Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Nix.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Claudia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
First and foremost, I am an animal lover. Growing up as the youngest of eight children, there were always a few different types of pets in the house and I came to adore all sorts of creatures. Next came my love of art; drawing, painting, and photography. It seemed only natural that both of these loves would meet one day. I noticed that every time I went out on a photo adventure with fellow photographer friends, it would not matter what we had set out to photograph — old barns, abandoned buildings, butterflies, waterfalls. I always came home with at least one image of a dog on my camera. I would see one running in a field or walking on the street with its owner and my camera’s lens almost seemed to move and refocus without me even thinking about it. At that time, I was doing a bit of hodge-podge photography. Friends would like my pictures and ask me to photograph their children, a new baby, or a wedding. I was eager to practice my skills and start making some money at it, so, I would say “yes” to all inquiries. After awhile, I started to realize that I was happiest when I was capturing images of pets and people with their pets. I finally converted my basement into a studio and started my NixPack Pet Photography business in 2010. In January, 2015, a fellow pet-photographer friend and I rented a studio space together in Oswego, Illinois and I have been happily “shooting” pets every since.
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?
Photography is a constant learning process. Equipment changes, technology changes, style preferences and tastes change and a photographer has to be willing and able to grow with all of this. I think one of the hardest parts of doing portrait photography is when I present the client with their gallery of images. It doesn’t matter how many times I have done it, I always hold my breath a bit, waiting for their reaction. I so badly want them to be not just satisfied but thrilled with their images as well as the entire experience.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the NixPack Pet Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
NixPack Pet Photography specializes in pet portraiture that is impactful and timeless… and a bit quirky sometimes, too! I welcome all pets. Sessions are available in my studio or ‘out and about’ at your pet’s favorite park, etc. I also offer Evermore Sessions. These unique photo sessions are for terminally ill or very elderly pets. Often it’s the last opportunity someone may have to create that precious, last memory of a beloved pet. These sessions are offered at a discount and given scheduling priority. NixPack focuses on the pet ,the pet’s personality, and/or the pet’s interaction with its owner/family. I do not use a lot of props or costumes as I prefer clean, simple portraiture that features the pet as the main focus. Of course, if your dog has a favorite toy or your cat has a sweater he just loves to wear, those things can be incorporated into the portrait since it is such a part of the pet’s personality. And really… who doesn’t love a cat in a sweater?! Over the years, I have loved meeting so many amazing creatures and their owners. I have made lasting friendships with some of them and I really hope my absolute love of animals comes across in all of my interactions. I can sit with a client for hours and swap crazy animal stories. Having had a lot of animal experience over the years, I am open to all sorts of animals, not just cats and dogs. Birds, reptiles, and rats have visited the NixPack studio and I have enjoyed every experience. I have never had the opportunity to photograph a tarantula or a bat but there is always the possibility.
What are your future plans?
My studio partner and I have just extended our lease for another two years and I hope to be fortunate enough to keep welcoming pets and their people to it. I am also in the process of earning my Masters of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America, PPA. You get your degree by earning merits through photographic print competition and photo education. In 2016, I was named a Gold Photographer of the Year by the PPA. This is something I am very proud of and am working to repeat or even exceed it in 2018.
Pricing:
- Photo Session for up to two pets is $125
- Evermore Session for elderly or ill pet is $75
Contact Info:
- Address: 23 W. Merchants Drive
Oswego, IL 60543 - Website: http://www.nixpackpetphotography.com
- Phone: 630.723.8722
- Email: nixpack@claudianix.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nixy67
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nixpackpetphotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaudiaNixPhoto/
Image Credit:
Claudia by K. Stephenson
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