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

Hi Nina, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up in Germany, nobody would even think of trying to have a career in a creative field. Everyone would call it “Brotlose Kunst” which means you can not even make enough money to buy bread to survive. Still most of my high school courses were Art related and had some sort of creative ankle in them. When I took a photography course and learned how to develop images in the dark room I was hooked. But as an 18year old you mostly listen to the grown ups and so I studied finance and started working in a bank. I know, right? My boss soon realized that I was hard working, but he never saw me enjoying my work. He did me a favor and let me go. I was disappointed at first, but finally my creative roots showed up again and I took the opportunity to go after my second craving: to travel the world. I found a job where I would teach kids different forms of art while the parents enjoy their vacation. I loved it. I continued being very creative with my own kids by crafting, baking, sewing and finally teaching them what I knew about photography. Then I started taking classes about how to make money with your creative outlet and soon after I had my first paying clients who were very grateful for the images I had created for them. Most order large canvasses for their walls so they walk by them every day. Deep inside me I always knew that I would be most successful with doing something that I love and that ignites my creative spark.

I see myself as a service provider who creates beautiful images for others that they will cherish forever and pass along to the next generation. One day these
images will be priceless.

“Life is too short to not take the risk to go after what your were meant to do”.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Portrait photographer, specialized in families and generations. I recently added Personal Branding and Headshots to my repertoire, because I know of the power that great images can have on your thriving business. I am also working on a “Fabulous over 40 Campaign” that I created to empower all women over 40 to celebrate their strength and wisdom. It’s about starting a conversation about the beauty of aging and changing the way we define it. Telling these women’s stories and taking their beautiful images is always a great pleasure for me and an enormous self esteem booster for them.

What sets me apart is that I truly listen to my client’s needs and then serve them in the best way possible. Before every photoshoot I would have a complimentary consultation where I ask all the important questions and I find out where and how they would like to be photographed. Inside? Outside? Exotic location? As a greek goddess or wrapped in tulle? With their best friend? With MOM? The opportunities are endless. I try to make everything possible. That always reflects my work and outcome. I am only satisfied when my clients are happy. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!

It took me a while to understand that this is the most important factor in having a successful business. Only by striving to give your best to every client you can set yourself apart from others and build relationships for a lifetime.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in Sandy Springs close to Abernathy greenway makes it very easy to have a lot of fun without even entering a vehicle. We love to hang out at City Green and have lunch at Flower child. For dinner I would take my guests to “The Select”. They have great cocktails and food. Other than that I would go to visit the Georgia Aquarium and an Atlanta United game at the Mercedes Benz Arena. And a walk at the BeltLine is always fun and exciting…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest Shoutout goes to my little sister Jenny. She was always my biggest fan and supporter. As an engineer she loves all about numbers and math, but as a people person she understood that I am happiest when I can create something. Every Christmas she would send me gift vouchers for photography courses so I would keep going in the right direction…

Website: www.ninaferentinos.com

Instagram: @ninaferentinosphotography

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nina-ferentinos

Facebook: @ninaferentinosphotography

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