Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Ross.
Hi Nia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be an actress and then one day, I suddenly decided I was more interested in the work that’s put in behind the scenes. I started writing screenplays and I realized I didn’t want anyone filming them, I wanted to film it myself because only I could understand my vision and follow through exactly how I pictured it in my head. In high school, I took drama class where my teacher suggested I also should take her communications class, where I get to be in charge of my own narrative and learn all about cinematography. Soon after joining that class and proving I was skilled in videography, she selected me to participate in PBS’s program “Production U” where I would learn all about pre-production, production, and post-production. I completed the week-long summer course feeling beyond motivated to put myself in rooms like those, full of talented and creative individuals who love what they do. I graduated and joined my school’s (Norfolk State University) club for mass communications majors, National Broadcasting Society Alpha Epsilon Rho. There, I completed community service and furthered my knowledge in production. Everyone on campus knew I had a camera by this point and would ask me to do photoshoots for them. I must admit, at first, I was hesitant because I didn’t specialize in photography, I knew nothing about stills and how to edit. Eventually, I faced my fears and started shooting $15 outdoor shoots and editing in VSCO. I transferred schools due to financial issues and was now a student at Virginia Union University, where I shot videos for the schools’ activity board. During this time, I met a staff member who ended becoming my good friend and let me in on an opportunity of a lifetime, joining a studio. This was a big step for me because as mentioned, I was a videographer, not a photographer. However, I just knew I couldn’t pass up on this opportunity I began shooting, and by my second shoot at the studio with my favorite client, Demi Jones, I was getting booked left and right. I felt I found my passion because I grew curious about lighting, posing, etc. It became my life. I was studying the ins-and-outs, and once I knew I could tell a story through a picture the rest was history.
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?
Not at all. My biggest struggle to this day is people taking me seriously because I’m a woman, a black woman at that. I’m in a male-dominated industry trying my hardest to gain traction in my area. I know that I’m just as good as the men in my industry but because I am woman. A black woman, I’m not seen or booked as much as they are. I can tell a random man I’m a photographer and they will shrug me off until I show them my work and they see I’m capable of producing great quality content. While I don’t do my work for a stamp of approval from others, especially men, it does hurt to be the last option to be booked. Which is why I salute organizations such as Voyage Baltimore and Black Women Photographers who salute black women photographers and create platforms and break barriers for people who look like me to be not only seen but heard as well.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in making people feel great and boosting people’s confidence by taking photographs that capture them in all of their glory. I’m known for my creative and fashion photography. I’m most proud of my how far I’ve came and my ability to take on any obstacle that is thrown my way and make it work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ninimichellevisuals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninimichellevisuals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninimichellevisuals
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ninimvisuals
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nini-michelle-visuals-wheaton
Image Credits
Nia “Nini Michelle” Ross
Kristin Manu
Emmanuela Andoh
Connie Kay
Demi Jones
@_clickclackbow_
