Today we’d like to introduce you to Winnie Nyatome-Warner.
Winnie, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Winnie and I was born in Kenya. My parents, siblings and I moved to the USA in 2005. After High school, I attended Stephen f Austin State University to study social work. I received my master’s in social work in 2017.
In May of 2019, my friend was getting married but she couldn’t find a photographer. She knew I love learning new skills, so she asked me if I can be a photographer at her wedding. I said yes, because I love serving people. In April of 2019, I got a Nikon 3200 from a friend and started learning about lighting, focusing and angles. I offered sessions for $30 since I was just learning. By time it was the wedding time, I had purchased a 35 mm prime lens. I had done my and this was highly recommended especially for big family photos.
On wedding day I should up early, and started taking photos of decorations, getting ready photos and so on. By the time the wedding was over, I was in love with photography. I loved the way I connected with everyone I took photos of. I loved seeing everyone excited to pose and smile. At that wedding, I knew being a photographer was something I had to pursue. At this time, I was a librarian. I wasn’t asked to come back since the school decided to hire a licensed librarian (which is an amazing thing) I was out of a job and my husband was trying to find a job. With everything up in the air, I realized I can just jump into photography and see where it takes me.
My husband (Nathan) was super encouraging and wanted me to pursue my dreams of being a photographer. So I did just that, I decided to give it a try for a year or two and see where it goes. So far, the business has been great. There is months I have 10-15 sessions and then there is months I have four. I count it all joy to be able to do what I love, which is having that one on one with someone and hearing their story while taking amazing, fun, full of joy photos of them.
My biggest thing when doing a session is making sure the client is comfortable and enjoying themselves. I see every session as an amazing activity a family, a couple or senior gets to do. I love weddings where I get to connect with the bride and groom and laugh with them while I capture sweet moments of them that they will cherish forever. Photography to me, is more than just taking a cute photo. It’s the behind the scenes moment you get to have with your clients that lead up to that moment of a perfect shot that evolves real emotions. Now, if corona can go away, I can get back to doing what I love.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In whatever path one person takes there is keys going to be obstacles and challenges along the way. My biggest obstacle at the beginning was finding my editing style. I am a joyful person with a wild personality. I love dancing and just being goofy. I don’t like being locked down to one thing.
When it came to finding my editing style, I had to find one and locked it down. I had to rearrange my thinking and realize that having a consistent look is good for business and my brand. For a minute, I thought I was restricting myself. I realized that I could have a creative session with the same editing style.
There were other times where I started looking at other photographers and wished I was advanced as them or took photos like them. I sat down with myself and reminded myself that everyone’s growth is different. The only person I needed to compare myself too was myself. I needed to focus on my own growth and improvement and stop worrying about anyone else. When these words resonated with me, I was at peace with everything. I took steps that I was comfortable with. I made moves that I was ready for and stayed in my lane and focused on me. Since then, I have been doing wonderful. Comparison has a way of distracting from what’s important.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I am a photographer. I am known for how amazing and real my photos look. I specialize in making sure my clients are doing well, having fun, and are comfortable throughout the session.
My approach sets me apart from other businesses. While other photographers might go into a session perfectly organized, I go in organized but at the same time flexible in case things don’t go according to plan. I am extremely patient, understanding and welcoming. My goal is for my client to leave a session feeling amazing and ready to tell their friends and family about how amazing the photo session was.
What were you like growing up?
Looking back, I was always a happy, cheerful and wild child. I don’t remember being interested in a lot of things. But now that I am in my 20’s I have so many ideas of what I want to do. I have a deep desire to love people well through words and in person.
I would love to write an encouraging book or devotional. I would love to be a women speak and encourage them to chase their dreams. I am learning that I am multi-passionate and I am okay with that. I was not created to be put in a box and do one thing. I am made to do, be and experience so much more. And I am doing just that right now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wnwphotography.wordpress.com/
- Phone: 8322601987
- Email: wnwcreatives@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/wnw_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WNWphotos/
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