Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Stewart
Hi Nina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I attended college at the Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in Creative Media Industries. In 2016, I had the intention to study film production as part of my degree plan, and of course, I was required to take beginner courses in videography and photography. During my junior year, I was asked by a few girls from an organization I was involved with if I do graduation photos. Not going to lie, but I didn’t know graduation photos were a thing in college- but I still said yes to those girls. My love for the Texas Tech campus and my excitement to take photos for dear friends was the “spark” that started my photography business. I moved back to Dallas after graduation in 2020, and I had many friends- both in Lubbock and Dallas- who would reach out, asking if I’m in town to take photos. At the time, I was working at least two other jobs, and only did photography when I had friends/clients reaching out. In 2021, I was asked by a friend to photograph her engagement photos, and immediately after that photoshoot, she asked if I can do her wedding photos. Her wedding day in 2021 was when I knew I needed to redirect my photography business toward the wedding industry. Flash forward to today, my clientele has been growing each year, and I have been loving the opportunities to meet new clients and interacting with returning clients!
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?
What a lot of people don’t see right away is the fact I am Deaf in both ears. I have been wearing a Cochlear Implant since the age of 2, and depend heavily on lip-reading. With my disability, it had been a huge factor in so many parts of my life, especially in my career. It is harder to get a job with a disability, and it truly takes a lot mentally to accept rejection daily. While working part time or full time jobs, I have been using my free time to focus on my photography side business. I didn’t initially plan to move back to Dallas in 2020, even though I’m a Dallas native and have family here. Since that year, I realized how little control we truly have over life and how unpredictable a career path can be in just a year. Now, I’m running my photography business at a pace that feels right for me, and it allows me to stay productive without burning out.
One thing I’ve noticed is while doing photoshoots, I have never doubted myself or felt like I wasn’t qualified to do that client’s photos. God blessed me with a disability that gave me a perspective on life that may be different from others. He blessed me with a gift and talent to use my creative eye and give clients the dream photoshoot they envision!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialized in portraits for graduates, couples, weddings and events. I would describe my editing style to be vibrant, but in a way that feels warm and inviting. For portraits, I use a mix of candid and editorial poses that are fun and reflective of the client’s personality. I never want people to feel uncomfortable and feel that they won’t be successful with posing for the camera– I believe connecting with your photographer is a must if you’re going to book a photoshoot.
I’m extremely proud of the places I had the opportunity to travel to and photograph at last year, especially my first out-of-the-state wedding, which was in California! What was special was that the wife and husband are Deaf, so communicating and getting to know them felt natural, since we shared a lot in common–being Deaf and our involvement within the Deaf community. The wedding ceremony was entirely in ASL, with sign language and speaking interpreters. I’m not fluent in ASL, but had I fun learning/picking up new signs throughout that night!
I believe photography should be accessible and inclusive so people from all backgrounds can enjoy getting lovable, unforgettable memories documented. I want to make those moments as vibrant and fun as you remember them when you see your photos!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Sign up for photography business courses!! Being creative isn’t my struggle- but being business-savvy is. When I first started, I didn’t know much about financing, legal contracts, and marketing on a professional level. If I’m being honest, I’m still learning new things every year. Don’t feel like you have to rush the learning process to be successful!
Don’t compare your timeline to others, and NEVER compare your work to others. My photography style is still evolving, and sometimes I change certain things that work or don’t work for my photography business every year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ninastewartphotography.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninastewartphotography/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ninastewartphotography
Image Credits
All taken by myself, Nina Stewart Photography
