Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick.
Hi Nick, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Honestly, my photography journey started pretty simply. I just liked walking around with a camera pretending I was a character in a moody indie movie. I’d go on these morning walks, take random photos of street corners, neon signs, and pigeons giving me attitude, and then I posted them in a little series on social media called “My Morning Walk.”
It was never meant to be anything serious, it was just for fun (and let’s be real, for a tiny bit of clout). But before I knew it, people started reaching out asking, “Hey, how much do you charge for photos?” and I was like, “Charge?? I can get paid for this?!” Cut to a montage of me panic-Googling “how to start a photography business” at 2 AM.
Fast forward a bit: now I specialize in weddings, family portraits, events, and headshots. Basically, if you need photos of people looking their best (or pretending not to be awkward in front of a camera), I’m your guy. It’s been an incredible ride. Full of beautiful moments, hilarious mishaps, and some truly questionable dance moves captured on wedding dance floors. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth road? Ha! I wish. If my journey were a road, it would be one of those cobblestone streets in Europe where you twist your ankle every five feet but tell yourself you’re having “an authentic experience.”
Starting out, one of the biggest struggles was just learning how to be a business. It turns out that taking good photos is, like, 30% of the job. The other 70% is emails, marketing, contracts, taxes (gross), and trying to figure out why QuickBooks is judging you.
There were also the fun early gigs where someone would say, “We just want a few photos,” and 11 hours later I’m still there photographing Uncle Bob’s sock collection. (Pro tip: always have a contract.)
And of course, there’s the classic freelance rollercoaster of feast or famine. Some months I was busier than a Starbucks on Pumpkin Spice Day, and other months I was just sitting at home, organizing my camera gear and pretending I was on a very prestigious sabbatical.
But every bump along the way made me better… better at setting boundaries, better at running a business, and better at trusting the process. Plus, I now have enough wild stories to write a memoir someday. Working title: “Smile! And Other Lies I Told Myself.”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a photographer who specializes in capturing all the big (and small) moments: weddings, family portraits, events, and headshots. Basically, if you need a memory preserved or your face to look like you have your life together, I’m your guy.
What am I known for? Making people actually enjoy having their photo taken. (Shocking, I know.) I’m all about creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere where you’re not just standing there wondering where to put your hands like an awkward mannequin. Think less “Sears Portrait Studio 1997” and more “hanging out with a friend who happens to have a camera and knows your good side.”
I’m most proud of building a business where people want to come back. I’ve gotten to photograph couples getting married, then later photograph their families as they grow. It’s a pretty surreal and awesome feeling to be trusted with those huge milestones.
What sets me apart? Personality, plain and simple. A lot of photographers can snap a nice picture, but not everyone can make you laugh in between shots, calm your nerves before you walk down the aisle, or convince your grumpy toddler that smiling is actually cool now. My goal is always to make the whole experience feel easy, natural, and, dare I say… fun? (Yes, fun. With a camera. It’s possible. I’ve seen it with my own two eyes.)
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Ah, risk-taking. My old frenemy.
Honestly, starting my photography business was one giant risk wrapped in a questionable plan sprinkled with just a dash of “let’s see what happens.” I mean, walking away from the traditional 9-to-5 world (and the steady paycheck that comes with it) to chase something like art and passion is basically the adult equivalent of jumping out of an airplane and hoping you packed your parachute correctly.
But here’s the thing: every good thing in my life has come from taking a risk. Posting my “My Morning Walk” street photography series? Risk. Asking people to pay me to take photos? Bigger risk. Saying yes to my first wedding shoot when I was convinced I would accidentally photobomb the first kiss? Terrifying and 100% worth it.
I don’t think of risk as something to avoid. I think of it like seasoning: too much and you might burn your mouth, but without it, everything’s bland and boring. You’ve got to take smart risks if you want to build something real, something yours. If you’re not at least a little bit scared, are you even trying?
So yeah, I’m a risk-taker. A cautious, coffee-fueled, camera-toting risk-taker. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Nickrenaudphotography.com
- Instagram: @ultrapixelperfect
Image Credits
Photos by: Nick Renaud
