Meet Nicole De Anda-Chinchilla | Wedding Photographer based in Los Angeles

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole De Anda-Chinchilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what do you attribute your success to?
That my clients are always number one! Everyone i’ve worked with has been absolutely amazing, and I honestly think it’s because the energy I put out in my branding attracts the right people. My clients and I have so much in common and bond quickly. Many of my clients have actually become friends of mine. The most important factors for me are comfortability and customer service. I ALWAYS make sure my clients are comfortable through their whole session and never want them to feel like they aren’t in a safe space with me. I literally will go to the ends of the Earth to make sure they’re happy. Everything I do for my clients is because I want to, not because I feel like I have to or because I expect anything in return. All of this is reflected in my reviews, and I think this is something impactful that is overlooked most of the time!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It’s been awhile honestly. I’ve been working at this since 2013 and still feel like I have ways I can grow, and things I can improve on. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely gotten easi-ER with time. You learn from your mistakes, look back at things you did wrong. *cough* charging $20/hr for a wedding *cough* not having contracts *cough* But making friends with other creatives and business owners is so encouraging and inspiring. I get most of my “idea/ creative juices” flowing when i’m with like-minded people. I really hope to start mentoring soon, and host workshops or group meetings for other women-owned businesses. I also hope to find a way to give back to my community. I’ve come a long way, and the industry can be tough. I try to preach “community over competition” as much as I can and try even harder to practice it. You get imposter syndrome at times, and there will be people who use you to climb to the top, but you gotta keep going. Just keep moving forward.
I just want people to know I care. I’m intentional with everything I do. I treat every client the same. I don’t wake up and hate having to do my job. I wake up and i’m genuinely excited to be working with such amazing people and I love that I get to be apart of the best day of their lives!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a tough one, BUT I have a lot of favorite Whittier spots and a couple spots that aren’t that close.
I’m a big foodie/coffee person so we’d definitely be hitting up all my MUST go-to’s.
Breakfast/Iced Coffee- LFTD, Aunties, Toast/Mimosas/Benediction, Local Fixture, Smoking Tiger, Rad Coffee
Lunch/Dinner – California Grill, Joy Sushi, Mi Burrito, Uptown Provisions, Chicken Koop, Casa Garcia, Bizarra Capital
For a fun time – The Brewery in Uptown or the new food hall that opened up, Rodeo 72, and Guild Hall!
Places to go/things to do.. Penn Park, Creek Park, Lovells, Haunted Whittier Ghost Tour, Hiking in Turnbull

Being on the spot makes me forget everything I would do. LOL Or maybe I need to get out more.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Man, there are SO many people that have helped me get to where I am.
My dad got me my first polaroid camera when I was in elementary school. My mom got me my first digital camera in middle school (hello angsty emo MySpace selfies with friends). And then my whole family pitched in to help get me my first DSLR in high school. Which leads me to the next person, Mrs. Fox, my high school photography teacher. She probably doesn’t even remember me, but I LOVED her class. I wouldn’t be where I am without even realizing that photography could be a career and she’s the one that showed that to me.
My family has always supported me and has referred me to their friends/co-workers for shoots when I was just getting started. Looking back.. it was ROUGH! BUT all that experience helped me grow. Same thing for my friends, they were always my practice models and continue to help me out with referrals as well. They’re in my corner, cheering me on, always.
Additionally, I’ve made sooo many photography/female owned business friends. Desiree, Iliana, Siera, Emily, Gabby, etc etc the list goes on forever.. They’ve taught me so much by just letting me vent to them and bouncing ideas off of them. It’s so easy to “talk shop” with them since they’re in the same boat I am. And we relate on so many levels.
Lastly, my husband, David. He’s been my rock since quitting my job. ALWAYS supporting me and helping me out. Encourages me to push my self and always be better. He makes sure my batteries are charged and my bag is packed before every session and every wedding. If he’s not working, he’ll even drive me to shoots letting me be passenger princess. He’s also just a good charismatic person that talks with my couples and helps them open up. 🙂

Website: https://www.nicoledeanda.com

Instagram: @nicoledeandaphoto

Image Credits
@nicoledeandaphoto