Today we’d like to introduce you to Nigil Crawford.

Hi Nigil, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story of photography is a life cycle of growth and perseverance.

I moved to New York City three weeks after graduating from college. New York is a humbling city known as a the “Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made Of”. I thought I had it all figured out when I “secured” a brownstone apartment in Brooklyn off Craigslist. I blew all my money in my savings on a one-way ticket and an Uber just to get to the place. When I got there, I was informed that someone already moved into the brownstone a week before I arrived. I got no heads up, so unfortunately I had nothing to fall back on. I looked around the area to see where I could camp out, but no luck. I took all my bags down to the subway station (Newkirk Ave) and slept down there for a few days.

I frantically kept looking for a spot to be stable, but I kept coming up short. I slept on the 2 train, and overnight I camped out in the corner at the station. After about a week, a lady saw me sleeping on my bags and proceeded to walk over to me. I was already paranoid, and my guard was up because I thought she was telling me to leave. She looks at my hoodie and asks, “Did you go to Hampton?” I said “Yeah, I just graduated 3 weeks ago. I moved here for this dope internship.” She then asks, “Why are you sleeping in the subway?” I told her what happened and she tells me to come with her. She had a look of concern, so I grabbed my bags and followed her upstairs and out of the station. I ask her, “Yo, where are we going?” She took me to a house that was up the street from that subway station. “I know the landlord of this house”, she says. “He’s looking for a new tenant because someone just moved out about a week ago.” There were tears I was fighting back in my eyes. I just couldn’t express how happy I was. I told this women she’s my guardian angel. She then tells me, “You’re a young kid with a bright future. The fact you slept in a subway to get to where you need to be takes courage. Welcome to New York kid, a city of hustlers”

Until this very day, I never take any day for granted.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Photography lately been an uphill battle.

I am blessed to be able to do what I love full time. However, I’d be lying if I said it’s always fun and easy. Taking the entrepreneurial route means being to operate with a business mindset at all cost. As the currently job market is changing with massive layoffs, it seems most companies want to cut corners, overwork, and underpay. I’ve learned that saying no is more powerful than saying yes (sometimes).

Understanding my worth is a key factor that has helped me along this journey. It fosters self-respect and prevents me from accepting treatment or circumstances that compromise my dignity. When you know your worth, you’re less likely to tolerate toxic relationships or mistreatment from others not only professionally but personally. I encourage people to set boundaries in your life. This fosters healthier connections with friends, family, and romantic partners.

Also, mentally, I’m not 100% everyday. And that’s okay. You need days in this creative field to sit and do nothing. Somedays, I don’t leave my apartment and I’ll sit around and watch inspiring classic films. It’s nice to recharge and regroup every once in a while.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My name is Nigil Crawford and I am a Brooklyn-based editorial & commercial photographer that specializes in storytelling within brands and human interaction.

I enjoy creating from my perspective as a Black man. My area of expertise lies in telling authentic stories. I approach my work in a way to portray what isn’t seen on. a day-to-day basis.. I’m always proud of being inspired by other creatives around me. Many of my clients come from all walks of life, and I realized we all have one thing in common:
We all have a story to tell.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
There’s two things I would suggest:

1.) What is your goal?
Write down what you would hope to gain from this mentorship. Also list ways you can contribute to them. Mentorship isn’t just a one-way street. It’s nice when whomever you reach out to knows you’re open and willing to grow as well.

2.) Who are your potential mentors?
Look for individuals who have achieved success or expertise in your field of interest. Consider professionals within your network, industry leaders, or individuals whose work you admire. They don’t necessarily have to be in the same organization or industry; sometimes, valuable mentorship can come from unexpected places.

Pricing:

• Headshots – $600
• Events – $300/hour
• Weddings – Starts at $2500 + travel fee (if needed)
• Campaign – TBD case by case basis

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nigilcrawford.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lordnc/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigil-c-04485990/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Nigil

Image Credits
Profile photo taken by Lance Richardson Leonard Charles