We were lucky to catch up with Nita Ann recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nita thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I’ve always wanted to be a “somebody.”

Then I realized in college it’s more fulfilling to be a “somebody” that makes a difference in people’s lives. I would imagine people like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, or people who are famous for their talent or skill, successfully doing those things. I always had a desire for the entertainment lifestyle, but then I realized I wanted to make a difference instead.

So, here I am giving high-quality content at reasonable prices for many people. Not just inside the entertainment world but outside as well. Allowing me the opportunity to grow my name and become a “somebody.” The best part is I’m not just a photographer, but I am changing the photography game by shooting on my iPhone full-time while receiving 30-40 clients monthly.

I’ve had over 400+ clients in 2 years doing shoots that last less than an hour, paying $80-$300, and they receive them in 1-3 days. My business is a great example of the Triangle Constraint module representing good, cheap, and fast. Normally customers involved with any business are used to getting 2 out of the 3, but with my business, they are able to get all 3 good, cheap, and fast services.

Allowing this has helped my business grow, and make a difference in people’s lives.

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

My name is Nita, and I’m a professional iPhone photographer here in Nashville, TN who shot over 400+ clients including musicians, influencers, models, and much more in only 2 years. My business is all about giving high-quality photos to everyone at reasonable prices ($80-$300) and being able to receive them in 1-3 days. I literally shoot everything on my iPhone and teach this as well.

I originally went to school for music business and minor in marketing. I used my skillsets to launch my iPhone photography business in 2020 when covid shut down a lot of music business job opportunities for me. So with no background or degree in photography, I took a chance and started putting myself out there. I realized how tough it was for me in college to get high-quality photos for my Instagram and social media page in order to look valuable to others or stand out for creative jobs in the entertainment field.

This is what makes me an extremely different photographer based on what I use which is just my iPhone and how my photography business works. Not only do I give out high-quality photos at reasonable prices, but all my clients who do one-on-one sessions with me, always choose the photos they want at the end of the shoot and I edit those included with the pricing. I don’t charge by the hour or charge extra for editing. If you like an “x” amount of photos, like 10 for example, then you pay $80 for that amount of photos, and that is it.

Many people here in Nashville and outside of Nashville enjoy the way I set up my business and it provides me with many returning clients, great experiences, and freedom to do what I want.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that there is no “one way” or “right way” to become successful. Everybody’s success stories are different, and following their path doesn’t mean it will work out for you. As long as you keep moving forward in the direction you desire, the picture will get more and more clearer.

Many male photographers would give me criticism about my business structure or complain about how I’m lowballing the photography rates and destroying the opportunity for many others. I just simply chose not to follow their path and not be all about the money. I’m very satisfied with helping others get great quality photos without making them spend over $500.

I also have many photographers or people who are interested in learning iPhone photography and I give tips and advice, but try to remind them to put their own unique twist to it or do something that works for them editing. My way worked for me, and they shouldn’t feel obligated to follow in my same footsteps.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

When I first started my iPhone Photography business, I was making $75 a month. Now, 2 years into it, I make at least $5k a month. It took 2 years as a major side hustle doing iPhone photography, but I made it into a legit business these last two years and started marketing myself better. Starting for free is key to scaling yourself up. Putting yourself out there is also very important in person and on social media. I’m glad to have built it up into my full-time career and educate many other photographers or people who are interested in what I do. I love sharing my life experience on social media for others to see since no one does what I do. Persistence and self-discipline are what helped me get to where I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: nitainnashvillephotography.com
• Instagram: @nitainnashville
• Facebook: NitaInNashville Photography
• Youtube: Nita Ann