Interview with Vanessa Welch
On a beautiful summer day in the city of Boston, Vanessa Welch, the Emmy Award Winning news anchor for Fox 25 News, kindly set aside some time from her busy schedule to meet with me at the Boston Public Garden and allow me to interview and photograph her. It was quite an honor and a very unique experience to turn the tables on Vanessa, an experienced interviewer who became the interviewee for this IGersBoston exclusive piece.
Every Monday, starting on August 1st, Vanessa will be sharing her favorite IGersBoston picture of the week during the 6PM Fox 25 News as well as on the IGersBoston Instagram feed. This is in addition of our daily Picture of the Day feature on both Instagram and Fox 25 News at 10PM. Make sure to add hashtag #IGersBostonFox25 in addition to #IGersBoston to be eligible for TV features. Check out Vanessa’s Instagram account at @vanessawelchfox25
Javi: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Vanessa: I anchor FOX25 News at 5, 6, 10 and 11. I moved to Boston from Orlando, Florida in December for the job. My husband is Jason Brewer, one of the meteorologists at FOX25. Occasionally you’ll see us on TV together. We have 3 boys- ages 10 months, 3 and 4. I am a huge encourager and extrovert who loves being around people and making them smile.
Javi: How did you decide to do what you do?
Vanessa: I have always been very inquisitive. I’m not afraid to ask people tough questions, but I think I have knack for doing so in a respectful way that encourages people to share their stories with me. I knew I wanted to be a journalist from a young age. When I was in middle school my friends wanted to watch sitcoms and I couldn’t wait to turn on 20/20 or Dateline.
Javi: What is the most inspiring news story you have ever covered?
Vanessa: There are so many, it is hard to name just one. Most recently I was inspired by all the love and compassion that was on display in the midst of tragedy in Orlando. I traveled to Orlando to cover the Pulse nightclub shooting. This was my home for nearly 10 years. I was horrified by the violence and saddened by the innocent lives lost. In the midst of this sadness I witnessed strangers loving and supporting each other. It reminded me that people are fundamentally good. It was inspiring to see thousands of people waiting in long lines to give blood, and people of all ages, races and political views coming together to encourage each other and show the world hate will not win.
Javi: How would you describe your experience living in Boston?
Vanessa: Living in Boston often feels like I am on a permanent vacation. There is so much to do and so many beautiful buildings and places to visit. We live in a nearby suburb but visit the city nearly every week. I still feel like a tourist and really enjoy exploring this amazing city with my family and friends.
Javi: On your free time, where do you usually spend your time in this city?
Vanessa: My boys love to take the train into the city and run around Copley Square or the Public Garden. When I go into the city by myself, I enjoy grabbing a coffee on Newbury Street after lunch or errands. It is great to people watch, and I love the energy in Back Bay.
Javi: What is your experience with or opinion of photography?
Vanessa: Growing up my mother was always taking pictures, and she taught me a few simple tips. She was an interior designer and had an amazing eye for symmetry and balance. Taking pictures isn’t easy -there is so much to consider when creating a great image.
Javi: How has Instagram and social media in general changed your profession?
Vanessa: Many people are now getting a lot of their news from social media sites. It often drives people to our newscasts and allows our stories to reach a much larger audience. If a story takes off on social media it can be shared all over the world. Before social media, most local stories stayed local, unless they were picked up by one of the networks. Social media gives our reporters and the content we are putting together a much larger reach.
Javi: How did you find out about IGersBoston and what was your first impression of our community?
Vanessa: When I first moved to Boston I started looking up the # Boston on insta. I started noticing all of these amazing photos of the city with your hashtag. I remember being wowed by the skill of your photographers and the beauty of their photos. IgersBoston helped me get to know the city through pictures- I came to love my new hometown through the photos I saw on IgersBoston.
Javi: What motivated you to get involved and pursue this exciting partnership between Fox 25 News and IGersBoston?
Vanessa: I was so impressed with the quality of the pictures on IgersBoston I started showing people in the newsroom your pictures. One day we needed some weather shots to show on air during a snow storm and I knew right where we could find the BEST pictures in the city. We featured some IgersBoston pictures on the news and people really responded well to seeing the photos. That’s when I knew this was a special partnership that should be expanded beyond weather events.
Javi: Has this experience inspired you to take more photographs?
Vanessa: Yes it has inspired me not only to take more pictures but to try and replicate some of the shots I have seen on IgersBoston. When I walk by buildings or landmarks in the city I snap photos, I don’t think I would have done that as often before being introduced to your group.
Javi: Can we look forward to seeing you attend one of our future InstaMeets?
Vanessa: Yes for sure- It would be an honor to meet members of your community and get some photography tips!
Javi: Is there anything else about you that you’d like to share with the IGersBoston community?
Vanessa: I would like to thank all of you for sharing your talent and your fantastic photos with us. You have helped myself and many others see the beauty of our city through images.
Javi: Thank you so much Vanessa for your time and your support to the IGersBoston community. I invite everyone to check out Vanessa’s Instagram account @vanessawelchfox25.
