Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Goodall.
Nia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a photographer, I believe that art surrounds us at all times, in the sunset touching the horizon, in the buildings slicing through the clouds and especially in the faces of people. I am inspired daily to create by the dissimilarities in people whether that be their age, race, religion, sexuality or gender.
These differences that some strive to hide are what makes us each incredibly beautiful and unique. In each of my images, I try to evoke the uniqueness of each person and translate their personality without a single word of background. I feel as though through one portrait a story can be told about not only who someone is but also who they aspire to be one day.
Portraiture is more than the generic family pictures we are all obligated to endure; instead, it is a means of creative storytelling, it is a way to find beauty in differences, it is art. I began photography when I was eight years old and only had a Hannah Montana, point and shoot camera to pursue what would later become my biggest passion. My dad was a photographer so my work often only reflected what he saw as interesting and not my own creative expression.
I spent most of my early years copying what he photographed and passing it off as my unique work. This past year has been extremely impactful for my journey to find my own style. I’ve photographed everything from weddings to seniors to travel photography and this past summer alone I did at least one photo shoot per week to expand my knowledge and skill level.
Every day I had extra time I spent it either shooting, editing or watching YouTube videos on better ways to shoot or edit. I believe through all of this work I have developed a unique style and a distinguishable brand. From Hannah Montana to Canon 7D I am a photographer.
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?
Competitions are always a nerve-racking experience, exposing yourself completely to a panel of judges should cause anyone to feel nervous about the outcomes. I’ve faced this anxiety first-hand many times. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo contest were the first to spark my fear for photography competitions.
I entered my photograph in my freshman year, and after pouring my heart and soul into an image of the water wall, I didn’t earn a ranking or recognition of any sorts. I was completely torn up about the entire ordeal and swore to never enter a competition again – I was filled with hatred and sadness after losing so horribly. My junior year, I lazily entered an image I had taken my sophomore year to the Scholastic Arts competition and truly believed that even though I had not worked towards that image that somehow I would win an award.
Unsurprisingly, I didn’t earn any award or recognition and was filled with the same anger again, but this time my anger motivated me. I began to photograph more and more until I was often told I was working on my photography more than my school work. Every week during the summer I perfected my portraiture, the lighting, the lens, the editing, everything had to be perfect. I watched YouTube videos from Mango Street, Sorelle Amore, Jessica Kobeissi and more trying to figure out how I could be better at anything and everything.
This year, my class is filled with “oohs” and “aahs” as they gaze at my portraiture and I can finally have pride in the work I’ve produced. I still have yet to win a photography competition, but I know as long as I continue to work hard and strive to become the best photographer I can that one day that dream will become a reality.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a portrait photographer based out of Houston, Texas who specializes in Lifestyle, Wedding and Senior Photography. I dabble in landscape and architecture but I fervently passionate about my portraiture work.
I convey a story through each of my images through my editing and the way I photograph my subjects. I feel as though my advanced storytelling abilities set me apart from other photographers my age and propel me to the next level.
What were you like growing up?
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always been drawn to the arts. Unlike many other kids who wanted to run around at Discovery Green on the weekends, I always wanted to go see the Museum of Fine Arts. There was a point in my childhood where I knew where my favorite paintings were and could easily navigate through the winding corridors.
My hands were often stained with paint or oil pastels, and my bedroom floor was constantly covered in various pencils and pads of sketch paper. If you were to look under my bed, you would find ten shoeboxes filled with art supplies and piles of my artwork scattered about. My classmates looked forward to PE, but I couldn’t wait to go to art class to work on one of my many projects in the making.
Creativity has always been one of my driving personality traits and guides almost everything that I do. I am always elated when my teacher says we have a project that requires some artistic talent because I am then able to show off what I can do. My creative side allows me to take the pictures I see in my dreams and show them off to the world.
Pricing:
- $100-200 for Basic Portraiture
- $2000+ for Weddings
- $200+ for Seniors & Engagements
Contact Info:
- Website: https://goodallphotos.photo.blog/
- Email: goodallphotos1@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/goodallphotos
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodallphotographs/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston 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.
