Today we’d like to introduce you to Nyejah Bolds.
Nyejah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and have been loving photography since I was about four years old. Disposable cameras were the very first ones that I played with and I used to beg to go get the images developed at the store. Every year for Christmas, I got a new camera to play with but none were ever DSLR’s. It wasn’t until 2017 that I decided to spend my college refund check on a Nikon D750. At the time, this was one of the BEST full-frame DSLR’s on the market and I had no clue how to work it. I spent hours obsessing over videos about how to use my camera before and after I brought it. It wasn’t until I actually went outside to practice that I really got a feel for how to use it and what all of the information meant. The absolute hardest part about learning the camera was shooting on Manual mode, which means you control everything. After I learned how to literally create what I wanted to see in my photos over and over again, my confidence was boosted. A boost of confidence is all that I needed to dig deeper and soak up as much info as I could about my passion. I developed a nice clientele after my first year of doing photo shoots.
Those clients went above and beyond to support me especially by telling other people about me through word of mouth. As I went through my second year of business, I begin setting goals and manifesting what I wanted for my business. One of those things was to reach six figures in sales by year five. Thankfully I met my six-figure goal at year three and I was only 23 years old. When the pandemic surfaced, I didn’t know what to expect for my business, but by the grace of God I blew up even more! With people being forced to slow down and spend time with family, I began doing sooooo many family portraits, couple portraits, etc. At year four, we have over 100 five star google reviews, over 15 publications and features, and a very supportive community. As I go into year five, I plan to keep striving for more so that the whole world will recognize my work. My husband, Jaryn, was alongside me supporting me through this entire journey. I was able to go full time in my first year because I had him to handle everything which allowed me to truly focus on my craft. An assistant was never needed because he was there to help me do everything including second shooting at weddings. I truly couldn’t be here without the support of my soulmate.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel that my journey hasn’t been consistently smooth but always steady so I’m forever grateful for that. When I first started my business, it was a little difficult to consistently get clients. I used to have to pay Thumbtack per lead until I learned how to properly market on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. Once I learned how to market, I was able to find new clients for FREE. Marketing is no cakewalk and it’s different on every single platform. I had to learn the ins and out of each platform and stay on top of any changes they made so that my business would stay relevant. Additionally, I really struggled with figuring out my style of editing. With so many different ways to edit a picture, it’s kinda hard to see which one is best for you. Once I figured out my style was bright and bold photos, I had to learn how to consistently edit in that way on every single image. There would be times where I’d love one image and hate another one which was taken on the same day in different lighting because I couldn’t edit consistently. After much trial and error, I mastered my style of editing through practice and determination.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We are photographers and creative directors based in Louisiana.
We capture lifestyle and wedding images with clean and elegant aesthetics.
Photography brings me so much joy; it is truly unexplainable.
I have been intrigued by photography for as long as I can remember. I love to capture moments of others and myself. Getting the perfect shot is the most important thing to me. Capturing moments of laughter, tears, first looks, first dance, etc. are the small details that add up to make beautiful, unforgettable images. I want to accommodate the needs of everyone I shoot so that when they look at their photos years later, it’ll warm their hearts. I aim to take images that one wants to show the world, images that’ll be passed down from generation to generation. Before taking photos of clients, I really like to get to know them. I am always interested in who clients are, where they come from, their future plans, their vision, and their love so that the shoot can be a reflection of them. I don’t want to just snap photos and hand them over, I want to work together to create something unforgettable.
For a few years, I took photos and edited them as a hobby. After going to college for two years, I found myself focusing more on photography than my major. I decided that if I truly wanted to enjoy the life, I needed to ditch everything and make photography my main focus. Ever since the day I made that decision, I have been happier than ever. I love to capture traditional shots where the clients are posing and looking directly at the camera. However, candid shots are my absolute favorite. I believe candid shots show the true reality of a moment that is very unforgettable. I specialize in environmental-style photography. Shooting outdoors is so pleasant to me despite all of the weather setbacks that can occur. My style of photography is inspired by the bright and airy look of film photography. I enjoy documenting my own life through photography and blogging, I would love to help you document yours.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
When I was six years old living in Uptown, New Orleans I saw a lady taking pictures of the houses across the street from us. I was super intrigued because after she took the photo it immediately would print out and she’d shake it and look at it after a few seconds. Of course, I ran over there to ask her what kind of camera it was and how it worked! I also asked her could she take a few pics of my family and I, we still have those photos today! 🙂
Pricing:
- $250 Mini Sessions
- $400 Per Hour Weddings
Contact Info:
- Email: nyejahbolds@gmail.com
- Website: www.nyejahbolds.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nyejahboldsphotography?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/nyejahboldsphotograpy/
- Twitter: @ITSNYEJAH
Image Credits:
Nyejah Bolds Photography
