Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitch Nicklas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all started when my parents gave me a camera for my high school graduation. It was a used Pentax K-1000 and I took to it right away. I was always a creative kid, I loved to draw, paint, and write, but something about looking through the viewfinder of a camera made me start to see the world in different ways. I was drawn to the mechanics of how cameras work, and to the magic of seeing the printed images when they came back from the photo lab. I could hardly wait to see how the pictures turned out when I would take my film in to get processed! I was hooked!
As I progressed, I became more interested in photography as an art form, focusing on composition, lines, and capturing the light. At first, I just took pictures for myself and for the enjoyment of photography. As time went on, people started asking if I could shoot for them. At first, I was reluctant to shoot for other people. I’m an introvert by nature, and the idea of working for people was scary. As I did more jobs, I became more comfortable with it and started saying yes to shooting things I had never done before. Say yes first, and figure out how to do it later!
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?
Definitely not a smooth road! Most of the struggles have been in overcoming my shyness about working with people, especially people I didn’t know. I still sometimes struggle with getting people to open up and be themselves in front of the camera. I’ve learned that if I show up prepared and relaxed, they will be too. I’ve also gone through ups and downs of being super inspired and fired up to go shoot (not just for jobs but for myself too), and shooting when I’m just not feeling it. In those times, I find that once I get started I get into it and usually come out with some good images. Part of the fun for me is just getting lost in what I’m doing.
I also struggle with the business side of things. I don’t do much marketing, most of my shoots come from referrals or people I’ve met along the way. So, putting myself out there and getting more work is a challenge.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As I began shooting more jobs for people, I decided to get an LLC and have an official business. I specialize in portrait and lifestyle work, but I also love shooting things like bike races, concerts and events, I’m proud of my website and the brand I’ve created. I’ve worked hard on creating a look and style that suits me. I think what sets me apart is my willingness to try new things and just say yes to projects that take me out of my comfort zone, even when I have no idea how I’m going to do it! I just figure it out as I go and learn from the experience.
My services include (but are not limited to) portraits, lifestyle, pets, and events.
What matters most to you?
What matters to me most is making people happy with their pictures. I’ve been fortunate to be able to capture great moments and memories for people, which is so rewarding for me!
Contact Info:
- Email: mitchnicklasphoto@gmail.com
- Website: mitchnicklas.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mitchnicklasphoto
Image Credits:
Mitch Nicklas Photography, LLC
