Vendors I Love: Nicki Fietzer of DE NUEVA PHOTOGRAPHY
I'm a lucky gal. I not only get to work with couples during a very special time of their lives, but have the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing wedding professionals. Nicki of De Nueva is one amazing photographer. I love how she captures joy and her appreciation of color and composition perfectly tells a story. I've worked with her a ton on elopements over the years. I am so excited to shine some well-deserved light on NICKI FIETZER of DE NUEVA PHOTOGRAPHY!
What was the path that led you to become a photographer?
I have been interested in photography as long as I can remember. I took courses in photography throughout high school and college, and it has always been a passion of mine. However, my way into wedding photography is a bit more roundabout. I didn’t even consider it as a career option until my husband and I began planning our own wedding back in 2006.
At the time I was managing a English learning center for adult immigrants and refugees. We received a grant to create a curriculum for our preliterate learners using photography. A stipend from this grant allowed me to purchase my first digital camera set-up. It also provided me the opportunity to take family portraits for my students, many of whom had never had the chance to have their photos taken previously.
A volunteer at the learning center was planning her wedding on a super tight budget. Therefore she wasn’t planning to have a photographer. I casually asked if she’d be willing to have me along, and luckily enough she said yes! The wedding was so much fun and the photos got picked up by 'Offbeat Bride.' From there things slowly but surely built up and I realized how much I loved shooting weddings…the rest is history. I’ve proudly been a full time wedding photographer since 2012.
What excites you about weddings?
So many things, but I love the couples I work with. For elopements I often get to work with couples from around the globe, and it’s so fun to share travel stories. At many of the weddings I shoot, my couples are often so creative and I also work with a lot of non-traditional folks. It’s really wonderful to see how personalities and communities are incorporated into each unique celebration.
But mostly, I just really love weddings. I’m a romantic at heart. It’s so much fun to be a part of a wedding day and all the excitement, happiness and emotion that they entail.
What do you look for in a couple?
Happiness. I’m not one for the super serious portrait. I prefer the fun, candid smiles and laughter. I’m a big fan of couples who aren’t afraid to be silly together, but really, I just love love. I often tell folks that are nervous about getting their photo taken that my only requirement is that they like each other. My work is about joy and love, and if you’re really excited about who you’re marrying? That’s all I can ask for.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
Photography wise?
Sure!
That my photos captured the joy and emotion of the wedding day and that I made the couple feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera. And that they had fun!
What do you desire for your business?
What I’m doing right now makes me happy and I love my clients. I get to be creative and photograph awesome, fun couples from all kinds of backgrounds. I can’t ask for much more. That said, I’m a travel addict. I would LOVE to get the chance to shoot more events in amazing places abroad. Adding in more destination work would be dream come true. I would also love the opportunity to collaborate with more social justice causes and non-profits.
What are you grateful for?
So many things. A loving, supportive partner and family. The opportunity to do something I love for a living. Getting to travel extensively. Good health and an adventurous spirit.
Any recent victories?
Does making it to the end of 2020 count for celebration? As a small business owner with two kiddos (one who arrived right as the pandemic hit NY), I think so. Pour the champagne!
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