Today we’d like to introduce you to Nehemiah Wilson.
Hi Nehemiah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a visual content specialist for musical artists in Atlanta. Ever since I was a kid, I remember taking photos on whatever devices I could get my hands on. I started on my iPod Touch at 11 years old during family vacations taking pictures of sunsets, water reflections, random mountains, and whatever else caught my eye. During these early years of my photography journey, I had no idea I was slowly training my creative eye to be what it is today.
Throughout middle and high school, I remember consistently asking my parents for a camera either on Christmas or my birthday, but the answer was always the same: “We don’t think it’s a great investment right now.” So, I settled for the next best thing: my smartphone camera. Each new phone I got was chosen mostly for the quality of the camera, and I would shoot and edit all my photos on whatever mobile device I had. This taught me the value of getting creative with limited access to gear and locations, strengthening my creative muscle.
Once I got to college in 2018 and landed my first internship in 2019 in NYC, I finally had enough money to purchase my own camera, and I was geeked out. I studied as much as I could about camera settings, composition, and editing in an effort to master my passion for photography. After returning to Atlanta from NYC after my internship, I hit the ground running and took my camera to every concert I could.
Shoot. Edit. Post. Tag. Repeat.
This was the process I followed, and my passion, skill, and following grew slowly but steadily.
I eventually extended into music videos, short films, and promotional videos for musical artists in Atlanta and student organizations at Georgia Tech.
Over the course of my time in college in Atlanta, I’ve built my business, shotByNehemiah, to where it is today, and I’ve been blessed to shoot all over the city and travel a few times! I’ve shot for national artists such as EARTHGANG, Duckwrth, nobigdyl, indie tribe, as well as local Atlanta artists.
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?
Everything wasn’t so straightforward though! From disappointed clients in my early days of doing video to having my work used in places without credit, there were plenty of times I felt like my work was in vain. Through any creative work, there are always challenges that will be faced due to the nature of making art.
What keeps me going is my passion for creating photos and videos. If my main motivation to create were based on trivial things such as making a bag or gaining worldwide recognition, I would have quit a long time ago. Things like that are not enough to keep anyone motivated when a wall is hit.
My love for photography and videography keeps me working as hard and consistently as I do, and it will continue to drive me as long as I am creating!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a visual content specialist for musical artists, so I am naturally a lover of music. Although I don’t restrict myself to only working with music makers, that is where I find the most joy and fulfillment. Most of my current shoots revolve around shooting promotional photos for artists, documentaries/interviews, and music videos.
At the end of 2020, I shot my first serious music video. I came up with the idea with the artist, made a storyboard of each shot I needed, directed the shoot with extras and a BTS photographer, and edited the whole thing. At the time, I didn’t understand the weight of what I was doing, but I was creating habits that I still use to this day as I create videos.
Most recently, I shot a video for an Atlanta artist, Skoolinc, in which I followed the same process but challenged myself in new ways with the story, the shots, and the editing. The result is my favorite music video I’ve ever created, and I’m beyond excited to release it in the next few weeks.
Through these experiences, I’m proud of how much I’ve grown since the little boy running around with an iPod Touch. There were several times I felt discouraged and wanted to quit projects I was working on, but I’m glad I pushed through the toughness to become the hard-working and consistent creative I am today.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First, I want to give glory to God for giving me the capability, drive, and passion to create in the way that impacts so many people in positive ways.
Second, I want to thank my girlfriend A’maya (@iamcachet / @artbycachet) for getting me into videography, keeping me motivated and encouraged, and for driving me to shoots.
Marcellus (@marcellus_walls) a fellow photographer in Atlanta – thank you for putting me on when I got to the city and for continuing to support me to this day!
Ras (@rascreativeco), Dalton (@daltonthenerd), Garet (@cinemaddox) photo/video friends – thank y’all for collaborating with me and pulling me onto sets that have allowed me to challenge myself creatively and connect with artists. Y’all continually inspire me!
Elias (@almostelias), Swaizy (@swaizyofficial) – thank y’all for creating with me and trusting me to visually bring your music/clothing to life.
L. Dejuan (@ldejuan) – shooting your music video was the most stressful but one of the most rewarding things in my early video career! Thanks for taking a risk on me!
Indie Tribe (@indiextribe) – thank you for letting me shoot your crazy Holy Smoke fest in Atlanta summer 2021. This event really helped put me on the map and establish me as a person of value in our creative community!
And everyone who continues to like, share, comment, repost, and encourage me and my work – I love you all dearly.
Pricing:
- $125 – 30min portrait session
- $200 – 1hr portrait session
- $350 – 2hr portrait session
Contact Info:
- Email: shotbynehemiah@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.shotbynehemiah.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shotbynehemiah
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdmLA-0WXgelZd8Bl8pgcDw/featured
Image Credits
Personal photo: Dalton Lewis (@daltonthenerd / @nerdwcp) Everything else: Nehemiah Wilson (@shotByNehemiah)
