We recently connected with Nate Riggins and have shared our conversation below.

Nate, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I started with an old Kodak Advantix camera when I was younger. I continued to move up with better equipment as I progressed with my skills. The next step was a Canon built in zoom camera, and then eventually worked my way up to my current setup of Sony Mirrorless cameras and Sigma Lenses. I’m also a Graphic Design major so that really helped me out with learning the software side of things.

I really wish I would have started getting more serious about the craft at an earlier age. It stayed a hobby for such a long time, and I should have tried making it a business earlier. I also take way too long to research and make a decision on certain things. Making the decision to create an official business and with creating a website took way too long as well. A lot of this comes from being intimidated to learn new things and with not wanting to make the wrong decision.

I’ve always had skills in the arts and with graphic design. I found out that I had an eye for composing a photo at an early age as well. Photography gave me a chance to get out into nature, and it’s a way for me to express my creativity. Knowing the software for editing a photo helped as well. I really need to work on the marketing side of things next. I need to learn how to get potential customers to visit my website and to sign up to my emailing list.

The only obstacle that got in the way was me. My lack of confidence and with the fear of failing really held me back. It honestly continues to do so. Continued growth is the only way forward.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Nate Riggins and I currently live in West Des Moines, Iowa with my wife and daughter. I’m originally from central Nebraska where I lived for most of my life until I moved to Iowa about 13 years ago. I got into photography as a way to get out into nature and for an avenue to express my creativity. I’m a landscape and wildlife photographer and I sell my photos from my website and through any other avenue that’s available. I’m an award winning photographer who has been displayed in multiple photography magazines along with having my photos exhibited all around the world. I have all of these accolades, but I really want to make this into a thriving business of selling my photography. I love the mountains and that’s where I really find my peace. I love to photograph wild animals and the amazing landscapes that are out there. My main goal is to bring the beauty of this planet to the viewership of those who might not be able to visit these locations.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect is that I’m able to express my creativity into something that can be viewed by others, and hopefully that inspires them. Landscape and wildlife photography is great, because it allows me to get outside in nature and it’s a great way to showcase areas and animals that others might not get to see in their lifetimes. I also compete in a lot of photo contests, and it’s a great way to showcase my work and it’s a way to release my competitive spirit.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had a community of other photographers that I could have leaned on and learned from earlier in my photography journey. Finding a community within social media and within photo contests has really helped me grow in my photography. I wish I had more confidence to learn website design along with the marketing of it earlier as well. I hope that I can be a resource for younger photographers if possible, and help them be successful early in their photography journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.naterigginsphoto.com
• Instagram: nate_riggins_photography
• Facebook: 1) Nate Riggins and 2) Alpine Waves Photography & Design