Years ago there was an advertisement on television that went something like this: ” Smarts in action; Smarts in action; Smaction!” This phrase aptly describes Nigel Wallace, an extremely talented photo-journalist based right here in Barbados, who is doing exactly what he loves to do.
This is Nigel Wallace, the latest feature of Celebrate Barbados!
Name
Nigel Wallace
Name of Business
NWP- Nigel Wallace Photography
Type of Business and brief bio
My business offers photography services to a wide variety of clients. My background as a male model, photojournalist and historian has developed my style and I am passionate about portraiture, weddings, events, and commissioned, artistic assignments. While I do shoot still life and landscapes, people are my passion and I would rather have another human being in front of my lens than a beautiful sunset.
Website
How long have you been in business?
I have been in business for a while, and pinpointing the start of the business is difficult because I was being paid when I still considered myself an avid hobbyist. Even with an increase in projects and the fact that I am tracking invoices and keeping my books up to date, I still treat it like my favourite hobby as opposed to work… that may be why I’m always “working”. Still, if I was to give a timeline for taking this seriously, I would say one year ago, which was the start of my 5 year plan.
What made you decide to start your own business?
Starting my own business came as a natural process. I was already doing photography for fun, and when people I didn’t know decided they wanted my services, I began considering going pro. When businesses decided they wanted my services, I took the plunge and started putting together a business plan of sorts, which in the beginning was simply a way to earn enough money to buy new cameras, lenses and equipment.
What was the hardest part of starting your business?
The hardest part of starting a business is treating something you did for fun as a business. Writing up contracts, studying marketing websites and texts, doing all of the things that are diametrically opposed to the simple creative process of photography… that’s the hard part.
What were your start-up costs like?
Start up costs were around $8,000 Bds. That allowed for the purchase of cameras and computers, and the process is ongoing as I have become almost obsessed with having a back up to my back up. If the iMac goes down, go to iMac number 2. If iMac number 2 goes down, go to Macbook Pro. Back up everything in triplicate on DVD, and hard drives. Ensure that there is always another camera, lens and flash handy to get the job done. The costs are ongoing. Start up is the least of the worries in photography.
How have you found your journey so far?
I’ve loved every minute of this new direction for my life. I have always loved taking pictures, and I’ve always loved art and aesthetics. I’ve made enough money to keep the business going, while upgrading equipment, bit by bit and I’ve had some incredible experiences shooting at some incredible locations around the world. Locally, I would say Fustic House in St. Lucy was my most recent jaw dropper and internationally, I was blessed to get the gig to go to Miss World in London where I watched a world class show and photographer 113 beautiful women from around the globe as well as world class performers at Earls Court 2. I was also blessed to attend and photograph the World Travel Market the following day.. It has been a wonderful adventure.
What advice would you give to prospective entrepreneurs?
The only advice I can give is to always do what you love. I have an M.A. with distinction in Caribbean History, more specifically Heritage Studies, and while I am passionate about history, my greatest love was always in art. After dropping it in 3rd form, I have come full circle to embrace something I am very passionate about, which in the digital age suits my personality perfectly. Do what you love, be passionate about being very good at it, and then allow yourself to make money from your passion.
Click here to read our feature on another young Barbadian entrepreneur, Sheldon Browne.