Meet Nagela Apollon

We recently connected with Nagela Apollon and have shared our conversation below.

Nagela , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that we don’t always see the big picture in the moment. There were many times when I felt stuck in my career as a photographer, questioning if I made the right move or if all the long hours, networking, constant shooting, and endless meetings, were leading anywhere. It felt like I was planting seeds but not seeing the harvest. Despite those moments, my faith reminded me: just because I couldn’t instantly see results didn’t mean things weren’t working in my favor.

That perspective shifted everything for me. Instead of feeling defeated, I stayed diligent, disciplined, and focused. I leaned into my creativity, kept showing up, and trusted that my work would bear fruit. And eventually, doors started to open—opportunities I had prayed for, connections that seemed to come out of nowhere, and moments that confirmed I was on the right path.

I truly believe that when we hold onto hope, when we move with faith and strategy, we position ourselves to receive the blessings that are already on their way. Optimism isn’t just about seeing the bright side—it’s about knowing that even in the waiting, even in the challenges, something greater is unfolding.

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

I’m Nagela Apollon, a New Jersey and New York-based photographer specializing in sports and fashion. My journey into photography started with a deep love for storytelling—capturing movement, emotion, and those in-between moments that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s the intensity of an athlete pushing past their limits or the artistry of a designer’s vision coming to life on the runway, my goal is to freeze those moments in time in a way that feels powerful, dynamic, and true to the subject.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to bridge two worlds—sports and fashion—that might seem different on the surface but are deeply connected through movement, energy, and expression. Photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s about capturing the essence of a moment, telling a story without words, and creating imagery that makes people feel something.

Right now, I’m focused on building my brand, Captured by Naj, by growing my presence in both industries and establishing my mark as a creative. I’m also working on strengthening my online/social media presence, bringing more cohesion to my brand, and expanding my client base within the sports and fashion industries.

For anyone looking to collaborate—whether for sports, fashion, or creative projects—I’d love to connect! My goal is to continue pushing creative boundaries, telling impactful visual stories, and growing within these ever-evolving industry.

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

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and relationship-building.

In the creative industry resilience is a must, especially as a photographer. This is a journey is full of highs and lows. There were many times I questioned if I was on the right path, moments when I felt overlooked or had to push through rejection. But resilience kept me going. I reminded myself that every “no” was just God’s protection for redirection, not rejection. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to keep showing up, even when it feels like no one is watching, and don’t give up. Your consistency will pay off in it’s proper timing.

Sports and fashion photography are fast-paced, ever-changing industries. Whether it’s adjusting to new trends, learning new techniques, or handling unpredictable shooting conditions, being adaptable has been crucial. Early in my career, I learned that the ability to pivot, think quickly, and embrace change makes all the difference. Be open to learning, invest in your craft, and never get too comfortable—growth happens outside of comfort zones.

Lastly, no matter how talented you are, relationships open doors that skills alone cannot. Some of my biggest opportunities have come from genuine connections I’ve made at events, on set, or through social media. My advice? Be intentional about networking, but don’t just network to take—build real relationships, support others, and create value. You never know who will think of you for an opportunity down the line.

For those starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to get a prayer life, trust the process and stay patient and humble. Growth takes time, but if you remain resilient, adaptable, and intentional about relationships, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success. Keep going, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take up space. The world needs your unique vision and only you could reach the demographic waiting to receive it!

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is pause, reset, then reconnect—whether that’s through prayer, stepping away from work for a moment, or simply taking a deep breath. As someone who juggles multiple projects in sports and fashion and the business side of photography, it’s easy to feel like there’s always something to do or there’s more to do. But I’ve learned that overwhelm doesn’t mean I’m failing—it just means it’s time to reset and refocus.

One strategy that helps me is focusing on the task that are in my control. This simply looks like breaking things down into small, manageable steps. Instead of looking at my to-do list as one big mountain, I prioritize what needs to get done first and focus on one thing at a time. This helps me avoid overthinking which leads to feeling paralyzed by everything on my plate.

I also lean into movement and creativity—whether that’s taking a walk, exercising, or doing something creative just for fun. Sometimes, stepping away and coming back with fresh eyes makes all the difference.

And most importantly, I remind myself that rest is productive too. There’s so much pressure to constantly be “on go,” but I’ve realized that burnout doesn’t serve me or my work. Giving myself permission to rest, recharge, and ask for help when needed has been a game changer.

My advice? Give yourself grace. Feeling overwhelmed is simply a sign that you care deeply about what you’re doing, however, don’t let it stop you. Slow down, refocus, and take it one step at a time. You’ve got this!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://capturedbynaj.com
• Instagram: @capturedby.naj

Image Credits

Photos by Shalom Kpadeh at Showtimedidthat