The forest of western Massachusetts isn't the typical setting for a sexy photoshoot, yet on this particular day, Vanniall and her crew are hauling lighting equipment, cameras and costumes through the trees in pursuit of a very specific vision.
The finished images look as though they've been lifted from the pages of an enchanted fairy tale. Bathed in soft natural light and framed by lush greenery and babbling brooks, Vanniall channels the spirit of a princess wandering through the woods.
“We wanted to show what this part of New England has to offer, so we stayed close to home,” she says. “We found an amazing location for beautiful forest shoots, and of course, creating content and horror movies. There’s a lushness here you just can’t find in other popular shooting locations around Los Angeles or Las Vegas.”
While creating beautiful imagery has become one of Vanniall's creative signatures, the whimsical aesthetic is also part of a larger mission. She hopes her work encourages people — particularly those in trans bodies — to see themselves reflected in stories that celebrate beauty, confidence and possibility.
"Taking cute selfies and thirst traps was a way to prove to myself that I could be sexy," she recalls of her early days on social media. "Then I wanted to prove I could create artistic media that stood on its own creatively and technically too."
As conversations surrounding gender identity have become increasingly polarized, her work has taken on an even deeper sense of purpose.
"It's become a mission of mine to show that trans bodies of all types can be sexy," she affirms.
That philosophy has continued to shape the next chapter of her career. In 2021, Vanniall released the first installment of her multi-part series, “The MostlyPics House.” Four years later, the project is entering a new chapter with a DVD release this fall alongside the launch of Studio Vanniall, her new production banner.
The expansion reflects years of investing in equipment, collaborators and increasingly ambitious productions.
"I'm so excited," she says. "We're going to showcase talented people across the spectrum of gender expression in fully produced narrative scenes."
Building Her Own Kingdom
Premium social platforms introduced Vanniall to a global audience, but they also gave her something equally valuable: the ability to reinvest in her business.
What began as a solo creative endeavor has steadily grown into a collaborative production company, complete with a dedicated team, professional equipment and increasingly ambitious narrative projects.
"I remember when I would set up a single ring light in the corner of my bedroom," she says. "Then there was a period where my partner and I were running around on set together holding a million things at once. Now we've expanded into an amazing team that's constantly learning and growing creatively."
As the team and the scope of her productions grew, Vanniall was finally able to shape every part of the creative process, thanks in large part to the direct relationship she built with fans.
"Working with other studios has been educational and really fun, but I've always wanted more creative control," she says. "The platforms gave me a real connection to fans, and those fans helped fund our studio, equipment and productions. Then the high-production scenes bring people back to interact with me personally. It all works together."
Building the studio also meant learning to navigate the increasingly complex business side of content creation. Changing platform policies, evolving moderation standards and expanding compliance requirements have forced many independent creators to rethink how they distribute their work.
"The TOS landscape is a total shitshow," she admits.
Rather than trying to tackle every challenge herself, however, Vanniall has learned the value of relying on experts.
"There are some things I've had to stop doing myself," she says. "Launching a paysite, VOD and DVD distribution all require specialists. Sometimes you just have to trust people who know that world better than you do."
That collaborative mindset extends beyond the business itself. Rather than creating a studio centered solely on her own work, Vanniall envisions a place where performers, directors and filmmakers can build projects together.
"We want to work with people who bring ideas alongside a great performance," she says.
A Crowning Moment
Years of building her business have also earned industry recognition. Earlier this year, Vanniall was named XMA Trans Premium Social Star of the Year, following her 2020 win for Trans Clip Artist of the Year. Four years after celebrating her first XMA from home during the virtual ceremony, she finally stepped onto the stage in a custom gown and handcrafted heels by Miami designer Dion to accept the honor in person.
"I was in shock," she recalls. "I kept thinking, 'That's not me.' My friend literally had to push me up to the stage."
The moment carried special meaning because it was her first opportunity to celebrate surrounded by the community she'd spent years growing alongside.
"The first time I won, I found out at home watching the livestream," she says. "It was exciting, but nothing like being there in person with friends and a cheering crowd. After spending so much time in this community, it reminded me how many friendships I've made along the way. I was just so grateful to everyone in the room."
For Vanniall, the award represents the collective effort of the people who have supported her throughout her career.
"We've worked really hard to diversify and build across multiple platforms," she says. "That award belongs to them as much as it does to me."
Every Princess Needs a Few Sidekicks
When she’s not planning productions or traveling to industry events, Vanniall’s favorite place is home with her four black cats.
“Any time I get to be a pillow for them or take one out on a hike with me is what I would consider a perfect day,” she marvels. “I miss them so much when I’m not home and like to convince myself they miss me.”
Those quiet moments are becoming increasingly rare. Between launching Studio Vanniall, preparing new releases, attending conventions and traveling throughout the year, her calendar is already packed. Even with so much on her plate, Vanniall remains energized by the creative possibilities she sees taking shape throughout the industry.
“I’m excited about individual creators doing more with their flicks besides putting a camera on a tripod,” she says. “We’re crazy creative people, and we can do some amazingly original things when we put our minds to it.”
Among the concepts she hopes to bring to life through Studio Vanniall, one long-imagined project continues to linger in the back of her mind.
“I still haven’t made my first horror flick,” she says. “We’ve got several horror ideas floating around the studio, including a screenplay and even comic book storyboards. We just haven’t decided which concept we want to tackle first.”
If that project eventually finds its way to the screen, she already knows the perfect location. The same western Massachusetts forest where she posed as a fairy-tale princess could just as easily become the setting for something much darker.
After all, every enchanted forest has a few secrets waiting among the trees.
