Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Strazzeri.
Jessie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was in eighth grade when my best friend and I took a photography class together. I never saw it becoming a very significant part of my life, but it stuck with me over the years and was always something I could turn to when I was bored, struggling with anxiety, or felt inspired!
In high school, I taught myself camera basics and did free sessions with friends and family. When college rolled around, there was no doubt in my mind I should dive even deeper and commit to photography as a minor. That’s when I really got dedicated and started treating it like a business instead of a hobby.
Over time I’ve shot it all. I went from experimental shooting, to real estate and landscape, to portraiture [my area of expertise!] and now I’m working automotive photography to compliment my full-time marketing position with a start-up company.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the most part, it’s been a smooth road because it was never something I felt pressured to do!
There were some struggles, though. In high school I interned with a full-time, big name photographer who just seemed so unhappy and stressed when it came down to it. He told me countless times not to push for a career in photography, that I would be starving and stressed. That was hard to hear! And the experience definitely turned me away from the camera for a while.
I didn’t know if I wanted photography to be my career, but I wanted it to be in my life. Today I’m really happy that I decided on photography as my side-gig. I’m not killing myself to make it a career and resentful the way my mentor was. My camera is still my happy place.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Nettik Photography is primarily a portraiture photography business [high school/college seniors, family photos, engagement, wedding, just for fun].
I am known for using natural lighting, really laid-back photo sessions, and keeping it all at an affordable price.
I’m most proud of the positive reviews I get back from clients! At the end of the day, these photos will follow them through life – their kids and grandkids will look back on them. Making sure my clients LOVE the photos is really important to me.
What sets me apart from others is that I don’t follow camera technique by the book, I rarely use any camera gear [like flashes, reflectors, and softboxes] and I get photos back to my clients within a week.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been a pretty antisocial person, actually! This is true today, but photography has pushed me to break out of that box.
Growing up, I was really obsessed with becoming a popular kid and didn’t understand why I wasn’t as likable. Once I let go of trying to be popular I found comfort in my nerd/geek side. I spent hours playing World of Warcraft, watching Star Wars & Lord of the Rings, reading the manual for my Canon Rebel t2i… you get the picture!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.NettikPhotography.com
- Email: nettikphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nettikphoto/?hl=gu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NettikPhoto/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NettikPhoto
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nettik-photography-carlsbad
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