We recently connected with Nicole Souza and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

It feels a bit silly talking about having a greater mission as a headshot photographer – but I do. I come from very humble beginnings, and know that pursuing a career in the arts comes with many obstacles – the first, I would argue, being financial struggles. While I offer a variety of photography services, actor’s headshots are my main gig. A headshot is essential to an actors career, and they are often extremely expensive, making them a large barrier of entry into the industry. It has always been, and will continue to be, very important to me to provide photography services for new and working actors that can help them find work and opportunity, but not hurt them financially. I hope to help actors find confidence in themselves and in turn their audition and submission materials, in an industry that often feels like it is working against us. Everyone is equal in my photo studio. Everyone is important. Everyone is welcomed.

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?

I am a headshot and lifestyle photographer based in Los Angeles, providing services in the Philadelphia on occasion throughout the year as well. I got into the business somewhat accidentally actually – no photo classes, or fashion school. I was living in New York at 22 years old, hustling as an actress and I desperately needed new headshots. Though I had approximately $23 in my bank account – SO, I took an old DSLR and propped it up on my cat tree and old books in front of a window, tore the mattress from my bed with a gray fitted sheet on it and held it up behind me. A self timer and a lot of patience later, and I had new headshots. Now… they weren’t fantastic but they got the job done! Some friends saw the photos and asked me to take theirs, and things sort of started to spiral from there. I started to wonder if this was something I could actually do for a career. So I just started practicing on as many people as possible. It was important to me to learn how to photograph every skin tone before even thinking about charging people, so it was a solid 18 months of practice shoots in my living room – buying equipment I couldn’t afford and crossing my fingers it would pay off. And here I am about 6 years later working as a full time photographer. I feel very lucky – it has been a long journey to get here and it is a lot of work to maintain a business entirely on my own. I do everything – booking, advertising, social media, photography, editing, culling, coordinating, etc. It can be overwhelming at times, but I wouldn’t trade it. I am very lucky.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social media has been a long journey! One I am still very much on, but I am proud of my 3k+ followers. The main thing that got me going in the beginning was doing complimentary photoshoots with a lot of people to spread the word about my business and in turn my social media. I also have run quite a few “giveaways”, which I am sure everyone is familiar with – offering a chance at a free photoshoot in exchange for a follow and a comment. I would account about a third of my following to these giveaways. And also just staying consistent with posting – having a clear vision, interacting with followers, and not giving up. Social media is draining and I do think it is important to take breaks when needed. It is a complicated practice and industry, and very hard not to compare self to others. But at the end of the day, it is a very important part of owning a business, especially in the arts, so taking the time to be intentional with your posting is key.

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

Word of mouth has been huge for my business. I think the most important part of growing my business has been figuring out how to make my clients feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Having your photo taken is a very vulnerable practice, and having a technically talented photographer is just as important as having a supportive and welcoming photographer. Having been on the other side of the lens several times, I know the experience intimately and hope to ease the stresses involved as much as possible. That being said, I think as I have grown to understand how to do that more and more over time, people have recommended me to other artists because of it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.portraitsbysouza.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portraitsbysouza/?hl=en

Image Credits

Nicole Souza (me!)