Nisha Haq Photography: summer

Celebrating 1 Year of being a Full-Time Freelancer!

I'm very excited to celebrate 1 year of taking the plunge and becoming a full-time freelancer! Wooo!

So this year has been a pretty exciting, manic and a celebratory one, first being shortlisted as a finalist for the UK Wedding Awards 2018 for Best Wedding Photographer and being featured in Dorset, Wiltshire & Hampshire Bride Magazine 2018 in Jan, then moving house and getting a brand new home office in March, then celebrating turning 25 in May, then 3 years of running Nisha Haq Photography in June, then receiving an honorary degree of Master of Arts from Solent University in July and now over the moon that I'm celebrating 1 year of being a full-time freelancer! 🎉🎂🙌🏽

I can't believe it's been a whole year since going full-time with my business last month and it's certainly the best thing I've done! (You can read my blog post about it when I announced this news last year here.) If you asked me when I just graduated from university at 21 that I'd be living the dream as a full-time freelance photographer at 24 and all the amazing opportunities and experiences along the way, I would have laughed at how preposterous that sounded!

I think being British, it's often we don't share our accomplishments and celebrate the milestones in our lives as much as we should do, so this blog post is both a celebration and reminder that if you feel it's a big achievement in your life, career or family, CELEBRATE and share the great news with loved ones! For me, I remember this time last year I was so worried about taking the plunge into going full-time with my business and many self-employed folks will understand that it can be scary not having a regular monthly income and being responsible for everything, not having sick or holiday pay and also juggling all the ins and outs of running a business and feeling you're offering the best you can for all your clients. Though this may seem like a lot of disadvantages and pressure, having successfully achieved a year of being full-time, I wouldn't have it any other way!

Pros of being a full-time freelancer

Here are a few that I've discovered this past year:

Job satisfaction - I absolutely love what I do and photographing weddings, shoots and meeting lots of different people. Getting to do what I'm so passionate about full-time is amazing and I'm always buzzing for the next shoot! Being able to reap the rewards 100% is a wonderful feeling and knowing I have happy clients means the world to me.
Independence - I love having the freedom of setting my own hours, doing what I love doing when I want to. Basically getting to choose how I want to work that suits the lifestyle I want. (I love getting to shop on a weekday when it's not jam-packed on a Saturday!) It's the little things that make a lot of different and love having the independence of how I live my life. I love the quote, 'Work to Live, Don't Live to Work' and try and take that ethos in everything I do.
Location - It's great being able to work from home and not having to get stuck in rush hour traffic anymore or get bogged down with office politics and company hierarchies. I'm currently writing this blog post in sunny South Devon for a mini-break (mainly getting to have a lovely different view out of the window!) I'm also very fortunate to be able to work in some amazing places and venues and get to see some epic views when I'm out photographing which is definitely one of the perks of the job!
Salary - Although it was daunting having unpredictable finances and the lack of security being employed, growing my business to where it is today is something I couldn't have dreamed of and the growth has been amazing these past few years! The sky's the limit and I'm always working the best I can to grow my business. Being full-time has allowed me to grow both in business and personal development which is more than I could ask for.

I was thinking of ways of how to celebrate with my other half, Rob, we brainstormed with ideas like a bottle of bubbly, a giant balloon in the shape of the number 1, and then Rob suggested that he'd make a special cake for me to celebrate this milestone in the shape of a camera. Although it's a bit kooky, I love it and it's as homemade as they come! He tried to replicate my trusty Canon camera and I can just about see the resemblance! Tehe! Regardless, it tasted DELICIOUS and couldn't be happier to celebrate this special occasion.

I often talk about the rollercoaster of running a business, and I'm so grateful and blessed to have such a supportive network such as IPSE, Solent University, Somerset Art Works, Solent LEP to name a few, who've helped me get to where I am today and of course all my amazing clients, family, friends and my other half for believing in me and encouraging me to pursue my passion full-time! Thank you so much everyone!

A few behind-the-scenes snaps of being a freelance photographer. You can find them posted on my Instastories on Instagram if you fancied a follow (@nishahaq).

