Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Arnold.
Hi Nina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had a strong interest in photography. I remember always being the person with a camera in a hand. Always finding any opportunity to take a photo during an event, outing, or just being in the backyard. I never thought it was something I could make a career out of and had this idea that I really needed to go to college, get a degree, and have a “big girl job.” So, I did just that. I went to college and received my Bachelor in Criminal Justice, then put myself through the police academy. After a few months on the job as a police officer, as much as I loved it, it just wasn’t for me. After my husband and I had our first daughter, I was able to by my first DSLR camera and start practicing on her. I have not put my camera down since. 6 years later and I run a successful business, I started mentoring and teaching newborn safety and specialized in posed studio newborn through the first year and families.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say smooth, but I also wouldn’t say it’s been really hard either. I didn’t realize that having a business would require so much business stuff *insert eye roll* … but it’s been a learning experience on how to juggle having a family and this business, but it’s been really good overall.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I realized really quickly into my business that I had an eye and a love for studio, posed newborn photography, and jumped in with both feet. I took some in-person workshops, got all the online videos and tutorials, and just really went into posed newborns. I am mostly known for my knowledge in newborn safety and that is also what I am most proud of as well as what sets me apart from others. I PREACH newborn safety, and I want both clients and my mamas to know that not all studio newborn photographers understand or know newborn safety. There are so many things that could go wrong during a posed studio newborn session and now only do you need to know how to pose a newborn properly, but also how to wrap a newborn safely too.
My clients 9/10 times choose me over other photographers because they feel safe with me handling their new miracle, and I would choose that over anything else, any day.
How do you define success?
For me, being profitable while sustaining a work/life balance and also never “working” a day in my life. I truly love what I do and that in itself is success for me.
Pricing:
- Pricing starts at 449 – pricing depends on the type of session being booked
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bluestonephotography.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bluestonephoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bluestonephotos
Image Credits
@ Monnette Co
