Meet Nicolas Shirey

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicolas Shirey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nicolas, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is something that never really goes away. You have to be just crazy enough to keep pushing forward, yet realistic enough to understand the constant work required to stay competitive in this field. I’ve been in photography since 2008, and in all those years, that feeling of not being enough still creeps in. But I think that’s what drives me—the desire to keep improving, to learn more, and to deliver something special every time.

What keeps me going is the love for what I do. Even after a 10-hour wedding, I come home exhausted, but instead of crashing, I find myself culling photos while listening to videos on new lighting techniques or the latest gear. It’s that passion that fuels the late nights and early mornings.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

What excites me the most about my work is the continuous evolution. Photography is an art that constantly changes with new techniques, technologies, and ideas. I’m always learning, always experimenting with new lighting setups or creative compositions, and that keeps the passion alive.

Currently, I’m focused on expanding my photography studio into a full-fledged media company that offers not just photography, but also video and content creation. My vision is to create a business that my kids can be a part of, even if they don’t want to be photographers. Whether they choose to be editors, managers, accountants, or something else entirely, I want to build a family business that provides them with safety, passion, and a sense of purpose.

We’ve recently been expanding our services into corporate headshots and events, where we’re bringing in the techniques we’ve mastered in wedding photography—like capturing genuine, authentic moments—and applying them in a corporate setting. It’s an exciting time for us as we grow and diversify, and I’m thrilled about what the future holds.

Overall, my brand is about more than just taking pictures. It’s about creating lasting memories, telling stories, and building something meaningful that my family can be proud of for generations to come.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Grit: Photography, especially wedding photography, is not for the faint of heart. The long hours, the constant pressure to deliver, and the need to keep improving can be overwhelming. Grit is what gets you through the tough times. It’s about perseverance, pushing through even when things get hard, and never giving up. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to develop this by embracing challenges rather than avoiding them. Learn to see setbacks as opportunities to grow. The more you push through, the stronger and more resilient you’ll become.

2. Ambition: Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve is crucial. Ambition drives you to set goals and continually reach higher. It’s what keeps you moving forward, even when you’ve already accomplished a lot. To develop ambition, start by setting small, achievable goals, and then gradually aim higher. Keep your long-term vision in mind, but don’t be afraid to take risks along the way. The key is to stay hungry for success and to never settle for mediocrity.

3. Compassion: While grit and ambition are essential, compassion is what connects you to your clients and your work on a deeper level. It’s about understanding people, empathizing with them, and genuinely caring about their stories. In photography, this translates to capturing moments that truly matter. To cultivate compassion, focus on listening and observing. Take the time to understand your clients’ needs, and always put yourself in their shoes. This will not only make you a better photographer but also a better person.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The person who has been most helpful in my journey has undoubtedly been my dad. He had a deep love for photography, but with six kids to take care of and a demanding career in the Navy, he couldn’t pursue it as much as he probably wanted to. Despite that, he always found a way to share his passion with me. He gave me my first camera, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Over the years, he kept giving me his old hand-me-down cameras, and each one fueled my love for photography even more.

My dad’s support and encouragement were invaluable, especially during those early days. He showed me that even if life gets busy or tough, there’s always room for the things you love. He taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and finding joy in what you do. Every time I pick up a camera, I think about how he passed that passion down to me, and it drives me to keep pushing forward, to keep improving, and to honor the love for photography that he instilled in me from day one.

That being said, my mom continues to make what I do possible by watching my kids when I have to work late, especially when my wife is working too. Her support allows me to focus on my work, knowing that my kids are in good hands, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photographer: Nico Shirey
@nicoshireyphotography

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