Daily Inspiration: Meet Susannah VanDyke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susannah VanDyke.

Hi Susannah , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My photography journey actually started with a love story. I was working in a photo studio when I fell in love with my boss—who happened to be a highly sought after wedding photographer. We eventually started our business together in California as Lukas & Suzy Photography and went on to photograph over 350 weddings around the world. It was a fantastic whirlwind of creativity, travel, and building a beautiful business together.

In 2024, when we moved, my husband launched a new cinematography brand, Open Sky Narratives, specializing in hero videos, impact stories, and explainer videos for businesses. I rebranded as VanDyke Photo Co., where I specialize in wedding photography and also mentor other photographers who are ready to take their business to the next level. I love photographing couples here in the South, and still travel to Los Angeles frequently for shoots.

While I absolutely love the art and creativity of photography, my greatest joy comes from caring for my couples—making sure they feel supported, relaxed, and completely taken care of from start to finish. And when it comes to mentorship, I’m passionate about helping photographers grow their businesses with clarity and confidence.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life is always full of unexpected challenges along the way—but that’s where we grow, right? My husband and I have definitely taken the winding road. We’ve been serial entrepreneurs, launching several creative businesses over the years, including a custom locket store, a desert photoshoot venue in California, a southern wedding venue in Kentucky, and even a leather bag company based out of Honduras.

And while doing that, we were also speaking at photography events, hosting magical workshops, and staying deeply connected to both our local photo and church communities. And this was before kids – ha!

Some of the biggest challenges have been knowing when to grow, when to pivot, and when to let go. That kind of discernment doesn’t come easily—but you can’t gain that wisdom without first taking risks. Every failure taught us something. And when you fall, you build the muscles to get back up again. Each experience, even the hard ones, helps shape the way we build and lead now.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At VanDyke Photo Co., I create soulful wedding photography for joyful couples who want to feel the magic all over again—every time they look back. My work is known for it’s artistry and emotion.

My style blends cinematic storytelling, genuine emotion, and timeless elegance. I’m honored that my work has been featured in leading wedding publications and that I’ve had the privilege to photograph weddings around the world.

More than anything, I love knowing my couples are in good hands. It’s a joy to be there for them every step of the way, ensuring they feel cared for and their memories are beautifully preserved.

Beyond weddings, I also mentor other photographers, helping them identify the next steps in their career growth based on their goals and dreams, and build their businesses with confidence and clarity. Guiding others to pursue their passion strategically and create fulfilling careers brings me a different kind of joy—and it’s incredibly rewarding to see them thrive.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I have a bit of advice for anyone searching for a wedding photographer—because trust me, when people find out I’m a wedding photographer, I always hear the horror stories! Here are a few things I recommend you consider:

Choose a photographer who makes you feel comfortable and truly understands you—not just someone with pretty pictures. Your connection and comfort matter more than you might think.

Always look through full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels or styled shoots. This shows you how the photographer captures an entire day—the real moments, the flow, the details. It also ensures that they have photographed full weddings before.

Make sure your photographer is a true professional who shoots with dual cards and has a solid backup system. Unfortunately, I’ve heard too many stories about lost photos, and this is one thing you definitely don’t want to risk.

Check reviews carefully, especially ones that are detailed and specific. This helps ensure you’re hearing from couples who have actually worked with the photographer and can share their real experience.

At the end of the day, your photos are what let you relive every moment—so you want someone trustworthy who takes care of you and gives you a joyful experience every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vandykephotoco.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/vandykephotoco
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/vandykephotoco