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

Nina, appreciate you joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

Unlike most of my photographer friends, I never underpriced my services. I knew that if I want to be successful I have to charge accordingly. And I always felt comfortable in saying my prices, because I am working very hard and I deserve to be payed well. My first client ever I found using Facebook ads back in 2021. It was very hard to learn so I took a course and successful had a few clients from that. And believe it or not, she loved the experience she and her family had with me and purchased my biggest package. I was blown away and that experience gave me the confidence of continuing my journey. After that I already worked twice with her again and I am so happy that we continue our relationship and I can serve her growing family.

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

I am a Lifestyle photographer, specializing in Families, Maternity, and newborns, based in Atlanta. Lifestyle just means that I document the family`s interaction with each other, rather than just stiff poses. Yes, I still guide them, but sometimes the in-between moments matter the most and make you feel something.
I want my clients to feel the connection they have with their loved ones when they look at my images.

LAST YEAR I added Personal Branding and Headshots to my repertoire because I know of the power that great images can have on every thriving business.
What sets me apart is that I truly listen to my client’s needs and then serve them in the best way possible.
Before every photoshoot, I would have a complimentary consultation where I ask all the important questions and find out where and how they would like to be photographed and really get to know them.

THIS YEAR I implemented FINE ART SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY in my business, where I want to give to parents multiple poses to choose from in an online gallery instead of only one stiff pose. So far it has been wildly successful and I have more and more schools signing up!

In my family photography business, I also expanded my services and am now traveling with my clients if they need me to.
You need a photographer while you travel to Italy to visit your parents? No problem! The opportunities are endless. I try to make everything possible. That always reflects my work and outcome. I am only satisfied when my clients are happy.
It took me a while to understand that this is the most important factor in having a successful business. Only by striving to give your best to every client you can set yourself apart from others and build relationships for a lifetime.

Have you ever had a customized photo session where everything is tailored to you and your family? If not I am happy to assist. Want your family on the top of the mountain or at the beach? Let’s plan it.
Want to replace that 10-year-old canvas over the fireplace? Let’s do it.
Don’t know what to wear for your photoshoot? I come to your house and I go over the clothes in your wardrobe with you!
You want to look your best on that special day? No problem, I have a hair- and makeup artist ready to come to the place of your choice.
And at the end, I help you to choose the best images and even hang your Artwork in your home at your favorite spot. That’s what my clients call the “worry-free photography experience”. They value high-quality artwork and outstanding service.

The same rules apply to my Personal Branding clients that decided to elevate their Brand by adding professional images to their website and social media. I have an in-home studio where all the Personal Branding sessions take place after my clients have their Make up done by one of my Makeup artists.

It’s an ALL-IN-ONE experience where my client’s only job is to show up after a good night’s sleep.
How easy is that?

Have you ever had to pivot?

I think we can all agree that as business owners we have to PIVOT all the time. That’s why sometimes when we announce something new that we are super excited about and nobody else is in we get scared and think it was the wrong move. But sometimes it’s not the right time or not the right crowd that we were pitching to.
Every Friday morning I meet with a group of business owners and we network, exchange business cards, and often experiences and opinions. Everyone is very involved and the meeting leader had the glorious idea to organize a HEADSHOT EVENT for the group.
I was all in and super excited. Unfortunately, only 1 person out of 20 signed up to pay for the session and digitals. I was devastated.
But soon after I realized that I could use the situation to my benefit by photographing all members of the group and using the images to freshen up my portfolio on my website. And everyone gave me permission.
No, I didn’t make a lot of money that day, but within 30 minutes I photographed a lot of people and everyone was complimenting my services. I even received a few testimonials after. That’s how I PIVOT!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

When I had just started my business I used Facebook ads to find the first leads. Unfortunately, my offers often attracted people that didn’t describe as my ideal client and that were just price-shopping. So I had to stop that.
Right now I post on Instagram every other day to grow my audience organically. I expand my email list with people that subscribe to my VIP LIST to get the newest updates about exciting new projects or sessions.

The Fine Art School Photography brings also a lot of new families that are thankful, that I had worked with their kids already and feel that I would be a good fit for their families.

But the most important source is my existing clients that I worked with already.
They were very happy with my whole services and procedures and felt well-prepared for their photo experience.
And I always make sure that they have a lot of FUN!
They often come back, because their families are growing and important life events keep on happening.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ninaferentinos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninaferentinosphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinaFerentinosPhotography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-ferentinos/
• Other: Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/NinaFerentinosPhotography

Image Credits
Nina Ferentinos Photography