Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Calderaro.
Hi Nina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I went to school for graphic design and from there it laid the perfect foundation for the million hats that I wear now. I always had a love for photography and then once I started working for smaller businesses doing design, they would be like… “Oh! You do photography, too?!” … and the rest is kinda history, I’m a self taught videographer and video editor. I’ve worked in almost every industry: Bike share, luxury leather made goods, fitness, beer, kombucha, energy drinks, med spas, restaurants, travel, weddings – you name it, I’ve probably worked with it at some point in my career.
I now work fully for myself, choosing my own hours, and blessed to have enough clients to support the life that I have created for myself.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Freelancing is like treading water through the most beautiful location with a raft, but the raft is made of paper mache, but there are dozens of lifelines being through at you… but they are super sporadic, and the sun is shining, but then it occasionally storms… but somehow you still manage to stay afloat? Catch my drift?
I’m grateful that I’ve worked for a lot of amazing people and the few that weren’t the best to me, are the ones that I learned the most about resilience, and that kindness goes so much further than any kind of ego.
Freelancing is legitimately the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Last month I was crying in my eggs and today I’m seriously on cloud nine, but that’s just the name of the entrepreneurship game. I’m privileged that I get to work for myself, make my own hours and choose how I want to spend my time. I’m grateful that within the 15 years of putting my head down, I’m finally in position of being selective with my choices. I know my value, I know what I bring to the table, and I’m so happy to be here!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently a full-time freelancer offering design, content creation, videography, photography, marketing and consulting. I’m proud to say that I’ve worked for @brock11johnson, @jaimeschmidt, @reignstorm, @fitathletic and my most recents are @timbercoveresort and a travel influencer, that I still can’t believe I landed, who collectively has over 1million followers – that name will stay disclosed for another time because I’m a little superstitious and it still feels too good to be true!
I specialize mainly in content creation for other entrepreneurs and brands (don’t get it twisted, I am not an influencer myself), and ultimately I know the beverage industry through and through, as I have designed well over 250 can labels for 4 different beer and kombucha brands.
What sets me apart from the rest?
I am so freakin’ determined it’s sometime scary. I recently learned how to fly a drone 2 weeks before a trip to Iceland this last August. I’m SO glad I put my mind to that task because it was hands down the best content I’ve ever shot.
Lastly, I think what truly sets me apart from the rest is that I make people feel at ease. I take so much pride in the fact that anytime someone gets in front of my lens, I’m able to make them feel comfortable and at home with the situation. I put my heart and soul into my work and I think it really shows. Almost all of my work is from referrals or because I made an impression on someone while out and about. That, is something I am super proud of 🙂
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’ve traveled to 35 countries and counting. I traveled to 8 countries this year alone! My number one priority in life is to experience it outside my comfort zone. To continuously fall in love with different cultures, try different foods, wake up to the noise of unfamiliar birds chirping. My ultimate goal is to continue working within the travel industry and I feel like I’m finally making ground. So if you come across this article and you are looking for a creative who is eager to shoot anything and everything (clearly, if you’ve made it this far, you know that I’ve worked in every industry), I’m yo girl. hmu 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ninaisonlocation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninaisonlocation
