We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Reynolds. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.
Nicole, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome took a few key steps for me. First, I had to believe in myself and trust that God gave me the talent to be a photographer. Having faith in my abilities was crucial. Second, finding an amazing mentor and joining a supportive photography organization significantly helped my growth. The power of mentorship in a photographer’s development cannot be overstated. Lastly, I practiced relentlessly. As my skills improved, the imposter syndrome faded because I began to truly believe in myself.
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 professional portrait photographer. I specialize in families, high school seniors, couples, weddings, events, professional headshots, and personal branding. I started my photography journey in 2015 after driving up the California coastline with my husband. I purchased a semi-professional Nikon camera and had no idea how to use it except on auto. After we returned from our trip I immediately signed up for the beginner’s digital photography class at our local community college. I fell in love with taking landscape and nature images and tried to learn many different techniques. I became interested in portrait photography in 2017 after a friend asked me to take family pictures of them. I quickly realized I needed to learn more and find my technique. I took more college classes and started building my portfolio. I took many workshops and became a member of the Professional Photographers of America. Shortly after that I became a member of the Arizona Professional Photographers Association and have attended many workshops to perfect my skills. In 2021 I earned my Certified Professional Photographer certification through the Professional Photographers of America. I love meeting people and learning about them and their families. It is fun getting to know so many interesting people and I like to have fun with them when we are out doing their sessions. I feel I will never stop learning and perfecting my photography skills. There is always something new to learn in photography that keeps the creative process going.
My mission is to give my clients an exceptional experience from the very first moment we talk to the final delivery of their beautiful artwork. My clients and I collaborate together to plan their session and create artwork that they will cherish for years to come. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such wonderful people and to help them capture the special moments in their lives.
What sets my photography business apart is its unique location. I am based in Payson, AZ, nestled under the Mogollon Rim in the heart of the Tonto National Forest. This area provides stunning backdrops, making it a perfect getaway for families and couples looking to escape the heat of Phoenix and create unique, memorable images. Additionally, I travel to various picturesque locations throughout our beautiful state. Being centrally located in Arizona makes it easy to reach many breathtaking spots.
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?
The three most impactful qualities in my journey are:
Perseverance: Even when learning gets tough and frustrating, I never give up. Being mostly self-taught without a teacher to turn to for help made certain things stressful. However, I always sought more information, and through mentorship and many workshops, all the reading and videos eventually clicked in an “aha” moment.
Work Ethic: I am dedicated and work hard until a task is completed, no matter how long it takes.
Passion for Helping Others: I genuinely love helping people. Creating beautiful artwork for my clients and seeing their smiles when they see the final product brings me immense joy.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My biggest challenge has been marketing my business effectively. While word of mouth and referrals have brought in clients, I’ve struggled to find the best strategies to reach a broader audience. Now, I’m exploring Facebook ads and Google-sponsored ads to promote my photography as a destination service in Payson, AZ. Our town offers a variety of activities like hiking, camping, and sightseeing, making it a fantastic place for families, couples, seniors, and potential wedding couples to have unique portrait sessions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicolereynoldsphotography.com
- Instagram: @nicolereynolds.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolereynoldsphotography
Image Credits
All images are taken by Nicole Reynolds Photography except my headshot (one with the sunflowers), which was taken by Anne Marie Shumate owner of Lasting Images Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
