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

Alright, Nelson thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

“Starting” is a powerful statement that speaks to the confidence in the path that you are traveling. If I were to start over I would exude more confidence much quicker. I initially was concerned about carving out my space as an excellent photographer (photo taker). I remember asking my mentor when I would I know I was a professional photographer. His answer is not as important as my realization that I had titled myself as not a professional by asking when I would know. I’ve come to realize that you are a professional when you are confident enough to title yourself “Professional” and bold enough to be the same. Being professional is not about making money or being the best. Professional is providing a service that is unparalleled and consistent.

Nelson, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Nelson Richardson; in 2018 I started VSoul Photos LLC. I serve the DMV area and also travel. My love for photography began when I picked up my father’s Polaroid camera. The feel and the magic of the image on paper from nothing mystified me. My love for the craft began. Fast forward to my post-high school years, I found myself unhappy with the number of tactile memories I had access to of myself as a child. My talent shows, track meets, and embarrassments were all at the mercy of the strength of my memory. At that point, I decided that it was vital for me to learn how to use a camera professionally so I would be able to provide my kids with what I did not have.

To date, I am most proud that I was able to keep my word as a father and photographer, taking my daughter on several adventures, and use the skills I have amassed over the years to make some fantastic memories and capture them at the same time. In 2022, I took my daughter to Juneau, Alaska; I created an image with my dancing daughter and a Tahku, a sculptured breaching humpback whale. They majestically danced together. This is by-far my favorite image to date.

VSoul Photos’ goal is to be the vessel that provides access to memories and creativity across the relevant photographic media formats. For all of my clients, it is essential to know that fantastic images and photographic storytelling can happen while traveling the world but can also occur in your backyard or living room. You will tell the story of how your image was created. Every Photo has a Story… Every Story has a Soul.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I’ve always heard that word of mouth is the best form of marketing. I’ve also pondered “What gets the conversations started?” As a creative, I often find it hard to peel away from my comfortable place of creativity and venture out into the world to announce I have a great product. Today, proclaiming “I’m a Photographer” has felt exponentially more cringe that any other time in the last decade. I think is contributed to the mass amounts out artist flooding social media. For the sake of the business when I venture out to get more clients, I channel John Mayer and sing “Say What you need to Say” in my head. Ironically I don’t have to say anything to tell people I’m a photographer. I wear my camera with my giant lens attached when I’m running errands. This method is super effective. I’m fishing with my best bate. I become the billboard for my business and provide word-of-mouth service in person. Meeting your clients in person allows me to stand out in the sea of photographers and videographers on social media. The personal in-person interaction help sells and close new clients.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

When I felt less secure about being a photographer and entrepreneur, a great friend suggested I take the time to read Mastery by Robert Greene. This book details how to exude mastery of craft and the social confidence to read and traverse through social interactions. Often discussing photography in social situations, I would lose my audience. I would talk to customers about the technical techniques excitedly and talk to photography peers or enthusiasts simply about the results. After reading Mastery, I started to recognize that the ability to hold my audience played a role in my confidence in myself and my creativity.

Since reading Mastery, I have challenged myself to be more exploratory with my creations and confident in my designs.
Previously, I would justify every idea with an explanation. Now I practice saying, “This is the idea, and here is how we achieve it.” The results of this change allow my customers to have more confidence in the images I produce, therefore bringing more business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vsoulphotos.com
• Instagram: vsoulphotos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vsoulphotos
• Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/vsoulphotos

Image Credits
All images are owned by Nelson Richardson