Meet Nina Church | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nina Church and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nina, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I volunteer my time to serve the military community. I have worked with Hire Our Heroes and Operation Dress Code. They host incredible employment events to assist veterans and spouses. I set up a mobile studio and offer free headshots for everyone that attends.

I also volunteer with an organization called “Portraits for Patriots”. They connect transitioning service members and spouses with volunteer photographers that provide professional quality headshots. Having a high quality headshot (out of uniform) can really help service members transition to the civilian workforce. As a veteran, I really love connecting with people that are getting ready to leave the military. I can get to know them during our headshot session, get them a killer headshot, and help them feel confident about the next phase of their lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have a small photography studio in Chula Vista. I focus on headshots and cosplay photography. I specialize in expression coaching and capturing genuine smiles. My goal is to teach everyone techniques to help them feel confident anytime they are in front of a camera, even if it’s not mine. I love getting to know everyone that steps in front of my camera. We are all humans that are special and unique. Being able to show people that they are beautiful and photogenic is something that is very special to me. I think everyone deserves to feel confident in their own skin.

I have been in business for almost 10 months now. I left my job with the US Navy in February 2020, spent a year and a half navigating through the global pandemic with my family, and opened my business in August 2021. After spending so much time away during my military service, I wanted to find a way to work while also being available as a stay at home mom to my kids. Being able to set my own hours has been really life changing for me and my family. Starting the business was definitely not easy. It was challenging to feel confident enough in my photography skills and learn the skills to actually run a business. The only way to gain real confidence in your skills is to practice! Every time I have someone in front of my camera, I learn a little bit more about how to make people feel comfortable and relaxed. I feel like my business is still in its infancy, but I am starting to get steady growth.

I really believe that everyone is photogenic. There are a lot of people that hate having their photo taken. I work really hard to make sure my photography sessions are really fun and that every person leaves feeling confident and happy with their photos.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever we have visitors, we always try to take them to our favorite spots. I have two school age kids, so we hit a lot of kid friendly places. We love Nishiki Ramen in Kearny Mesa and it’s right next to Book Off, the used book store. I love their huge selection of kids books for only one dollar each! Boogie boarding on Coronado Beach is a must do, as is dolphin watching from the pier in Imperial Beach. The kids and I have almost perfected our patch around the San Diego Zoo to maximize time in the shade and see the most animals. Every year, we visit the Japanese Friendship Garden during cherry blossom season. But our favorite weekend of the year by far, is Comic Con. There is nothing better than dressing up as your favorite character and hanging out with thousands of other people celebrating their fandoms. We always have the best time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not have been able to start this business without the help and support of my husband and two kids. They are my models when I’m trying out new techniques, and they encourage me to keep going whenever I face a difficult challenge.

Website: https://www.ninachurchphotography.com/

Instagram: @ninachurchphotography, @sandiegocosplayphotos

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninachurch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninachurchphotography

Image Credits
The image of me was taken by Peter Hurley. All other images by Nina Church Photography