First experience as a traveling photographer…
How about I just fly to you?
“Would you like me to fly to you so you don’t have to keep searching for your person?”
I put myself out there. Someone I didn’t even know. Cherie Nikosey was in a collective coaching group that I was a part of, yet I hadn’t yet personally connected with her or even knew what she did.
When Cherie approached our group with questions about how to find her brand photographer, immediately she was given many beautiful answers by our group. I then took it upon myself to approach her personally through direct messenger, to ask her deeper questions and help her to find her person.
After chatting for a little while, on a whim I asked, would it just be easier for you if I flew down and took your photos? I mean, what the heck was I thinking? Traveling for photography was this long lost fairytale dream that I thought would never be in my realm, especially having three really young children. And let’s just throw in that we were in the middle of a global pandemic?! But sometimes when things hit me like this and I know it’s a good connection, I throw it out there. And that’s just what I did.
Three months later and a VIP package booked, I find myself in Amelia Island, Florida.
This jump started my year of travel. In early 2021, I found myself being put into positions that would allow me to travel and photograph beautiful humans running incredible small businesses - conclusively delivering high quality images for their brand, that bridge the gap between the screen and real human connection.
A bit on what I do
When I photograph for a brand, a small business, or an entrepreneur just starting out, my first step is to break down who they are as a person. When I learn about a person, it helps me to see their strengths and weaknesses. I’d have to say that 98% of potential clients are really nervous to put themselves out there, to be behind the lens. (More on this later). This is completely normal. So when I learn who each person is that I am going to be photographing, before I sometimes even know what they do or what kind of business they run, it helps me to understand the person behind the business. This is who I want their clients to see through my images. Yes, the “business” images are important, but I truly believe that who a person is, ultimately sets them apart in their business.
Okay back to the beautiful Cherie and Amelia Island!
After planning her session, it was time to fly down and make Cherie’s vision come to life. Armed with my Sony A7iii and my Sigma lenses, I flew down with the lovely Courtney Van Atta, of Veritas Principles. We stayed at the Omni Resort in Amelia Island which was filled with incredible amenities. (I will definitely be bringing my family here sometime!) The coffee ~ because I need the best coffee, always ~ was top notch. Above all things, this place is a little slice of paradise with a small town feel.
Since I was staying for a few days, we spread out the shoot into three smaller ones. We went to two different beaches and bounced around the adorable town of Amelia Island. Cherie ended up with a beautiful variety of images from our adventures, and was officially ready with images to launch her business.
The emotion and connection that came from her images, to me, is undeniable. But I’ll let you be the judge.
Until next time, Amelia Island! We have big plans for you.
