Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Casaletto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I’m still learning! But I’ve clocked some time and experience for both my photography, and my comedy, and happy to share. However, please know this is an ongoing process.
I’m further along in my photography career than I am in my comedy career. But both started out the same – I look up EVERYTHING. I take classes (both online and in person). I research. I network. I compare myself to others just enough to want to improve, but not enough to feel defeated. And honestly, the fastest way to learn is just be taking action. Easier said than done, though, of course.
With photography, in the beginning every single session was also somewhat of a learning session. How to pose, how to handle different types of clients, how to work my camera, how to work with natural light, and later how to work with my own lighting. I joined Facebook groups, went to conventions, made friends, and bounced questions and ideas off of my peers. Always ask questions. Always be in a learning mindset. While it’s a solo business, it’s not a solo adventure to get to where you are. For me, at least. As an example: recently, Cate Batchelor (if you’re in San Diego, you should look her up: https://www.catebatchelorphotography.com) was an influential mentor. I’ve 3rd shot / assisted at some weddings for her to gain experience, and that lead to booking my own weddings as a lead. She provided feedback and advice. Connections like these are appreciated and so valuable.
And, when you think about it, comedy works the same. Sure, it’s also a solo act, but you don’t get to where you are by yourself with that, either. I’ve taken classes in person at The Crow in Santa Monica, and love reading books on comedy structure. Just picked up Judy Carter’s best seller, and excited to dive into it. I also value my friendships in the comedy world – we run ideas past each other, ask for constructive criticism, help with joke pitches, and adventure through the open mic scene together. I’m not as funny now, as I am going to be one day. At least I hope so. But with this mindset, I can shrug off my inner critic just enough to learn how to get there. I love performing, and after each set, it’s fun to hear where the laughs were, where they weren’t, and what can change.
The biggest obstacles I’ve had are 100% mental. The struggle of not being good enough, and trying to muster up enough self confidence to get past that, and do better.
Nicole, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
With photography, I specialize in lifestyle newborn sessions, family sessions, branding sessions, and have recently started photographing weddings. I’m very organized, dependable, and efficient, all with a creative edge. And I deliver consistent results.
With comedy, I am just myself. A book club nerd, who was the weird horse obsessed girl in school, perpetually single and trying to online date in my 40’s, and completing a marathon in all 50 states as a slow person who hates running. I like to think I bring all those elements into my work and someone out there relates to at least one part of it. As an example, I started the Book Club Comedy Show and it’s been a lot of fun so far! No one has to read the book to come and have fun – just like regular book club! But we do have a different book each show and the comedians have discussion questions they are given ahead of time, to incorporate into their sets. I think people have a lot of fun at it! https://casalettocomedy.com/book-club-comedy-show
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think the biggest thing, is knowing just how much time and effort we put into a creative journey, before we get a monetary return on that investment. With the realization of that, it will probably click why we get so excited when you come to our shows, or share our work, or even just like on an Instagram post to help with the algorithm. Thank you to all my friends for their support!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being better than I was before. Constantly improving. Making people laugh, or people loving their photographs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://casalettocomedy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.casaletto/