Meet Viann VanderWall | Track Athlete, future photographer and business owner.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Viann VanderWall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Viann, what principle do you value most?
The principles that matter most to me, are ones driven by a moral background. Things like honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness are things that I value. I try to embody these values, and principles daily, whether it be when I am taking pictures, on the track training, or competing. I just try to be a good person and have faith that good things will happen.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ever since I was little I loved taking pictures. It didn’t matter what I was taking pictures of, I could find the beauty, and snap that memory to keep for always. That’s what Photography is to me, a way to preserve special moments for years and decades to come. whether it is a special occasion, like a wedding, birthday, or even just a family picture, there are memories and beauty to be captured. The biggest challenge for me was the expense of the photography equipment. The camera and lenses I have now, I bought secondhand, but they have served me well. I have taken pictures of nature scenes, architecture, and national parks, all with this camera that I spent $150 on. I take it out to the track with me and snap pictures of my teammates, or of myself if no one else is around. On top of owning my own photography business, I want to be a freelance sports photographer. There is something magical about seeing every muscle strain as you fight and reach for a goal. So I would love to incorporate my love of photography, and my love of track, in capturing the beauty that is the world around us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My oldest sister lives in Oregon, but when she comes to town there are definitely a few places we always hit when she is here in Arizona. I love taking her to South Mountain. The view from Dobbins Lookout is amazing, and one of my favorite places to visit. We also try to spend some time by the water at Tempe Town Lake. Especially after dark when it’s lit up, and the lights across the bridges just look so amazing. Pioneer Park in Mesa and the area around the Mormon Temple is always a fun place to go. It just feels almost historic in that area. We also try not to miss Jalapeno bucks, and the B&B orchard, because nothing compares to Arizona citrus, and her visit wouldn’t be complete without eating at Raising Cane’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am an 18-year-old High School Senior in Queen Creek AZ. I am getting ready to go to college, majoring in Business with a minor in photography. I have worked hard at Track and Field so that it could be an avenue to get to college, and hopefully finish debt free, so my journey has relatively just begun. There are several people who, without them, I would not be where I am today. My coach Shawn Hardt, and the amazing coaching staff at QCHS. Ms. Murphy, my digital photography teacher, helped me realize that I had a voice, and my pictures screamed the beauty of what I had to say. Last but far from least, my mom, has always been there for me. She encouraged me when I needed encouragement, Loved me when I needed to be loved, and pushed me in the right direction when I lost my way or needed to find my course.

Instagram: @vivik_9o4

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viann-vanderwall-928037248/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004888184814

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@viannvanderwall962