Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jerzy Nieves. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jerzy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

It all started with car photography. I’ve always had a creative eye and found myself drawn to the way lighting, angles, and movement could bring something like a car to life in a photo. I spent a lot of time shooting vehicles for fun—learning how to frame, edit, and bring out emotion in unexpected subjects.

Then one day, a friend asked if I could photograph a wedding. I figured, why not? I had the gear and some experience behind the lens. But that day changed everything.

From the moment I captured the bride walking down the aisle to the teary speeches and laughter on the dance floor, I was hooked. The emotion, the fast pace, the once-in-a-lifetime energy—I knew this was where I was meant to be. It was more than taking pictures; it was preserving memories and telling real human stories.

The very next day, I started researching everything I could about wedding photography. I taught myself the business side, from contracts to pricing, and spent nights editing, building a website, and slowly creating a brand. I said yes to every opportunity to learn and grow—whether it was shooting engagement sessions, styled shoots, or assisting other photographers.

I reinvested every dollar back into better gear, tools, and client experience. I also realized how much I loved video storytelling and began offering films alongside photography. What started as a creative hobby with cars turned into a full-time wedding photo and film business rooted in emotion, storytelling, and connection.

And even now, after many weddings, that same passion that started with one unexpected “yes” keeps me going.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Jerzy Nieves, a wedding photographer and videographer based in Orlando, Florida, and I run Jerzy Nieves Photo & Film. My journey into this industry was a bit unexpected. I actually started in car photography—capturing sleek lines, movement, and design. But everything changed when I photographed my first wedding. The emotion, the storytelling, and the once-in-a-lifetime moments drew me in completely. I was hooked.

Today, I specialize in timeless, cinematic, and storytelling-driven wedding photography and videography, offering full-day coverage, engagement sessions, heirloom wedding albums, and handcrafted wedding films. I work with couples across Central Florida and beyond—including destination weddings—and I’m proud to offer a full-service experience that makes the process seamless, stress-free, and personal.

What sets me apart is the way I approach each wedding. I don’t just show up with a camera—I show up with intention. I build real connections with my couples and get to know their personalities and what matters most to them. That allows me to document their day in a way that feels authentic and true to who they are. I believe great wedding photography is about so much more than pretty pictures—it’s about preserving the story, the energy, and the emotions of a day that goes by in a blur.

I’m most proud of the trust my couples place in me. I’ve had the honor of documenting weddings for all kinds of love stories—across cultures, backgrounds, and destinations—and being part of those intimate, unforgettable moments is something I never take lightly. My work is about people, connection, and memories that deserve to be felt over and over again.

Whether I’m photographing a dreamy elopement in Italy, a luxury wedding at Bella Collina, or a surprise proposal at Disney, I bring the same heart, energy, and attention to detail every single time. I want my couples to look back at their photos or film and feel like they’re reliving the best day of their lives—because that’s exactly what this work is about.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team—especially in a creative, high-pressure environment like weddings—comes down to two things: clear communication and genuine appreciation.

I’ve found that setting expectations early, being transparent about responsibilities, and giving my team the tools they need to succeed helps everything flow smoothly. Whether it’s second shooters, video team members, or editors, I make sure we’re all aligned before the wedding day so that we can work efficiently without stepping on each other’s toes. Everyone knows their role, their coverage zones, and what’s most important to the couple.

But beyond logistics, morale is everything. I firmly believe in treating everyone like a creative equal. I check in, ask for input, give credit where it’s due, and encourage collaboration. When people feel seen and valued—not just as assistants, but as artists—it shows in the quality of their work and the energy they bring to the day.

We also debrief after weddings. I ask what went well and what we could improve. That not only builds trust but shows that I care about their growth and experience, too. We’re all constantly learning.

And finally—feed your team, thank them, and pay them well. It sounds simple, but those things go a long way in building a team that’s not only loyal but truly invested in the vision of your brand.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

Absolutely—there’s one moment that I’ll never forget because it reminded me how unpredictable this industry can be, and how important it is to have a solid team behind you.

I was on my way to a wedding, just about a mile away from the ceremony site, when someone decided to cut me off and hit my car, sending me straight into a ditch. It was terrifying. For a moment, all I could think was: “Is this really happening? Am I going to miss this wedding?” My heart sank—not just because of the accident, but because I care deeply about showing up for my couples and delivering on that once-in-a-lifetime day.

The silver lining? I had a team in place. My second photographer and my videographer were already on site and fully briefed on the timeline and shot list. Between the two of them, they captured everything seamlessly while I dealt with the immediate aftermath. Not a single moment was missed.

I was able to get back on my feet, make it to the venue, and finish out the rest of the wedding day strong. If you looked at the gallery or film, you’d never know anything had happened behind the scenes.

That day was a powerful reminder that weddings don’t come with second chances. Preparation, communication, and having a trusted team are everything. Things may go wrong—that’s life—but with the right support, your clients will still receive the experience they deserve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://JerzyNieves.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jerzynievesphotos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jerzynievesphotography
• Linkedin: Jerzy Nieves

Image Credits

Bella Collina
Moss Estates
Adams Estates
Ever After Farms
Sterling Event Venue
Dr. Phillips Center

Truly Yours Coordinator
DJ Danny Garcia
Anna Christine Events
SMS Events & Designs