Meet Trailblazer Nicole Albrecht

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Albrecht.

Nicole, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It started with my Tumblr fitness blog way back in 2010– my first venture into the online blogging space. I created an online space where I could be authentic in who I am and was accepted for just that. From that blog, I created a YouTube channel where I vlogged about my vegan lifestyle.

Fast forward to 2017: I moved down to LA from SF with the dreams of doing something more fulfilling with my career, something more creative. I knew I wanted to create, but I was lost with which direction to pursue. After wrapping up a social media marketing internship at a startup based in Santa Monica, I decided to take some time off working to study UX/UI design online.

While I was chipping away at my online design course, I randomly received an email from a recruiter at a media company asking if I would be interested in shooting food videos for them. They had found my YouTube channel and thought I’d be a great fit given my vegan background. And that’s really where it all picked up.

From there, I joined the company and produced, directed, filmed, and edited viral food videos. After some time there, I joined a CPG where I created all content for their in-house food brands. This is I was able to develop and expand my photography skills.

I’ve always loved photography, but was too scared to own the label “photographer.” Whether I liked it or not, I was forced to learn quickly and grow confident in my photography skillset. I was taking product, lifestyle, pet, and food photos for social media, website assets, and online ads. My passion for food styling and prop styling developed out of this job. Soon after this role I started exploring freelance life and started picking up clients who are primarily in the food space. It’s been an incredible journey thus far, and I’m so excited to see where it’ll go.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I don’t have a formal training in anything I currently do to earn money. So, learning as I go, and learning to network with people who’ve been in the space is something I’m learning to get more comfortable with as time goes on.

I think if anything, the largest constant obstacle is my own self-doubt and inner critic. Because I didn’t go to school for photography or entrepreneurship, there is a feeling that I’m a fraud (and obviously, that’s not the case because I wouldn’t have clients otherwise). But that feeling lingers in the background and pounces whenever I have a weak moment.

Advice I have for other women who are just starting their journey is: do it. Do whatever it is you feel compelled to do. Do it despite the naysayers. Do it despite what your inner critic has to say. Don’t put it off, don’t procrastinate, believe in your dream and your vision! Seek out the resources you need to be successful. Let your failures fuel you, and teach you what you need to know to succeed.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
During the day, I work as a videographer/producer/food stylist/video editor. I create food videos for social media. My freelance work focuses on photography for food brands. I’ve produced and directed shoots in addition to shooting and editing for those shoots. I also style food and props for said shoots.

I’m proud of the relationships I’ve formed in the industry as they continue to flourish and grow. I love working with collaborative clients and individuals, and I’ve been lucky to have nothing but positive experiences working with such creative team players.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
I think now more than ever, everyone is provided with the opportunity to network with a variety of people thanks to social media. I’ve seen a dramatic increase in women-focused online communities, which I think is a huge opportunity for any female-identifying individual.

I actually landed one of my first largest freelance gigs through a Facebook women’s group. In fact, it was because one of my female friends tagged me in a post that was looking for female branded product photographers that I landed a gig at a music festival shooting branded content.

It’s really up to you to put yourself out there and see what happens. I think that’s the beauty of social media and the time we live in.

Contact Info:

• Website: nicole-albrecht.com
• Email: hello@nicole-albrecht.com
• Instagram: nicole.captures

Image Credit:
Nicole Albrecht

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