Today we’d like to introduce you to Nora Williams.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since I was a kid my mother carried around a disposable camera. She captured my siblings and I throughout most of our childhood. She enjoyed capturing us in the moment, she loved compiling the memories into photo albums so we could eventually look back on them and remember all the things that our mind might have simply forgotten. That same joy of creating memories is exactly what I felt when I first picked up a camera and started documenting life around me.
I didn’t pick up a camera for myself until I was in high school. Christmas came around one year and my mom finally bought me a camera. I was grateful, I carried that Nikon Coolpix camera around everywhere. To the bus stop, school, sports practice, before every game, at home, to the store, everywhere. I started being known as the girl with the camera. When I got to college, I took my first film photography class. Learning film was a game-changer for me, my love for photography grew deeper. The process of loading film into the camera, taking the images without being able to see them on a screen, developing and making my own prints felt so nostalgic and I couldn’t get enough.
During that class, one of my friends asked if I would take her graduation photos. My heart skipped a beat and I reminded her that all I had was a film camera and that I was new to photography. She didn’t care, so I proceeded to take her photos. She loved them and posted them on social media, from there people started reaching out to me to take their photos. I purchased my first digital camera shortly after that and I have been taking photos ever since.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. There have been numerous obstacles in the way. First, I had really bad anxiety when it came to editing photos for clients. I was always second-guessing if they were going to like my work. I was nervous that they wouldn’t like the images I chose for them, which led me to send them tons of edited photos which took a lot of time. Overall, I lacked confidence in my work, it took some amazing friends and a loyal and consistent following for me to finally believe in myself.
Another struggle has just been navigating the photography industry in general. As far as knowing what to price sessions, how to negotiate contracts, building a following, applying to gigs, etc. Those have been tough to just figure out coming from a small area. But, because of YouTube, I have been able to find the majority of that information from people who have gone through similar experiences, which has been so helpful.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Nora Williams Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
Nora Williams Photography captures editorial, lifestyle, street, and event photography. Working with brands and influencers to develop and curate content is something that I love to do as well. I love capturing people in their own element and creating stories that make an impact I am known for my vibrant pops of color throughout my images. With a background in hospitality, it is always my mission to create memorable experiences for all of my clients.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I feel like more than ever the time is now for creatives! With more and more things moving digital and to online platforms the need for new, engaging, and relevant content is at an all-time high. I feel as though the photography and graphic design industry will continue to grow and flourish for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: nwphotoanddesign.com
- Phone: 8038071143
- Email: norawjpg@gmail.com
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