Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Ferentinos.
Nina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born and raised in northern Germany, I grew up with a lot of discipline and the belief that everyone can achieve everything if they work hard enough for it. It took me several years to find out what is the one thing I am willing to work on every day without getting tired. When I got my first camera (a gift from my husband 😃), I could not stop trying it out and soon after, I took my first workshop to learn how to take better pictures. Then people started asking me to take their family pictures and I learned how to guide and pose them. When I realized how valuable my work is and how important it is to capture a moment that will never be the same everything changed for me. I now offer a complimentary consultation in my home studio and also an in-person Ordering session, where my clients get to choose their favorite images on a big screen and we decide together what WALL ART we create together and in which size. There is no guesswork anymore and my clients appreciate that service and are happy to come back. The positive feedback and the tears in my customer’s eyes when they see their images for the first time is what motivate me every day to keep on doing what I love.
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 would be wondering if any NEW business owner would ever say YES! to that question! In my opinion, wearing ALL the hats is one of the most difficult parts when you start out your own business. I only knew how to take pretty pictures, everything else I had to learn from scratch. I don’t have any role models since nobody in my family ever was an entrepreneur. Now I find support in networking groups and enjoy sharing successes and failures with other business owners. I even help other photographers improve their businesses by sharing the insight I already earned.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Lifestyle photographer specialized in Families, Maternity and Newborn. Lifestyle just means that I document the family`s interaction with each other, rather than just stiff poses. Yes, I still guide them, but sometimes it’s the in-between moments that matter the most and make you feel something. My goal is to take the stress out of family photography and make it a fun, laid back and meaningful experience. Recently I added Personal Branding and Headshots to my repertoire because I know of the power that great images can have on your thriving business.
What sets me apart is that I truly listen to my client’s needs and then serve them in the best way possible. Before every photoshoot, I would have a complimentary consultation where I ask all the important questions and I find out where and how they would like to be photographed and really get to know them. You need a photographer while you travel? No problem! The opportunities are endless. I try to make everything possible. That always reflects my work and outcome. I am only satisfied when my clients are happy.
It took me a while to understand that this is the most important factor in having a successful business. Only by striving to give your best to every client you can set yourself apart from others and build relationships for a lifetime.
Have you ever had a customized photo session where everything is tailored to you and your family? If not, I am happy to assist. Want your family on the top of the mountain or at the beach? Let’s plan it. Want to replace that ten-year-old canvas over the fireplace. Let’s do it. Don’t know what to wear for your photoshoot? I come to your house and I go over your clothes in your wardrobe with you! You want to look your best on that special day? No problem, I have a hair- and makeup artist ready to come to the place of your choice. And at the end, I help you to choose the best images and even hang your Artwork in your home at your favorite spot. That’s what my clients call the “worry-free photography experience”. They value high-quality artwork and outstanding service.
The same rules apply for my Personal Branding clients that decided to elevate their Brand by adding professional images to their website and social media. I have an in-home studio where all the Personal Branding sessions take place after my clients had their Make up done by one of my Make up artists. It’s an ALL IN ONE experience where my client’s only job is to show up after a good night’s sleep. How easy is that?
How do you think about happiness?
Spending time with my husband and our three kids does not only make me happy but also gives me the energy to continue what I do. My family inspires me every day to be my best self and change the world by adding beautiful images to it. Also, good Mediterranean cuisine with a refreshing glass of white wine makes me very happy.
When it comes to my business, happiness defines returning clients and when dad tells me at the end of a session that he actually had “a lot of FUN!” Amazing!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ninaferentinos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninaferentinosphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinaFerentinosPhotography/
Image Credits
Nina Ferentinos Photography