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Read more on being a #girlboss

Find out more on my new portrait & interview series, Fearless Females

More on my website of my latest weddings & photoshoots

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, by Nisha Haq

#girlboss

The Day I was Conferred an Honorary Degree from Solent University...

Eeeeek! I'm very excited to share some amazing news that I've had to keep quiet for 4 months!

So Monday 9th July was a pretty memorable day and certainly one I won't forget in my life. It's been a day I've been excited and nervous about for the past four months, as it was the day I received an honorary degree of Master of Arts from Solent University. Being one of the youngest honoraries at Solent University to receive such an award is something I would not have dreamed of so early in my career, especially just celebrating a year of going full-time freelance today! Hooray! I still feel I'm only getting started with my business, so I'm stunned to have been acknowledged by my University in this way. It's one of those things where it still feels pretty surreal thinking about it.

I'm still taking it all in... feelings of delight, jubilation, astonishment even a fortnight after the graduation ceremony, I'm still pinching myself that I really DID receive an honorary degree. It feels even more special as the Academic Board of Solent University, the university I graduated from in Bachelor of Arts in Photography only 4 years ago, would confer such an esteemed award especially as there are only 10-20 honorary degree recipients per year at the University during Graduation Week.

The Vice-Chancellor's letter

When the letter came in the post in February from the Vice-Chancellor, firstly I was shocked and had to read the letter ten times to make sure it was posted to the right 'Nisha Haq', then I cried a little as an overwhelming feeling came over me as I realised it was legitimately addressed to me. This was a huge honour to receive esepcially just turning 25 and remembering of all the hardships I've had to go through was all worth it to have that letter in my hands. The fact that it read 'this is in recognition of your outstanding accomplishments and commitment to photography' really hit home for me as it's something I'm so passionate about and worked so hard for.

In April I received another letter informing me that I would have to give a 3-5 min speech at the Graduation ceremony at Southampton Guildhall which at first seemed exciting then I remembered how many graduates, parents & faculty there would be watching on the day (plus a live stream of the ceremony online!), the nerves definitely kicked in! The past month my life had been consumed by watching graduation commencement speeches (particularly in America - I feel British Universities don't share it on Youtube!) such as Steve Jobs, Oprah, and JK Rowling to inspire me. After lots of sleepless nights of worrying what to put in my speech, a couple of days before the ceremony it just came to me and I knew what I was going to say. I just had to be myself, share stories of my own experiences and the many ups and downs I've faced and not worry that I didn't have 30/40+ years of industry knowledge and wisdom like many honorary graduates would typically have. I just had to remember I am unique in my own way and share what I knew and learned in the short 3 years of running a business. All you can do is to be yourself.

The big day

So the big day finally arrives, my partner Rob, mum, brother, dad and step-mum all travel down from Somerset & Nottingham for this special day. It meant a lot to me having my closest loved ones to celebrate the day with me, especially as I speak about my family in my speech. I also realise I'm the first person out of all the recipients receiving an honorary degree to give a speech as it’s the first ceremony to kick off graduation week! Although extra nerves kick in, I stick to my trusty cue cards and I'm ready to get on stage for the speech I've been worrying about so much.

If anyone was curious about what it's like to receive an honorary degree from a university, I'll try my best to describe what it's like. Through the midst of shock, excitement and nervousness, I do remember moments such as putting on my robes and cap and a strange feeling of it being déjà vu as it only felt like yesterday that I was graduating with my BA Photography degree. I had to remind myself this is entirely different and what to expect would be entirely different too! Soon after putting my gown on, I was interviewed by the press team for a snippet on how I was feeling and any words of advice to students/graduates. It was still pretty early in the morning and being the first one to arrive at this point, I thought I’d just go for it and try and mumble some words of inspiration, though the nerves of the speech I had to deliver later in the day was still making me sweat (the black polyester gown on a 30°c day didn’t help mind you!) You can decipher if you feel inspired by my video clip below:

Next, I had the privilege of having a formal photograph with the Chancellor, Admiral The Right Honourable Lord West of Spithead and Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin, both very tall gentlemen with little me at 4”11 in the middle for a photograph beaming with pride. Then I had a photograph with the director of the School of Art, Design & Fashion, Professor Peter Lloyd who was one of the members to nominate me for the award (as well as Robert Wayman, Alumni Relations and Philanthropy Manager who nominated me). Such a friendly and funny gentleman and really put me at ease throughout the whole day which made it that extra bit special. I’m often the person behind the camera, so to be in the front for lots of formal photos was a new experience for me! It was also lovely having a family photo, which made me really happy.

