Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Campos.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Nadia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been in love with the art of photography since I was little. I was the crazy little girl with the disposable camera in her hand at all time when I was younger. I use to annoy my parents all the time, asking them to take me to get my film developed. Growing up, I was apart of groups at school that allowed me to be behind the camera capturing events and anything that came up. It was pretty cool being apart of that. I always worked hard to be able to purchase the new trending equipment and that’s how I began this journey. It all started when my son was born, I started capturing every little detail and I loved having the memories. My friends would see my pictures on social media and wanted me to capture all the special moments for their kids as well. I then bought my first DSLR. Seven years later here I am, meeting families, capturing weddings, births, birthdays and being apart of announcements. It’s so amazing to know that this is my job, to be able to capture unforgettable moments for people that will turn into unforgettable memories for them for many years.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve struggled with trying to get my work out there at first and trying to get people to take me seriously. A lot of people think photographers just show up and that the picture. Its hard at times because I don’t feel valued. People want cheap photos and as much as I want for everyone to have amazing pictures this is also my full-time job. It’s not just a picture. We invest in equipment, programs and time away from my family.
Another struggle I’ve faced is just the industry. There are people out there who don’t want you to succeed or do better than them, it’s so crazy. They will do anything to keep you down.
My advice for anyone wanting to become a photographer is don’t forget to do it for the love of the art, yes the money is great when you see it start coming in but don’t lose your self in the greed. Stay humble no matter what. Remember that there is no right way to photography. Everyone has different styles and your style makes you. You gotta start somewhere, so just grab any kind of camera and go out and shoot what your heart desires, don’t go broke trying to buy the most expensive camera, the camera doesn’t make the photographer.
We’d love to hear more about NLee Images.
I guess you can say I do it all… really. I started capturing families and expecting moms first, then cake smash sessions and engagement sessions, weddings and now births.
From what I hear from my clients, I am known for my births and my family sessions. They tell me that I have a way with the little kids and I just make them feel comfortable. I’m a mom of a 2-year-old and an 8-year-old, so I get it. Kids just want to be kids and I let them. I play, sing, dance, run around and even bark at them to get them to give me raw, candid shots. That’s what I need to deliver, real-life moments.
I want to say I’m proud of my whole brand. I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am now, that it’s seriously amazing to see that even though the bad days, long nights of rebranding, editing, upgrading equipment, paying money for more programs, redoing packaging and merchandise it was all worth it. I’ve cried, I’ve wanted to give up because the industry wasn’t nice, I’ve had great days, met hundreds of people, captured amazing moments, captured life being born more than once and I even hosted a workshop to teach other girls how to work on their dream. It’s been an amazing journey and I’m beyond proud of NLee Images.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I think the biggest barriers today for female leadership or photographers is fear. Fear to not be liked or be better or as good as someone.
I think greed and jealousy are a huge barrier, especially in this industry because there’s fear that someone will go with someone else and they feel like they are losing out on that money. Making them jealous and that becomes another problem.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.nleeimages.com
- Email: nleeimages@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/nleeimages
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/NLeeimages12/
- Other: Nleeimages.bigcartel.com
Image Credit:
Arielei Kinzer
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