Life & Work with David Firestine of Nicholson

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Firestine.

Hi David, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got into photography back in 2003 shortly after digital cameras were becoming a thing and I was graduating high school. I remember buying my first digital camera after working as temp help for Best Buy during the holidays, it was a Kodak Easy Share, a whole 2 MP camera. That didn’t stop my love for taking photos though. I tried dabbling in modeling and that didn’t go as planned as most of the photographers I worked with couldn’t create the images I wanted. At that point I decided to pick up my camera and give it a go. Little by little I would take photos of friends and family, my girlfriend at the time, pets, etc. A couple years pass and I took a job with Canon USA. Inc. sadly not in the camera division. However, I did get some sweet discounts. I worked there for almost 5 years and the whole time I was there I was building my photography business on the side. I was booking anything and everything to make money. I thought I was going to get into the industry and just photograph beautiful women, I was so naive. I learned very quickly that is not where the money was at so I jumped heavily into weddings. I ended booking enough weddings to pass my salary at Canon and I hit a crossroads. Leave my job and do photography full time, or keep trying to juggle 2 full time jobs basically. At this time, I was married, had no tattoos, etc… I hit a rut and had an early life crisis. I quit my job, got a divorce (she did not believe in my dream of being a photographer), and I created an new image. I was scared… I left a consistent pay check for my freedom. I opened up a studio with my buddy Dragos in downtown Buford on Main St. It was amazing. A highlight in my growth. It was a huge 2500 sq ft space in an old building built in the 1800’s. Fast-forward, I meet my current wife Rene, a beautiful brunette I met on Facebook from a photo of one my male friends, Tribble Reese. Her and I were glued to one another but she pushed me to be great. She has been my biggest supporter and believer in my photography career. Not to mention all the boudoir shoots I have done over the years and she is 100% in my corner. Many women would not allow their husbands to do the photos I do, or video. Here I am in 2025 and can successfully say I have been a professional photographer since 2010 I think, around 15-16 years. Definitely, have had my ups and downs. I have wanted to quit many many times, but my lovely wife reminds me of my gifts and talents.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has absolutely not been a smooth ride. Money, gigs, clients, etc you name it I have come across it. I haven’t had too many bad clients over the years but the one bad review is just comical to me and has actually booked me business. I told a client I could not polish a turd. They asked me to make a junk yard look like beautiful wedding venue in a nut shell. They clearly did not like that, I didn’t care as I am honest and upfront with everyone. I would expect the same. Hardest part is keeping a good name built in a flooded industry and having to adapt on the fly. Luckily I can do just about anything and I think that has kept me in the business as long as I have been in it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The question for someone like me should be more like, what do you not do, or film? They question is newborn photography. I have done them, mainly for close friends, I do not do the traditional ones as I am not setup for that nor do I want to be. I run hot, and keeping a room 80+ degrees to keep a baby asleep is not for me. Sorry. I will die of sweat. What am I known for… Boudoir, Weddings, and my out of the box creativeness. I think what I am most proud of is I film surgeries for doctors. I got into filming those type of surgeries about 6-7 years ago. It has been fun learning as well filming and creating cool content for doctors. I think what sets me apart from others is me… I am different at shoots, I have fun, I joke a lot. I can generally get an authentic smile out of anyone and I am fast. I have some families I have photographed for the past 10-15 years watching their kids grow up and now they know me on a more personal level. Invite me to events, parties, etc.

How do you define success?
Don’t be a victim.

I strive to be great, not good.

Being successful to me means failing the first time but correcting that failure into an accomplishment the next time around. Don’t make the same mistake twice.

My Personal success: Having ambitions, or sense of purpose — living in a way that feels meaningful to you. I don’t measure success by money. I measure success by my happiness. I do everything for my family. My daughter is my world.

My Professional success: I don’t strive for recognition, but it always appreciated. Like you all reaching out to have me in this magazine. I have filmed for many major companies but I don’t advertise that. I am lowkey when it comes to my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.firestinephotography.com
• Instagram: @firestinephotography / @boudoirofatlanta
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidfirestine