Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Inkelaar.
Hi Brandy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I live in the north western part of SC on 130 acres of amazing farmland. We have horses, chickens, dogs, a pond and lots of wildlife. My personal work includes photographing the wildlife and animals here at our home. It’s a good change of pace from maternity sessions.
My middle name, NicCole Photography, grew out of a love of capturing images of my son. Like most new parents, I was anxious to capture all the moments and milestones. I was gifted a camera and so my journey started documenting his every day.
When I began my photography business, I photographed any and everything weddings, engagements, corporate events, etc. I slowly realized that expecting mothers are my sweet spot. I focused on finding education online and workshops that could help me learn to pose and photograph pregnant mothers in flattering ways. Focusing on what I liked helped me create a niche for my portraiture business. Bringing myself and my soul into my craft is what sets me apart and makes my work unique. I am my only self.
Taking a deep dive into who I truly am helped me carve out my style. My life’s journey and experiences are the things that make my work exclusive.
One exercise I recall doing early in my journey was going into my clothing closet and looking at my clothes. The question was if you could explain your wardrobe as a food what would it be? Mine was a hardy bowl of piping hot chili. My closet has comfy earthy fall colored clothing with lots of texture and an area of beige clothing with different textures. If you take a moment to study my work, you can see me in my work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I laughed at this question……NO, it has not been easy. I have had encouragement along the way from my husband to work through the struggles. I think having a cheerleader is pivotal in propelling anyone forward.
One thing that comes to mind recently is Covid. Becoming creative by teaching my clients how to photograph their sessions at home while I edited for them on the back end was a challenge. Was it gorgeous magazine worthy work? Probably not, but what it did capture was them moment in the best way possible. Like I mentioned earlier, our experiences change us and live in our work.
Being an artist means creativity ebbs and flows like waves of a seashore. You still have to create on the days that feel mundane.
The largest struggle for me is probably the pencil and paperwork. The business side of things is not my favorite part of owning a business. Fortunately, I have been able to find amazing people to include in my business that enjoys desk work. Finding software that can help automate part of the processes has been AMAzing!
I think showing up, honesty, good customer service, listening to clients and punctuality is 75% of what it takes to create an amazing portrait business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am known for my maternity and newborn portraits. I have clients from states away plan a baby-moon to SC and have their maternity portraits scheduled while they are here.
My studio is set up at my farm so that I can take advantage of shooting in the studio and also jumping on the golf cart and chasing the light outside. My maternity clients get the best of both worlds…studio and outside in the same session. My studio here also works well because we are in a private location and not in a park where others are watching.
My work actually grew into photographing newborns and families. I enjoy spending time with my clients and in return, they started requesting that I photograph their babies and families.
You would think the awards and publications would be my proudest moments. I don’t want to downplay those because it is nice to be recognized for your art, but truly it’s the emails and small thank you notes I get from my clients. It’s capturing those memories for them that I am most proud of. It makes me happy to have clients return for more sessions.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am a calculated risk taker. I like to have a safety net. Does that even count as a risk taker?
I do take risks in my photography work. I like trying new things with my clients via lighting, props, posing, etc. However, I am sure to get the safe shots before I start getting super creative. That would be the safety net I mentioned earlier. Typically the out of the box shots are what clients love. But I would never risk those until I know I have covered my client’s wants first.
Financially…. I am not much of a risk taker. I will research and get my ducks in a row prior to making a decision. I think it has worked in my favor and also has left me wishing at times, I should have taken that risk!
Taking a risk with your business and just a personal risk is an individual thing. I am married to a huge risk taker! He makes moves sometimes based on his gut and it typically works out for him. I think he has a bit of calculation figured into his decisions about risk but he will take a risk when I am more reserved.
Pricing:
- Maternity Session $900
Contact Info:
- Website: https://niccolephotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niccolephotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/niccolephotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/niccolephotogra
- Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/niccolephotography/
Image Credits
NicCole Photography
