We recently connected with Nicole Chiarelli and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole , so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
Setting boundaries and sticking to them. I’ve learned after 7 years in business that setting clear and distinct boundaries is the only way to be productive leading into success.
I only allow myself to photograph Wednesday-Saturday each week, allowing the other three days for editing, administrative days and a day off. I also have given myself Sundays off, which is one of the best boundaries I’ve set for myself. Giving myself a full day off allows me to reset, rest and do whatever I need to feed my soul.
In addition to running a business, I work full time in NYC as a Contract Negotiator. My job is very taxing and laborious, along with my 1.5 hour commute each day. I do not allow myself to book photoshoots after work in the winter months, so that I have time to myself after a 12-hour work day.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Portrait Lifestyle and Love Story Photographer capturing love stories in every stage of life. This means everything from Engagements & Weddings, to Families, Newborn and Maternity.
My biggest goal is to grow with my clients and families throughout the years to come. I want to build a foundation of trust and understanding to get to capture their beautiful life milestones as they unfold.
I think trusting your photographer is a big factor to being comfortable and natural in front of the camera, and by building a foundation for your clients to come back year after year, you create that level of comfort.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Photography, Organization and Communication
Photography: This one is obvious, but it’s the artistry and knowledge base that is necessary to be a talented photographer. Today, anyone can be a photographer with the technology held in the palm of our hands (smartphones). But to know composition, concepts, and be able to communicate direction, that is where the artistry lies.
Organization: You HAVE to be organized to be a business owner. Developing a work flow from the onset of your business is crucial.
Communication: I tell all of my clients that I pride myself in communication and transparency. That’s because I would expect that of any professional placing me in a vulnerable situation. I will guide clients if shooting in certain locations at specific times of day may or may not be a good idea. Outfit guidance and assistance is also a must. By having clear communication and setting expectations from the onset, you are laying the foundation of a good session and working relationship.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I scale back, move my body and get outdoors.
Often times when I feel overwhelmed it’s because I get pressures of my Corporate Job that then has its effects on my business and creativity.
Being an artist, I cannot allow myself to get overwhelmed because that effects my creative functions.
As soon as I feel myself getting overwhelmed, I take the day off, make sure I exercise or move my body somehow, make a healthy meal and make sure I get outdoors for some good old fashioned Vitamin D and grounding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://CapturedByNic.com
- Instagram: @Captured_By_Nic
Image Credits
@Captured_By_Nic
Captured By Nic
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