We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nadia Albino a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nadia , we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Prior to launching myself more seriously in the space of photography, I was in a relationship with someone that struggled with addiction and was unfaithful. As some may understand, being the family or friend of someone struggling with addiction takes a toll on the individual. In this case, this person was my fiancé at the time and letting go of the relationship was the hardest thing I ever did. Ultimately, I let go in hopes he found sobriety. When I let go I not only grieved the person I had lost to addiction, but I also grieved the relationship. I did not know the effects his disease had on me until I began attending Al-Anon groups and realized how anxious I truly felt. I am now 2 years in Al-anon. Many ask why I continue to attend meetings and I wonder the same thing. I find that Al-anon has served me in many ways, as the 12 steps in Al-anon are suitable for any challenge in life. The serenity prayer, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can and Wisdom to know the difference” is as a constant reminder that I can only control myself, not others or any situation. His disease and infidelity did something to my self-esteem, but slowly through Al-anon I regained my confidence through peers that have lived a similar experience to my own. In the last two years I have seen my relationship with others improve. I have experienced the return of hope and optimism like I remember having once. This found serenity in life has allowed me to pick my camera back up. I resumed building on my skills and taking on clients since May of 2024. While I still continue to attend meetings, my camera, the creative process and meeting new people have helped in overcoming ongoing mental health issues relating to anxiety.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
While I do continue to work a full-time job as a social worker, I eventually would like to focus and rely on Brunch Money Photography, primarily to focus on raising a child and still generating an income without the demands of a 9-5 job. Because Brunch Money is part-time work for now, I focus on taking 1 to 3 clients monthly to continue to provide quality work and quality interactions with clients. Most clients are currently finding me through my instagram page @Brunchmoneyphotography, but also through the recommendations of others in my community. I am in general a very outgoing person, friendly and optimistic, so talking to people is not a problem for me. Prior to scheduling a session, the individual and I will discuss a vision for their portraits. I try to be realistic with what I can provide, as I am still learning and growing as a photographer, and provide my clients a potential set-up/location. Normally I schedule shoots for the weekend and have approximately a 2 week turn around for completed images that are delivered electronically. The process of talking to clients prior to their session is for rapport building. Once in a session, directing the individuals flows better through that established rapport and maybe a joke or two. Ultimately, my goal for a client is for them to feel at ease and comfortable.
At Brunch Money, I focus on portraits and family minis through a more documentary photography style. I have done two boudoir sessions and would love to get into this area of photography. As a social worker I believe it’s important to empower others through positive talk and the expression or acknowledgment of beauty I see in the image reflected on my camera. I believe there is strength, resilience and a story behind someone’s portrait and therefore look for bold colors and warmth in my images. Currently, I am looking forward to Mother’s Day pictures at a nearby greenhouse in Southern New Jersey.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My profession and educational background is in psychology and social work with a focus on mental health and migration studies. I think my social work background has helped immensely in talking to individuals. I tend to overextend myself from time to time, however having a creative edge and interest to learn more has served me well. Because I work from home, I love interacting with clients, attending local photography classes and traveling to locations for sessions. For me, photography is not another chore or job, it is a craft that I love and respect.
As for anyone interested in photography, I recommend loving it and being willing to learn. Additionally, continuing to grow and learn from other photographers and networking, whether that be with your clients, your photographer peers, or vendors.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Working full-time and doing photography as part-time work can become overwhelming. It is important to remember self-care practices and time away from the craft as to prevent burn-out or creative blocks. For myself, I am realistic with my time and am forward with clients regarding expectations. I also tend to only take 1 to 3 clients in a month. I also schedule time with family, friends, and myself. Right now I am looking forward to a small vacation in Mexico and spending sometime with my grandmother in the rural mountains of Oaxaca. I will be celebrating my birthday there; disconnected from social media and technology for at least 4 days. My trip will resume in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, the beach, a good get away from the Northeast winter! I will be taking my camera with me for some travel photography, so I won’t be completely disconnected, but again, photography is not a job for me, it’s a creative outlet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brunchmoneyphotography.pixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunchmoneyphotography?igsh=cGlubnJ1emZnMmg0&utm_source=qr
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