Drawing inspiration from art, books, neighbourhoods and galleries, Nina Mucalov enjoys getting behind the camera to spotlight female entrepreneurs.
Here at Honeycombers, we’re all about celebrating talents in Singapore and shouting out amazing businesses. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Nina Mucalov, whose vibrant, colourful brand of photography we love. Read on for insights into her work and her entrepreneurial journey.
Tell us about your business and why you do what you do.
I’m an ex-banker turned full-time personal brand photographer. I love capturing the magic of women who’ve swapped the standard 9-to-5 for entrepreneurship, showing them what an incredible job they’re doing. It’s something almost all my clients have in common – whether they’re copywriters, coaches, stylists or graphic designers. They’ve taken that bold leap, just like I did.
As a personal brand photographer, I’ve photographed hundreds of awesome female entrepreneurs and helped them connect with their audience through photos that tell their stories. My signature style is bright and natural: photos that capture female business owners in their element. Whether that’s working, meeting clients, or hanging out at home with their families, every photo I take is designed to tell a different part of their multifaceted story.
How has your business evolved over the years, and what have you learned from that?
I know how tricky it can be to show up consistently online. Especially if you’re the main service provider and ‘face’ of your business. At the start, I’d write a post, select an image and hold off on publishing because I felt embarrassed about what my friends or vague acquaintances might say.
I think about it differently now. Posting online and on social media is how my ideal clients find me. It’s how I’m able to help the people I set up my business to serve. I adore that my work and photographs make it possible for my clients to connect with their ideal clients online and create the thriving business they dream of (even if they hate having their photo taken!).
Share with us the most rewarding and challenging parts of your work.
As a photographer, I’ve developed an eye for the unnoticed beauty in life. Whether it’s capturing the perfect light, finding charm in ordinary locations, seeing the inner beauty of my clients, or appreciating my own family and life more. For me, getting behind the camera is about showing women what a beautiful job they’re doing – whether it’s mums with their families or female entrepreneurs with their businesses (or both!).
Every business and family comes with its highs and lows. We all have our disappointments and challenges, but what we create is remarkable. Photography gives me a way to capture and reflect this magic to my clients. I feel lucky and honoured that this is my job.
Where do you draw inspiration and ideas from?
So many places! I love art, books and colour. I take myself regularly on artist’s dates to galleries and neighbourhoods in Singapore. Also, I draw inspiration from fellow photographers and creatives, constantly seeking innovative ways to integrate fresh elements into my work.
What sets you apart from others?
At the start of my business journey, my introversion felt like a hindrance. Everyone else seemed to be networking and talking confidently about their business 24/7. Meanwhile, I’d get home from a networking lunch and cocoon myself in my room for the rest of the afternoon to recover. It felt like it’d be so much easier to build a successful business if I were an extrovert.
Fast forward five years – while I occasionally still wish I were an extrovert, I’ve realised my introversion is a bit of a superpower. It means I spend a lot of my time observing nuances in behaviour. When it comes to photoshoots, this is invaluable. My ability to tune in to how my client is feeling on a shoot day means we can always capture authentic shots where they feel at ease (and even start to enjoy the process).
I’ve also embraced building a personal brand online. I can share value, share my story and show my face online to build real connections with my ideal clients from the comfort of my own home. It’s something that suits my quieter personality. And I’ve built a business that allows my clients to do the same.
Anything exciting coming up in the pipeline?
As a business owner, I know how important it is to show your face consistently online. And I know how exhausting that can be, especially if you hate taking selfies (like I do). That’s why I created my annual photography packages.
I’m excited to now offer video as part of the package, where we create a schedule of photoshoots for the year that fits with my client’s business vision and plan. I become their personal photographer. It’s perfect for clients who need a regular selection of imagery and video to use for their marketing campaigns throughout the year.
With the addition of video, my annual clients can now opt to include a brand awareness video where they introduce their brand and service to a wider audience. I also do videos promoting new online courses, podcasts, book launches, and client testimonials. Plus, there’s the creative video content: website background videos, Facebook cover videos, stop motions, time lapses, reels… The options are endless!
If your business were a superhero, what would its superpower be and why?
Its superpower would be a ‘Confidence Cloak.’ This cloak empowers female entrepreneurs to feel their best, radiate confidence and make an impact in their chosen field even on days when they’d rather hide. It transforms insecurities (almost all my clients hate having their photos taken) and empowers them to shine in the spotlight.
What’s the best feedback you’ve ever received?
The most impactful feedback I’ve received is, “You make me see my life and business in a new light.” It’s profoundly gratifying to know that my photography captures moments and illuminates the beauty in my clients’ professional and personal lives. On a business level, I’m always happy to hear that after adding their personal branding photos to their website and social media accounts, my clients see a huge pick-up in client inquiries and acquisition.
If you were to be remembered for one thing, what would you want it to be?
A photographer who shows women what a beautiful job they’re doing – whether it’s entrepreneurs with their businesses or mums with their families (or both!).
Get in touch with Nina Mucalov online.
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