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

Nikk, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

As an artist, I’m not sure I believe in perfection. What makes art good or bad? What’s the difference between a snapshot, and an image worthy of hanging on your wall, or selling at a gallery? What makes a photo perfect?

I take at least one photo every single day — a habit that started years ago when I picked up my first $100 point-and-shoot camera, long before I fell in love with wedding photography and made it my career.

I don’t have a fancy art degree, I’ve never been in a juried art show, and I’ll probably never have my work in a museum.

But to me, it’s art if it makes you feel something.

Nikk, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

If we are being honest, it was never a dream of mine to become a photographer. Coming from a traditional Asian household it was either become a doctor or lawyer, nothing less. When I moved to Austin from Dallas for college I quickly realized these career choices were nowhere near what I wanted to do, so I eventually dropped out of school and worked aimlessly at restaurants for about 3-4 years.

I quickly tried my best to explore many different hobbies until my friend who works at a local camera shop suggested that I pick up a camera. I quickly spent $150 on a used Sony RXIII and started going out every day with it for about 6 months. That’s when I realized this was the passion I was going to chase.

After those 6 months, I convinced myself to buy my first full-frame camera—a Canon 6D. I then tried many avenues of photography—everything from lifestyle/brand work, portrait photography and even Instagram influencer hopes. I immediately realized none of these niches really tugged at my heartstrings.

One day, my old manager from a restaurant asked if I would shoot his wedding. The thought of doing wedding photography was immediately so daunting, but I accepted. I quickly returned home after shooting and told my girlfriend that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

The most fulfilling part of my career? Knowing I’ve made such an impact on the couple and their families. I mean capturing someone on the happiest day of their life sort of explains itself, you know?

I’m now at a point where I have been able to offer workshops to other aspiring photographers that want to learn from my successes and failures without having to put in the time. I like to share some of the key areas that contributed to my success, such as how to define and attract their ideal client, how to honestly and sufficiently price their work, and how to find the elements that distinguish them from other photographers in their space. I also teach them how to grow their exposure through SEO and advertising. Additionally, I talk about the techniques I’ve both developed and adapted to produce eye-catching photography and tips I use to create a relaxing and enjoyable experience with my clients.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

I always shot for free in hopes of building my portfolio. This is the classic “grind until you make it” tactic. A few ways to get portfolio work done that you’ll actually like are styled shoots, workshops, and second shooting weddings.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I am very particular with clients before they book me. I’ll set up consultations that serve as an interview to get a sense if we’re the right fit for each other. I’m fortunate to be working with the best couples and clients that I love.

I stand out from the competition by being myself. From using obnoxious amounts of exclamation points in emails to texting couples emojis, I never try to be like someone I’m not. Why does this make me stand out? It allows couples to be comfortable with me and show me their true selves. Which resonates heavily in my work and my testimonials I receive from my couples.

Contact Info:

• Website: nikknguyenphoto.com
• Instagram: @nikknguyenphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikknguyenphoto