Today we’d like to introduce you to Nichelle Hill.
Nichelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I got interested in photography in college while studying film and media production. I bought a camera at the end of my first semester. I intended to use the camera for shooting my short films for class and instead began taking photographs of events. Friends would share what they learned, teaching me how to program my camera and lighting the camera. Before I knew it, I could use the camera on my own and book more events. In my second year of college, I began working on more events and began taking others’ portraits. I transitioned from event photography to portraits shortly after and have fallen in love with portrait photography.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey has not been smooth sailing all the time. There were struggles of figuring out how and when to market yourself, book heavy, or take some time off. I am learning balance all the time, not having too much of one thing or too little of another. The simple act of taking small actionable steps toward my larger goals is the struggle worth having.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Nichelle J Photography – what should we know?
Nichelle J Photography is where I take a client’s story and make it visual for them to share. I specialize in portrait photography and continue to photograph events/special occasions. I am proud of the relationships and experiences that have been built with my clients. I create an experience for the client where they are, in a sense, the narrator. My filmmaking and advertising/marketing background allow me to develop concepts based on the client’s story and the details they provide for me. The client and I have conversations before shooting about their goal for the session, the location, their looks, and if need be, I create an inspiration board for them to help them see what they desire. It’s their story. They tell it I help them share it. I direct, and the client gives me the script.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people that have helped me along the way and still help me to this day. There are my friends from when I started Eric Stewart and Imani Jones who helped me with the technical aspects of learning my camera. My sister Shanyka Jackson, who always encourages me and speaks life into me, and Dezirae Smith who has always been a willing model whenever she was available. My family and friends who are always supporting me, recommending, and calling me out to do better, and giving me the truth I need to hear.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nichellejphotography.com
- Email: nichelle@nichellejphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nichellejphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NichelleJPhotography
Image Credit:
Nichelle J Photography, Shanyka Jackson, Sharon Rousseau, Kim Jones, Tiler Binion
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