We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nick Torontali. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nick below.

Nick, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

The most important lesson I’ve learned in nearly 20 years in the creative industry is that success doesn’t hinge on having the flashiest designs, the most groundbreaking ideas, or the perfect lighting setup. While technical skill and creativity are essential, the real differentiator is being someone people want to work with. It’s about cultivating authentic relationships, showing genuine care, and making every interaction count.

Over the years, one thing I’ve consistently heard from employees, clients, and external partners is how easy I am to work with. Whether it’s a high-pressure shoot or a long-term project, people often comment on how seamlessly things run and how much they appreciate the balance of excellence and approachability. My care for people—not just as professionals but as individuals—has been a defining trait. The bar for quality is always high, but the effort to connect, listen, and foster mutual respect is what truly stands out. That’s the kind of reputation I strive to build, and it’s been key to growing my business.

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

I’m a freelance photographer, filmmaker, and creative director with nearly two decades of experience in the creative industry. My journey began as a professional musician in the mid-2000s, but in 2010, I discovered a passion for storytelling through photography and filmmaking. By 2012, I had shot my first wedding, sparking the foundation of my career. Today, I specialize in both wedding and corporate work, offering a range of creative services including photography, video production, and brand storytelling.

What sets my work apart is a focus on authentic storytelling and creating meaningful connections. Whether I’m capturing the emotional moments of a wedding or producing high-quality corporate content, I strive to craft visuals that resonate on a deeper level. My clients often share that working with me feels effortless because I prioritize not just the project, but the people behind it. My goal is to create something impactful every time—visuals that tell a story and leave a lasting impression.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes, my side hustle eventually became my full-time career. It all started in 2010 when I picked up a camera out of curiosity. At the time, I was a professional musician, but I quickly became fascinated with the storytelling power of photography and video. In 2012, a friend asked me to shoot their wedding. I had no formal experience with weddings, but I gave it a shot, and that experience lit a spark. I realized I loved capturing moments that were both deeply personal and universally relatable.

For a long time, photography and filmmaking remained a side hustle, something I did on weekends or during downtime. But as word of mouth slowly spread and more opportunities came my way. I invested in better gear, took on more challenging projects, and refined my craft. A key milestone was landing my first corporate client, which opened the door to bigger projects and helped me transition from just weddings to a more diversified portfolio of work.

In 2024, I made the leap to full-time freelancing. I knew I needed to go all in to take my business to the next level. One of the biggest turning points was working with high-profile clients like Disney, which validated my skills and helped me build a strong reputation. Another milestone was expanding more into commercial and lifestyle storytelling, which allowed me to balance creative passion with consistent income.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges, but each step—whether it was landing a big client, investing in new equipment, or learning how to manage a growing business—has shaped where I am today. Turning my side hustle into my full-time career has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life.

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

Over the past 15 years as a creative director, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing both in-house and agency teams, and the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that great leadership starts with trust. I firmly believe in hiring adults to do adult work. I build an environment where trust is the foundation—trust in my team’s skills, decision-making, and ability to deliver. Micromanaging stifles creativity and morale, so instead, I foster a culture of ownership. When people feel a genuine sense of responsibility and pride in their work, they’re more motivated, creative, and driven to succeed.

As a leader, I’ve never believed I’m the one with the best ideas. My role is to create a space where everyone feels empowered to contribute, collaborate, and take charge of their areas of expertise. I encourage my team to truly own their work, make decisions, and learn from both successes and challenges. This sense of ownership leads to a team that’s not only invested in the outcome but also committed to constant growth.

Beyond technical skills and talents, I care deeply about the people I work with on a human level. I listen to their ideas, concerns, and aspirations. I make it a point to celebrate their wins and support them through challenges, both professionally and personally. When you show genuine care for your team, you create an environment where people feel valued, respected, and motivated to bring their best every day. High morale doesn’t come from perks or surface-level recognition—it comes from knowing you’re part of a team that cares about you as a person and supports your growth. That’s the kind of culture I strive to build.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://torontali.com
• Instagram: https:://instagram.com/torontaliphoto
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/nicktorontali
• Other: https://torontali.photo