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

Hi Charlotte, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I’m still trying to figure out a work life balance. The nature of my business is that some weeks I am insanely busy with multiple shoots every day; which doesn’t leave much time for anything else. Other weeks I will only have one or two shoots total. This lack of consistency makes it difficult to figure out any semblance of a routine. For the most part I am happy with the balance because if it’s a busy week that’s great for business and if it’s a slow week I try catch up on everything else.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I just started my business in January of 2022 so I am still figuring things out as I go. It definitely has not been easy. Some days the challenges of starting your own business paired with the inconsistency of bookings makes me want give up and find more stable employment. But then a client books a shoot and I am reminded how much I love what I do and it’s worth the headache of administrative duties. I am most excited when a client schedules a shoot with me, it’s reassurance that I must be doing something right if they trust me to photograph another listing for them. I am most proud when I send off the edited photos to the realtor and the pictures showcase the home in its best light.
I this what sets me apart is I love what I do. I love photographing homes. Some photographers view real estate photography as lacking in creativity or boring, but I view every home as a unique challenge. I love highlighting the features of a home and minimizing its downsides all while trying to accurately portray the space.

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.
It would definitely be a busy week. No visit to Tucson is complete without driving up A Mountain to see the city lights at sunset. After that we’d get the shrimp tacos at La Chingada for dinner. Hit up Congress and 4th Ave. Go to a concert at the Rialto Theater or 191 Toole and then play some pool at the Shanty. For the best beers in town we’d go Borderlands, Crooked Tooth and Motosonora. For a midday visit to the middle of the city we’d get falafel at Babylon Market and check out the 22nd Street Antique Mall.
The rotating flavors of soft serve gelato at Ceres Pasta are a must. Drinks and dinner on the patio of Locale – once it cools down a bit.
A visit to South Tucson for dinner at American Eat Company followed by drinks at Saint Charles Tavern.
We’d drive up Mount Lemmon. Hike Tanque Verde Falls and Sabino Canyon. Go roller-skating on adult night at Skate Country. Play trivia at Casa Film bar and catch the newest A24 movie at The Loft.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had so much help along the way it’s hard to narrow it down to just one person. My parents who supported me choosing to go to film school. My former boss who helped me grow creatively and start filming real estate walkthrough videos. My clients who trust me to photograph their listings and showcase the properties in their best light. And finally my husband who has supported and cheered me on every step of the way.

Website: https://www.charlottenelsoncreative.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlotte.nelson.creative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.nelson.creative

Other: https://vimeo.com/charlottenelson

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