Exciting news—I’ve had the chance to share NKFR’s and my personal’s journey with Great Big Photography World.
Talking about my journey on the podcast made me reflect on how far I’ve come since my early days in photography—it’s a story I’m proud to share.
They featured me in a success story article and invited me for a podcast interview where I got to talk about the path that led me to co-found NKFR with Nitta, my passion for filmmaking, and what keeps me going.
This feature is a reminder of why we started NKFR—to tell meaningful stories through creativity and bold ideas.
I’m really proud of how they turned out and grateful to Perrin and the team at Great Big Photography World for giving us the space to share our story.
Great Big Photography World is an online platform offering photography classes, tutorials, gear reviews, tips, and showcases, founded in 2000 by Pulitzer Prize-nominated photographer Skip Heine.
Have a listen and take a look at the full article and/or at the quotes below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
On Taking the Leap to Start NKFR:
“Maybe it’s a midlife crisis thing, but turning 40 made me realize I didn’t want to look back with regret. I’d rather try and fail than wonder ‘what if.’ So I took the leap, opened the company, and began building the life I truly wanted—doing what I love and staying true to my creative vision.”
On The NKFR’s DNA:
“Our company, NKFR—No Kidding For Real—isn’t just a name. It’s a promise my partner and I made to honor the dreams we had as kids: to create films, photos, and stories that touch people. Now, as ‘big kids,’ we’re doing just that—bringing those stories to life on paper and on screen.”
On Building a Creative Services Company:
“What we do at NKFR is simple: we adapt. We collaborate with brands, agencies, or production houses at any stage of a project. Whether it’s crafting a creative brief or delivering visuals for a campaign, we jump in wherever we’re needed to bring a story to life.”
On the Intersection of Creativity and Business:
“Through my journey, I’ve learned that creativity alone isn’t enough—you also need to understand business. From managing multi-million-dollar budgets to leading teams across 11 markets, I’ve seen firsthand how to bridge the gap between creative vision and business goals.”
On Creative and Human Instinct in a Data-Driven World:
“In an era where data and algorithms often dictate creativity, I advocate for the human touch. Authenticity and creative instinct are what make a brand stand out. After all, you can’t build lasting emotional connections with consumers through formulas alone.”
On AI and Creativity:
“AI is my sparring partner—a tool I use to challenge ideas, refine concepts, and elevate my work. From crafting storyboards to generating mock-ups, it enhances my creative process. But AI will never replace the human touch—the instinct and emotion that define truly impactful storytelling.”
On Personal Mission and Impact:
“Photography and filmmaking aren’t just a job for me—they’re what I live for. My hope is simple: if even one image or film I create can touch someone, inspire them, or make them think, that’s a success. It starts with one person, and from there, it grows.”
And you, what drives your passion for creativity? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for your support—it means the world to us!