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

Nicole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

The fact that I just celebrated my tenth year in business feels like a huge win. Here are a few reminders that I turn to as I strive for my own story of success.

Know your strengths, lean into them. Determine what your unique gifts are and how they can serve and lift up others, and that is exactly what you need to showcase with absolute confidence, clarity, and joy. What makes you singularly qualified to attract attention and investment from others? What is your “superhero power” that helps elevate you and your offerings amidst your competition? Be radiantly YOU. When you can be clear in these things and shine a bright spotlight on them, that is exactly what will raise you up as a leader in your field.

Nourish your relationships. I wouldn’t have this life or career without the relationships I have built and nourished over many years. Cultivating community through my work with my clients, involvement in networking and industry support groups, and daily interactions with people I come in contact with is an ingrained part of my life philosophy. There is a real need to have trust, rapport, respect, and a sense of shared commitment in my work; I take that investment very seriously. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Truly listen, see, and hold space. Support, encourage, and amplify.

Act with Consistency. Doing something every day, and doing it with passion and sincerity, is a big deal. Throughout the past decade—it still feels amazing to say that—I’ve learned that the key to success lies not only in the passion of the work but also in the *consistency* of every action. Consistency in Style: A lot of people tell me that they can spot a “Nicole McConville photo.” I think that’s a good thing! Developing a recognizable style hasn’t just meant finding my unique creative perspective as an artist and brand storyteller; it’s meant crafting a visual signature that my clients and community has come to trust. Consistency in Communication: Clear and professional communication is a critical part of creating optimal results. I’m a real stickler when it comes to outlining expectations in detail, anticipating and answering questions, and framing everything with care and a spirit of collaboration. Consistency in Quality: My commitment to quality is unwavering. From ensuring that specific needs and preferences are known well before a camera comes out to editing the final details, each step of my process is geared towards delivering the highest quality results. This dedication has been the backbone of my business, helping to build lasting relationships and trust that means so much more to me than just fulfilling a job.

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

My professional story actually began with a very long career in book publishing where I had the good fortune and bold determination to learn, or at least dabble in, almost every side of the business. I did everything from trend-spotting and giving people their book deals (also known as acquisitions) to marketing, sales, and list management. I was in love with how books helped shine a bright light on great people and ideas, bringing them to a wider stage. When I left that industry, I had the opportunity to ask myself what I wanted the next stage of my life to look like.

Around this time I took a truly magical trip to Morocco with a group of women for a photography workshop. That experience made me fall absolutely head over heels in love with the art of seeing and storytelling, both done with great intention. When I returned I felt transformed, and set my efforts on how I could continue to honor remarkable people and their ideas, supported my my extensive knowledge and passion for business, this time through the lens of a camera.

I’m a photographer who works exclusively with growth-minded creative entrepreneurs and businesses to help showcase their unique magic, connect with their ideal community of clients and customers, and, sell. I offer a range of services, including portraits and headshots, product photography, food and beverage photography, fashion and model photography. I’m an experienced visual storyteller, skilled and highly organized project manager, creative brand magnifier and amplifier, and enthusiastic shared partner in bold action toward a goal.

I work with dreamers and doers, people who wake up every single day driven by a purpose to offer something unique in the world that can touch and and affect the lives of the people and communities they serve.

While many of my clients are within North Carolina, I am actively expanding my reach, particularly with product and brand photography. If you can ship it, I can shoot it!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I have diligently centered my work on collaborating with creative entrepreneurs and businesses, because I love the expansive vision, inspiring determination, and extraordinary capacity to dream of those within that environment. Keeping my focus within this one area, rather than diluting my brand, allows me to navigate professional spaces and communities frequently and confidently, remaining visible and top of mind for those who are most likely to be enthusiastic advocates of my work. I speak and understand the specific language and needs of business.

Do good work, and share it! Whether I’m creating the very best updated headshots or branding imagery that helps my clients feel their best or artful stop-the-scroll product photography that honors and elevates their unique offerings, I always strive to provide the pivot point for shifting how they (and their customers, clients, and community) see themselves and their work and how that can be amplified for success. Aim to exceed expectations. Every single client. Every single job. Always. Photography is inherently sharable, and when you do excellent work, it is often clearly credited, becoming one of your best tools for visibility and reputation.

Be kind. Show up with presence, compassion, respect for those in your community. Provide support and encouragement. Cheer people on. Be there with a hug and a high five. Ask questions. Check in. Contribute. Reputation comes from an investment of energy on both sides.

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

Word of mouth. I show up diligently across multiple social media platforms showcasing examples of my work and sharing details about my services and approaches. I also make an effort to be visible at at least a few networking events each month. I do all this with a spirit of gratitude and generosity, curiosity and presence. The more people you meet, connect with on a meaningful level, and nourish relationships with the more you will remain top of mind as they or someone they know is seeking what you offer.

Design and brand agencies. Web designers and brand agencies want beautiful images to supplement their own efforts to help their projects truly shine, so they want their clients to partner with photographers who can deliver “portfolio worthy” visuals and will put forth the energy to make those introductions and connections. I’ve had some really wonderful clients and standout shoots come to me this way over the past year, so I would love to see these relationships expand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicolemcconville.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolemcconville/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolemcconvillephoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemcconville/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/nicolemcconvillephoto/

Image Credits

Photographer: Nicole McConville Client: Audrey Laine Jewelry
Photographer: Nicole McConville Client: Personal Shoot
Photographer: Nicole McConville Client: LOOM Imports
Photographer: Nicole McConville Client: O+A Everyday