Vanessa Lenz Bio

Vanessa Lenz was born and raised in New York City. At an early age she discovered her passion for photography with a hand-me-down pocket Instamatic camera. During a photography class at Fieldston School her interest deepened upon learning about photographic legends such as Lewis Hine, Robert Frank and Walker Evans. She went on to study Sociology at the University of Vermont, while continuing to hone her photographic skills and finding a common bond between her studies and her art.
Determined to pursue a career in photography, Vanessa returned to New York City and landed a job at the studio of acclaimed rock photographer, Michael Halsband. During her four-year apprenticeship with Michael, she gained invaluable experience as camera assistant, studio manager and darkroom technician. She went on to work for Martha Stewart Living as a staff photographer, adding digital photography to her repertoire.
In 2004, Vanessa branched out to create her own company, Vanessa Lenz Photography. During the last six years, she has built up an impressive client list including Sony Music, Clear Channel, AOL, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune Magazine, Food and Wine Magazine, Sears and Kohls among numerous others. She continues to work on her personal projects with a focus on people and places. The passion to capture a moment that will never exist again continues to inspire her. She is thrilled to be collaborating with Calypso in 2009/2010 to showcase a selection of her photography from India. Vanessa continues to live and work in New York City.