Today we’d like to introduce you to Nico Fernandez.
Nico, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved to Chicago in the summer of 2016 after graduating from Northern Illinois University with my BFA in Acting. I took a couple of photography classes in High School but really started to get serious about it during my sophomore year of college. My fellow acting classmates needed some new headshots and I offered to take them. I had limited gear, but that didn’t stop me.
Over the next several years, I’ve studied photography and practiced techniques hands on. I’ve invested in top of the line photography and studio lighting equipment that takes my work to the next level. An integral part of my training was my internship last year at Jeff Sciortino Photography in Chicago where I assisted shoots and worked with many high-profile clients such as Office Depot, Heineken, and the Joffrey Ballet. There, I learned studio lighting and portrait photography techniques that I used to propel the opening of my own studio.
Fernandez Foto, my personal photography studio, opened 5 months ago. My specialties are a portrait, lifestyle, and product photography. As a professional actor, I’m able to communicate with my clients in a way that happens organically. This connection produces authentic moments that allow me to capture who they truly are. I have also done promotional and product photography for Click Shoes & More, Flite by Nite, and RollNRack LLC. Whether it’s on stage or behind the camera, taking risks and challenging myself is what I live for.
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?
It hasn’t always been easy, especially being involved in two separate creative fields, but those circumstances are exactly what fuels me. This is what I love to do and I can’t get enough.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Fernandez Foto story. Tell us more about the business.
Fernandez Foto is my photography studio and I specialize in portrait, lifestyle, and product photography. I work with all kinds of people, but as a professional actor in Chicago, I’m always meeting other actors that need headshots. I always tell fellow artists “I’m a creative and know what it’s like to be in your shoes, let’s get you the best product you can buy.” I believe what sets me apart from the rest of the pack is that I provide a quality product for a very affordable price.
I also don’t set strict limits on numbers of outfits, time limit, or only give you a select number of photos. I believe that all of the photos from our session together are your property, and that’s why I give you all of them straight off the camera for you to keep. I then ask for your favorites and do subtle retouching and formatting. I’m most proud of going for it and doing what I love. It’s been my personal philosophy to never grow up and I don’t plan to anytime soon.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Sometimes I’ve caught a break, but a lot of what I’ve created thus far has been through sheer spirit and guts. I’m very lucky to have a solid group of friends, family, and supporters who have strengthened my company and helped set a solid foundation to build on.
Pricing:
- Headshot Session – $150
- Conceptual Session – $100-$150
- Product Photography Session – $50/Hr
- Promotional Material (Business Cards, Postcards, Logo Mockups) – $25/Hr
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fernandezfoto.com
- Phone: 2625657844
- Email: nicofernandez365@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fernandezfoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fernandezfotography/
Image Credit:
Natalie Duch, Bailey Hayman, Emma Harvey, Kearstyn Keller, Jaelyn Hawkins and Flite by Nite.
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
