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

Hi Lisa, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from western new york. Its absolutely beautiful here. Every season has its beauty. And yes, even snow is gorgeous! The sunsets…there is nothing like a wny sunset. I lived by the lake, and always took pictures of the beach and sunset, which started when I was about 17. When I was young, our families home flooded in the refinished basement. All of our pictures were ruined. Anything of my brothers and myself, captured as babies and toddlers…destroyed by the water. I always felt…pictures are so important. Capturing a special event, wedding, birthday, even a simple candid of the day has such feeling when you look at that picture. One simple picture, can bring you back and reminisce. By the time I had my third daughter, I knew it was time to take the risk, and start my own photography business. That was in 2005. I had taken her to a photo session, and it was not personable. It was not enjoyable. We didnt have a good experience. After I left, that is when I thought, I can do this! I will create a wonderful atmosphere and capture memories for people without stress. This was what I needed to move forward. I bought my first DSLR and from there on I have provided hundreds of families with priceless memories!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
This has not been an easy journey. Targeting a specific audience and clientele is up to you. Know your strengths. I have a special interest and love for the art of dance. My three daughters danced. Two have remained in the dance world. I started photographing the dancers at recitals and competitions. Any dance related event or performance, I would bring my camera. I worked diligently on my craft. There are so many amazing photographers in my area. We all have our own style. I think what sets me apart, is the creativity of my dance packages, the locations and knowledge of dance technique. The Beach Shoot Sessions, are a blast! Dancers bring their costumes and we start photographing about an hour or so before the sun sets. In the water, on driftwood really makes the costumes pop! I have a few local dance studios that I work with. Love seeing my portraits on their walls. I am not afraid to try new ideas, and think out of the box. I want my clients to be happy and know, that not everything will be the same every year. I pride myself in my beach shoots that I started in 2009…and have utilized our beautiful sunsets and foilage as backdrops. It’s unique and looks different every day! One thing I can tell you I learned is, don’t worry about what all the others are doing. Stay focused, grounded, on task and do what you love. Your results will be outstanding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being from a small town area, with Fredonia State University being right next door, theres some amazing restaurants in our area. We have Music on the Pier in Dunkirk, and can have a nice meal at 64 on the Pier and Demetris and check out the bands. A nice Boarkdwalk, and grab a piece of the famous Campi’s Pizza. Little shops to browse. There is a new brewery Steel Bound to check out! Some amazing bands to enjoy are The Freeze and Ion Sky. They play on most weekends in the local restaurant/bars. Hanging out at the Beach Hut and grabbing a bite to eat and a drink in their new bar is enjoyable. Take a ride to Fredonia, there is 64 on the Rocks. EBC, Campano’s Cucina for an amazing meal. Nearby is the famous Lilydale in Cassadaga if you are into the spiritual realm. Absolutely beautiful area. And of course…the Bills and the Sabres!! Not far from here is the Highmark Stadium and the Keybank Center. We also have Allegany State Park around the corner. Gorgeous terrain to hike and picnic. One of my favorites is the Red, White and Blues Festival downtown Fredonia. Great bands and food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As I first started, my biggest fan was my father. He gave me ideas and encouragement. He believed in me, and always told me how proud he was. I felt safe showing him my newest work. Being he was a musician with an artistry background, he was very supportive. He gave me the idea of photographing the dancers on the beach with the sunset. Creating silhouettes of the dancers with movement. I am thankful for his advise. That is the one area I excel in. Beach Shoots. If it wasnt for him, I may not have thought of that. Thank you Dad…miss and love you always.

Instagram: PhotoImaages Lisa L Nasca

Twitter: @lisaphotog

Facebook: @nasca.photoimages11

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