Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaun Nix.
Shaun, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started messing around with taking pictures as a kid. I had a little camera called a “spy tech”. It wasn’t until I was on tour playing music that I bought my first DSLR. At that timeI was into shooting a lot of landscapes. It wasn’t until I met photographer Aldo Rossi and started assisting for him that I got more involved in shooting people. A couple years later I got the pleasure of meeting Peter Hurley who changed everything for me and taught me the importance of expression.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s never a smooth road. If it is smooth your doing something wrong. You never grow as a person being comfortable. You always need to be fighting for what you want. The biggest struggle is myself. Fear is what holds so many back from putting themselves out there. The fear of failure or not being good enough. There are so many great photographers out there that sometimes you get caught up in thinking “I’ll never be as good as them”. You can’t think about what everyone else is doing. You need to follow your own path and keep growing as an artist. I deal with this by doing one act a day that scares me just to prove to myself, it’s not that bad.
Has there been people or an institution that has played a pivotal role in your career?
Photographers Aldo Rossi and Peter Hurley. They both have taught and continue to teach me how to not just take a photo but to show someone’s true self. When you get someone in front of your camera you must gain their trust in a very short period of time. Spending time with the person conversing before the shoot about common interests is a great way to start. Be genuine. Don’t focus on the shoot but on the moment in front of you. If you can master getting people to lower their walls you’ll be golden. Also, of course, my family and friends. They are always supportive.
Do you have a favorite type of client or project?
There is and I can’t talk too much about it since everything isn’t solidified. I’m working on a project with a company who helps abused women. The subject really hits close to home so if I can help these women see themselves in a little different light I’ve don’t my job.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing. The mistakes that I’ve made have shaped me into who I am today. If your not making mistakes your not trying hard enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: shaunnixphotography.com
- Phone: 213-479-5564
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: shaun nix photography
- Facebook: shaun nix
