Joanne Topper Photographer
The 18th & 19th Century Woman

The 18th & 19th Century Woman

I visited The Wallace Collection in London recently and found myself emerged in their heritage heroines for Women’s History Month. It got me thinking long before headshot photography, women were commissioning their presence in paint. I stood in front of these...
A Brave New World! Looking back at yourself.

A Brave New World! Looking back at yourself.

When Gail came to the studio, she told me the fear wasn’t the camera.It was the moment afterwards. The moment of looking back at herself. She spoke about being a strong woman. The one who usually holds things together. The one who leads, decides, manages. And how...
Shhh! The Secret Behind My Signature Lighting

Shhh! The Secret Behind My Signature Lighting

You might be wondering, “How does Joanne get that beautiful, glowing light in her photos?” Well, here’s my studio secret: Arri legendary lighting. Arri has been the gold standard in professional lighting since Hollywood’s golden era, and for good reason. Their iconic...
Your Visibility Is Sacred

Your Visibility Is Sacred

Being seen can feel scary, but your creative expression is sacred. Anyone who encourages it without expectation, a friend, a teacher, a parent is a little bit of a shaman. They remind us that what we create matters, and that it deserves to be seen. You don’t need...