The graduation ceremony

Now for the scary part of the day, the ceremony! My family and I were split up as they had to take their seats and the faculty, distinguished guests and honorary recipients would be sitting on the stage in front of all the graduates, their family and friends. We were all placed in a specific order when queuing up for our entrance so we could easily take our seats into Southampton Guildhall. As the last to take our seats, a loud cheer and round of applause were made with upbeat live music played us in for our walk to the stage. All I could think of was not to stumble up the stairs in my 4-inch heels (I’m thinking at this point I definitely should have worn flats!) Unbeknownst to me I would be sitting in the front row under bright stage lights in front of everyone to see. It was pretty daunting but comforted by the fact I was sat next to Professor Peter Lloyd. For this particular ceremony, it was all the graduates from fashion courses that were receiving their degrees and what a wonderful group of graduates it was! Peter and I had a little giggle as we had the optimum view of everyone’s amazing shoe choices (I wouldn’t expect anything less from the school of fashion!) and all the glamorous heels.

After all the graduates had received their degrees, it was time for my speech! My palms were definitely sweaty at this point and I'm trying to keep my cool, as this was the moment I was anticipating. Peter stood up behind the lectern and read a citation about me. Just hearing my name being said in a speech to a room to hundreds of people, if not a thousand and having my accomplishments, the work I do and what I’m passionate about being shared with everyone was an emotional moment for me especially knowing my family & my partner was in the audience. It filled me with so much pride.

The speech

I was announced to receive my honorary degree of Master of Arts and shook hands with the Chancellor and invited to share a few words. I was so honoured by it all and despite the heat, bright lights and nerves, I felt so happy and proud, I went into the speech feeling fearless. I told myself, 'I got this' to give me a little confidence boost. It paid off practising a few times and delivered my speech as rehearsed with an extra bit of oomph thrown in. I was delighted I didn’t make any hiccups and got through it one piece! I was over the moon! After my speech, award-winning beauty journalist Ateh Jewel received her honorary degree of Doctor of Media and delivered an amazing passionate speech, which was so inspiring to hear. Just being awarded in the same ceremony as she was with all her amazing achievements was humbling.

If you did fancy a listen, you can find Peter's citation (1:50:41) and my speech (1:54:48) filmed below:

Being a #girlboss

The ceremony was coming to an end and all I could think of was, WOW, this is an insane experience and I couldn’t have had a bigger smile on my face. I was pleasantly surprised when we made our exit how many parents shook my hand as I walked down the aisle and congratulated me and even said they were proud of me. This coming from people I’ve never met before really moved me as I wasn’t sure how the audience would react to my speech or whether they would be fussed at all about who I was. To have that reception was truly amazing and I never thought I could inspire people in that way. If I can encourage the new generation in becoming creative freelancers & entrepreneurs in any way, I feel I’ve done a good job as it's something I'm so passionate about. I think it was affirming for parents to see their daughters and sons graduate from Solent University, which isn’t a traditional ‘red brick’ university and more renowned for it’s enterprising and industry-focused courses, and that if a Solent girl who graduated 4 years ago can be up on that stage, then their children can have a pretty amazing career too. Congratulations to the Class of 2018! :D

There should never be any limits on what you set out to achieve and that you can be successful in whatever career you choose. In my case, anyone can be a #girlboss.

I’d like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has supported me and helped me on my journey to where I am today, my amazing clients who believe in me, my family and friends who love me, my wonderful partner Rob who encourages me and to everyone who inspires me everyday to keep pushing and working hard for those goals and dreams to happen.

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You can read more on this story on Solent University’s press page:

Learn more about studying art and design at Solent University or BA Photography (Yay!)

