We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nieci Gordon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nieci, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?
One thing I believe Corporate America doesn’t embrace when it comes to my industry is the power of creativity. I understand how important it is to keep costs conservative, however I think the leverage of a dynamic headshot is underestimated. It shows an attention to detail, and a commitment to standing out. Qualities that I also strive to uphold.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Much like I do every time I enter a room, I sort of stumbled into photography. I was tired of feeling the leash of Corporate America, and I mainly just yearned for the freedom to spend more time with my children. I’d had an interest in photography ever since I took a course in high school, but I never realized how lucrative or gratifying of a career it could be until I dove in. I bought my first camera, a Canon that I still currently use. I took the time to study the fundamentals, and I even interned under one of the best photographers in Indianapolis, Erica at Through Her Lens Studios. She played a key role in helping me to build my skill and confidence as a new photographer, and showing me how to be fluid with my creativity! With that encouragement and my kit lens in tow, I whipped up a website and after having a few models pose for my portfolio, I officially opened my photography business as Don’t Blink by Nieci. It has been such a whirlwind and I’ve loved every minute. I’ve stretched my creativity by leaps and bounds and over the course of the past year, I’ve given dozens of people invaluable moments in time perfectly preserved to reminisce on for years to come. Photos last forever. They tell your story. That’s my mission, is to help my clients document their lives. The triumphs, the downfalls, and every moment that weaves the tale of who we were, what we accomplished. Currently, I am learning to incorporate 3D elements to really ascend what I do from just photography to art. I am so grateful for everyone that has trusted me, encouraged me, and even recommended me! I wish you all could know how much you’ve helped my dreams come true.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative so far has definitely been the reactions from my clients when they see their photos. I just recently had a client doing her very first photoshoot. I wish I could replay the moment when I turned my camera around for her to preview her photos! The pure joy that just radiated from her was so gratifying! That is exactly what I love so much about what I do.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Passion is sometimes more important than earning money. The desire to create can drive me to compromise or completely absorb the cost altogether depending on how committed I am to the project. Someone that isn’t a creative wouldn’t understand what it’s like to have a vision in your mind that you so desperately want to breathe life into, that you’re willing to sacrifice to see it come to fruition.
Contact Info:
- Website: DontBlinkByNieci.com
- Instagram: @DontBlinkByNieci
- Facebook: Don’t Blink By Nieci