Meet Nick Walker | Photographer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, how do you think about risk?
Risk has played a huge role in my life and career. If I never took any risk then I would of probably stayed at home waiting for money to come magically. When I think about risk and my career I think about investing in myself… And taking the leap to put myself out there. I’ve always have put money and effort back into my projects in hopes that it would then bring in more of that caliber of work. If I knew I wanted to shoot more film than digital then I would take my rate from the job and use it for film and processing. It’s those risk that help set you apart, maybe not to the client, but to yourself and I think that is really important. You have to know that at the end of the day you tried your best… And if having to not make as much money the way to do that… Then so be it. I also think about “trying” when I think about risk. I risk “losing” every time I think of an idea… But the only thing that. beats a fail is a try. So I’m happy to risk losing, because I’m always learning something in the process.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started off as a photographer and grew into directing. This business is a marathon and you have to be willing to put in the extra effort. It has not been easy and for better or worse I did not go to art school. This initially put me many steps behind the curve but ultimately gave me the desire to continue to learn more and more. Most importantly I think the reason why I am today business wise is because I’ve my attitude and respect I give everyone. Everyone’s time is valuable and the more you respect that the more people trust you. I’ve overcome the challenges of this business by being grateful for the opportunities that come my way and making sure I give everything my all and not letting the money or the time be discouraging. I’m most proud of the jobs where I’m able to take the subject or client into a different light. Whether that is a physical light source or just a new environment that we haven’t seen them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to an early work out at Vitru Gym… Then grab a juice from Crenshaw Juice Co… Hit the beach for a swim and sunset peel and eat shrimp at Neptune’s Net.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my parents who never told me I shouldn’t try something and to never quit in the middle. Neither came from the creative industry and they never discouraged me to jump into an industry they didn’t know much about. Big shout out to Jesse Winter… Who took me under his wing shortly after I had moved to NYC. He encouraged to become a visual artist and paid me to do jobs I didn’t know how to do. He valued my good attitude, eagerness to learn, and willingness to listen to Jethro Tull flute solos. If it wasn’t for Jesse Winter I don’t know if I would have had the tools to continue in photography. He is a true wizard of natural light. Also shout out to Doug Inglish, Hilary Walsh, Robert Maxwell, and Emmett Malloy. All mentors to me at different times. And last but not least my Wife Kara… Truly my biggest fan and support.

Website: www.nickwalkerstudio.com

Instagram: nickwalkerstudio

Twitter: nickwalkerphoto