day.
Life didn’t slow down either—we had our first baby, then 11 months later welcomed twins, and a few years after that, our youngest joined the family.
We’ve lived the chaos, the beauty, and the blink-and-you-miss-it seasons of raising kids which is exactly why we care so deeply about capturing it for other families.
What's your favorite family tradition?
We love our yearly Christmas tree hunt piling the kids in, searching for the perfect tree, and hearing them chant “chop it daddy, chop it!” as it falls.
It’s one of those simple, joy-filled traditions that reminds us how special these fleeting seasons really are.
Our “why” is rooted in connection.
We believe the most meaningful images come from real relationships, which is why we intentionally build trust with every family we serve.
By doing that, we’re able to authentically capture each chapter of their story.
◉ The Ocean
ⓑ City Adventure
ⓒ Camping in the Mountains
