Meet Nick Thayer | Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Nick, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Oh, where do I begin? Most people think that becoming a professional photographer is as simple as buying a “nice camera” and voilà, you’re Ansel Adams. But let me tell you, there’s a little more to it than just having a fancy piece of equipment. It’s kind of like assuming that buying a top-of-the-line oven automatically makes you a Michelin-star chef. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t!

The truth is, the journey to becoming a professional photographer is paved with countless hours of learning and an unholy amount of coffee. First, there’s the technical side: figuring out how to actually use that “nice camera” without accidentally erasing all your photos or taking a hundred shots of your own feet. Then comes mastering the art of composition and posing, which is basically trying to turn awkward human moments into timeless pieces of art. And don’t even get me started on editing. Learning Photoshop is like trying to speak fluent alien—it takes years of practice and the patience of a saint.

And then there’s the business side of things. Learning to market yourself, building a website that doesn’t look like it was made in the early days of the internet, and establishing a brand that people actually recognize—these are all full-time jobs on their own. And did I mention the effort it takes to keep that brand alive and thriving in a saturated market? It’s like being in a marathon where new runners keep joining every minute.

So, while a “nice camera” might be a good start, it’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Behind every great photo is a ton of time, effort, and yes, a significant investment of money. It’s a labor of love, but boy, when you see the final result, it’s all worth it

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
This is definitely a loaded question, but I’ll do my best to tackle it!

My journey to where I am today has been anything but straightforward. What sets me apart in the world of photography is how I treat my business and my clients—as if they were close friends. I strive to keep everything casual and fun, especially when working with high school seniors. Imagine being a teenager and having a bald guy pointing a camera at you—it can be pretty nerve-wracking! So, I aim to break the ice and keep things light. By the end of a shoot, we’re often making jokes at each other’s expense and genuinely having a good time.

Another unique aspect of my sessions is how collaborative they are. Instead of me barking orders from behind the camera, I give my clients a general direction and then let them take the lead. This approach allows their personality and genuine smiles to shine through, making each photo truly authentic.

Reaching this point in my career hasn’t been easy. It’s taken years of dedication, continuous learning, and a fair share of challenges. One thing I’m particularly proud of is how I’ve never pretended to have everything figured out. Even after 13 years in the business, I’m still eager to learn and adapt. I don’t see myself above my competition; instead, I’m always looking for ways to grow and improve.

One of the toughest lessons I’ve learned is dealing with the comparison trap. I’m lucky to have many photographer friends around the world, but sometimes, seeing their amazing work can make me feel like mine isn’t up to par. It’s been a challenge to shift my mindset from envy to inspiration, but it’s something I actively work on. I try to let their incredible work motivate me to learn more and push my own boundaries.

What I want the world to know about me and Narrative Imagery is that my work is a labor of love. It’s built on a foundation of genuine connections, continuous growth, and a passion for capturing authentic moments. My journey has been shaped by the support of amazing people, the willingness to embrace challenges, and an unending curiosity to see where my camera can take me next.

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.
Ah, the beauty of Colorado—there’s something here for everyone, from foodies to adventure junkies. Here’s how I’d roll out the red carpet for my best friend:

Day 1: Welcome to Denver!

Brunch at Steuben’s Uptown: Start the trip with a hearty breakfast at Steuben’s Uptown. Their comfort food is legendary and perfect to fuel up for a day of exploration.
Coffee at The Molecule Effect: A quick coffee break at The Molecule Effect to kick off our caffeine intake and chat about all the adventures ahead.
Explore Downtown Denver: Stroll through downtown, check out the street art in RiNo (River North Art District), and maybe pop into a few local shops.

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park
Hit the Trails: We could easily spend the entire week exploring the trails here, but let’s start with a good one like Emerald Lake Trail. The views are breathtaking and the air—so fresh!
Picnic Lunch: Pack a lunch and enjoy it amidst the stunning backdrop of the Rockies.

Day 3: Iconic Spots and BBQ
Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Even if there’s no concert, hiking around Red Rocks is a must. The natural acoustics and scenery are mind-blowing.
BBQ at Georgia Boys: Head back down for some mouth-watering BBQ at Georgia Boys. Trust me, this place is a carnivore’s dream.

Day 4: Castle Rock and Street Tacos
Yolanda’s Tacos: Make a pit stop in Castle Rock for some of the best street tacos at Yolanda’s. Your taste buds will thank you.
Castle Rock Outlets: If shopping’s on the agenda, the outlets here are a great place to snag some deals.

Day 5: Garden of the Gods
Hike and Explore: A visit to Garden of the Gods is a must. The rock formations are stunning and offer some great hiking trails. It’s like Mother Nature decided to show off a bit.
Dinner in Colorado Springs: After a day of exploring, a nice dinner in Colorado Springs is perfect. Try Four by Brother Luck for a unique dining experience.

Day 6: The Royal Gorge
Adrenaline Rush: Spend the day at the Royal Gorge. Whether it’s walking across the bridge, zip-lining, or taking the gondola, the views are spectacular and the thrills are real.
Dinner Back in Denver: Head back to Denver for a relaxed evening. Maybe hit up a local brewery or two—there are plenty to choose from!

Day 7: Chill and Reflect
Brunch and Relax: A laid-back brunch at a local spot like Snooze, followed by a day of relaxation. Maybe hit up a spa or just hang out at Wash Park.
Evening Wrap-Up: A final evening in Denver, perhaps a rooftop bar to watch the sunset and reminisce about the week’s adventures.
Colorado has so much to offer, and this itinerary is just a taste. Whether it’s savoring delicious food, hiking through majestic landscapes, or experiencing unique attractions, the Centennial State is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was incredibly fortunate to grow up surrounded by my grandparents, who, I’m pretty sure, slept with cameras in their hands just in case there was a moment to document. Honestly, as a kid, I thought everyone had cameras and knew how to use them. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized I was being schooled in the art of photography from a very young age. Their passion for capturing memories planted a seed in me that would eventually grow into my own love for the craft.

There was a pivotal moment in my life when I felt stuck and wasn’t happy with the path I was on. Then, my friend Kari Geha posted a photo from a shoot she did with a mutual friend of ours. I must have looked at that image a hundred times, thinking, “I want to do that!” It was like a spark ignited something within me. That’s when I convinced my wife to let me dip into our retirement funds to get a camera and start experimenting.

From there, things started falling into place for Narrative Imagery, but it wasn’t without a lot of support and sacrifice. My wife deserves a massive shoutout for her endless support. While I was out taking photos of everything and anything, trying to find my style and focus, she held down the fort at home. Her unwavering belief in me and willingness to shoulder so much of the load is what truly keeps me going. She’s the unsung hero behind every shot I take and every success I’ve had.

So, to my grandparents for instilling a love of photography in me, to Kari for that life-changing inspiration, and to my incredible wife for her constant support—thank you. You are all the reason Narrative Imagery exists today.

Website: https://narrativeimagery.com

Instagram: instagram/narrativeimagery

Facebook: https://facebook.com/narrativeimagery

Youtube: @NickThayer8247