Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Hernandez.
Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Oh my, where to begin? My story begins 8 years ago, moving to Atlanta and finding my way in this inspiring city that introduced me to myself, my talents and my career. I will note that I did an interview with Voyage ATL in 2018, a couple months into beginning film photography, so feel free to look that interview up, as I don’t want to come across too repetitive for this one. But whew, what a reflective period this has been.
While I’ve always been an artist at heart, I never intentionally planned to take on film or directing, nor did I have the slightest idea that pure curiosity would lead me toward an ever-flowing future that would be the utmost gratifying, inspiring, and healing.
Self-taught, I began photographing friends just hanging out and existing. I photographed expectant mothers, erotic-inspired works, and then eventually artwork for musicians, which became what I was sought out for most frequently.
Album artwork led to shooting stills for music videos, and that allowed me an in-depth understanding of how music videos work, which soon after shifted into directing my own music videos. And so began my journey into shooting stills for short films, documentaries, and eventually a feature film, which is coming out later this year. *wink wink*
Working alongside musicians exposed me to the complexities and legalities that come with ownership, licensing, and more contractual agreements in relation to photography. Had it not been for my mentors and their guidance, I would have been quite lost and taken advantage of (or undersold myself).
I eventually quit my job in 2020 and proceeded to pursue a full time creative career. Honestly, it was terrifying, with no consistency in work, and truthfully, there still isn’t. That’s where faith comes into play.
All in all, I got to where I am today through consistency, creativity and most importantly: community.
Atlanta has shown me parts of myself I never knew existed.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road is ever-winding. But I do believe that it gets easier. And then it gets hard again. Smooth…eh, not really.
Everyone faces their own struggles.
In the midst of personal challenges and significant shifts in identity, at my lowest I lost my sense of self and I questioned my purpose and worthiness. I faced insecurity. I battled with my own ego.
There were moments where I questioned the validity of my voice and asked myself “what does my opinion matter, and what am I trying to say here or get across”.
I believe that by questioning myself and my motivations behind the work I was creating, I’m now better able to articulate what a photograph means to me. I am also able to pinpoint what I may have been going through at the time of creating those works. Almost every personal project is an expression that represents something deeply personal to me, as well as reflects what I’m going through emotionally at that time.
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?
Ah, thank you! On paper I am a film photographer and director. But off paper, I’m a writer and I love to write poetry. I attend a lot of jazz nights and more recently, I’ve enjoyed spending time alone with my thoughts and my vast collection of photo books.
My reputation is anchored in photography where the themes of sensuality, intimacy, authenticity, and comfort take center stage. My client work is both extensive and eclectic, with each project presenting a random and distinct set of challenges and joys. I would say that I am recognized for my chameleon-like ability to seamlessly integrate into any setting and connect with any subject. My certainty lies in capturing the truth and emotion of a moment or a story, regardless of the context.
“Moments in Between”
What sets me apart is my willingness to push boundaries beyond the comfort zones most are unwilling to breach. I take pride in my transparency, embracing my vulnerability and summoning the courage to reveal all facets of myself as a woman, an observer, and an independent artist.
Career-wise, something I’m most proud of is having my photograph displayed as a large-scale mural at one of the world’s busiest airports* alongside a poem I wrote. Shoutout to Dashboard and Never Whisper Justice for that incredible opportunity.
*Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport*
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For those starting out, I would encourage you to be patient, be trusting, be willing to fail, be open to the unexpected, be hopeful and of course be willing to chase after that dream and always ask for what you want. Be joyful in the process. Find gratitude in everything, especially in the situations that don’t pan out as you hoped they would. Always find the lesson.
Be accepting. Be persistent. Be passionate. Be yourself. Think about what makes you different and lean into that. Admire and celebrate yourself and your uniqueness. Tune into your feelings. Don’t stray away from a feeling, and don’t force it either. If it’s true, it will translate in the work.
Honor yourself and honor your voice. Pray and give thanks. And most importantly, trust that your journey is yours and do your best not to compare yourself to another. Have faith! Keep a journal! Meditate and be present with yourself. Have mentors! Ask questions. Build your own connections. Have a website and update it! And just keep putting yourself out there. Keep making work that is meaningful to you and I promise you will be rewarded.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://photosbynicolehernandez.com/
- Instagram: @moments_in_between___
Image Credits
All photos shot by Nicole Hernandez
