Surfrider x Ocean Friendly Gardens — The Raconteur Collective

Nice to meet you

My name is Vanessa.

Owner and founder of The Raconteur Collective. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for storytelling magic.

At the heart of everything I do is a passion for storytelling. While I’ve always been passionate about capturing real love stories, my work has evolved into something broader: documenting meaningful moments, compelling spaces, and the quiet beauty found in everyday connection. I feel drawn to what makes people and places feel alive.

Creativity has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. In school, you’d find me drawing, doodling, crafting little paper boxes (for pencil shavings, of all things), or taking endless photos and videos—long before social media was even a thing. I went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, followed by an Associate’s degree in Filmmaking, and I’ve been inseparable from cameras ever since.

My approach is relaxed, observant and intentional. Whether it’s a fast-paced shoot day or a calm behind-the-scenes moment, I aim to create an environment where people feel at ease — and where stories can unfold naturally. I genuinely love what I do, and that joy finds its way into every project.