Feel inspired? Read more on being a #girlboss on my blog and my new Fearless Females project.

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, by Nisha Haq

2018

Upcoming Wedding Fayres 2018
(& why they're great to attend!)

Yay, it's wedding season!

I've got a few wedding fayres coming up this year and excited to meet lots of brides & grooms-to-be. I really enjoy meeting couples in person and just chatting away and getting to know each other. It's a great way of meeting suppliers face-to-face, ask lots of questions and get a feel for the service and style they offer, especially us photographers! I feel wedding photography is one of those things where it's so personal, we're there on the most precious day of your life celebrating and documenting it all, from the laughter and tears, it's a pretty intimate affair; so it only makes sense to meet in person too.

Wherever you are on your wedding planning journey, at the very early stages and you're browsing for ideas or ready to book your favourite suppliers to help make your day feel that extra bit special, wedding fayres are a great place to start! I love chatting with couples and getting to hear their engagement stories and how they first met. It's a great opportunity to see if I'd be a perfect fit as there are so many different photographers with varying styles, personalities, packages and experience; it's a big decision to make and can be daunting when there are lots of choices.

I'm delighted to be working with PMN Wedding Fayres again this year who select great local suppliers to exhibit on the day so you're assured there will be high-quality businesses offering their services. Also, another good reason to attend is there is no obligation to book, you can simply browse and feel inspired by different wedding ideas, soak up all the knowledge from professional wedding vendors to help plan your day.

I'm excited to be exhibiting at these local wedding fayres this year:

Sunday 3rd June 2018
Hilton Ageas Bowl, Southampton - 11am-3pm

Sunday 10 June 2018
Queen's Hotel, Portsmouth - 11am-3pm

*NEW DATE ADDED!*
Sunday 24 June 2018
New Place, Shirrell Heath, Southampton - 11am-3pm

Sunday 14 October 2018
Stansted House, near Havant - 11am-3pm

I'll be exhibiting my brand new wedding albums and there will also be an exclusive wedding fayre offer, only available when you inquire at the fayre. :D

Eeek my new wedding leaflets featuring Jess & Will's (photographed on their gorgeous wedding day earlier this year), has arrived just in time for tomorrow's wedding fayre!

I'm very excited! Looking forward to seeing you there!

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, by Nisha Haq

2017

Happy Father's Day!

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, by Nisha Haq

2017

Lillie & Rob Engagement - Hampshire Wedding Photographer - Winchester

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! Love the photos you are so clever! We had so much fun! I can't believe Rob, he really surprised me!"

I am so happy to share these beautifully sunny images from Lillie & Rob's awesome Engagement Session from last month in the stunning English countryside near Winchester. They're such a lovely and warm couple that it was just laughter and smiles all round. It was a blessing in disguise that we had postponed the couples shoot 3 times until we found a sunny day to shoot in the glorious countryside and we happen to have chosen the hottest, sunniest day of the year! Temperatures were hitting 25°C which could only mean for a fabulous photo shoot! Lillie had mentioned there was a rapeseed field nearby her house and I got super excited to photograph my first photoshoot in one. It's been on my bucket list to photograph in the gorgeous golden field of flowers (it makes me soooo happy seeing these fields in the countryside when I'm out for a drive - golden yellow is my second favourite colour) so I was ecstatic that everything came together so perfectly with the weather, season and fabulous couple! At the end of the shoot I was covered head to toe in yellow pollen despite having hayfever, but it was so worth it nailing these shots!

I love Lillie's comment above about how her fiancé Rob came out of his shell and went for it when it came to having his photograph taken. They were such a great laugh and love seeing couples feel comfortable and get a bit goofy with me too. It's so lovely to see couples open up and be themselves in front of the camera (it's all part of the fabulous fun experience). This is why I love being a photographer!

Can't wait until Lillie & Rob's wedding in just 4 days time at the Sandford Springs Golf Club. It's going to be marvellous!

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Looking to have awesome photos like this?

Drop me a message via my contact page or email hello@nishahaqphotography.com

Find out more on my natural & relaxed Engagement Sessions here