Meet Haley Nishida | Photographer & Filmmaker

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

Hi Haley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was twofold: I wanted to pursue my art and craft in my own way, and the second was that I would be my own boss! This would mean that I could do the work I wanted to do and the way I wanted to do it. I was in charge of my schedule, which allowed me the flexibility to travel, set my own hours, and create a safe workspace environment to create. It also enabled me to take on both of my passions, photography, and filmmaking.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love what I do because I love storytelling. Sometimes, I tell those stories in the form of a film; other times, I tell them through photography. Regardless of how I’m addicted to the emotional connections that these stories make and the responses they elicit. Balance is central to my artistic vision—light and shadow, hope and despair, love and loss. From moments of joy to depths of sorrow, quiet introspection to explosive passion, I seek to capture the universal spectrum of human emotion, reminding us of our shared humanity.

I got to where I am today in very unconventional ways. It has been a unique journey from navigating COVID, where I was out of work for nearly 8 months, and experiencing the loss of a foster child through failed adoption. I was broken down to a level I’d never imagined could exist. None of it has been easy at all, but I firmly believe that the universe is conspiring to help us and push us to where we need to be. Though I have lost sight of that at times, I’ve persevered with the love and support of my friends, family, and community.

The most important lessons I’ve learned from all of that are adaptation and perspective shift. Sometimes, it’s easy to get stuck in the photographer’s tunnel vision, i.e., the camera’s viewfinder. But when something isn’t working, you must pull the camera away from your face, step back, and find a new angle.

My brand, Nishida Shot, is a glass-half-full kind of brand. I like my work to show hope and optimism, especially in the world’s current political climate. I like giving voices to marginalized groups and misunderstood subcultures. That’s why much of my recent work has revolved around LGBTQ+, local musicians, and unconventional or unpopular sports.

The last thing I’d want people to know about me (Nishida Shot) is my versatility. I don’t pigeonhole myself into one form of photography or filmmaking. I do my best to explore and learn as much as possible from different styles to create a unique style that’s all my own. I could be shooting photos of a live music performance one day to shooting a nature documentary the next. I get bored too easily, fixating on just one genre, so my published work on social media always seems so all over the place! But I love it!

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.
If my best friend were visiting for a long weekend, I’d do my best to show them the extreme diversity of the Valley and Arizona. I’d start by taking them to brunch at my favorite spot, TAB (Thanks A Brunch), followed by some axe throwing at Batl in Scottsdale. Afterward, we’d head to Alta Boulders for a little rock climbing session before hitting the night scene in Phoenix at Thunderbird Lounge, Kobalt, and Boycott.

Day two would be all about the outdoors! I’d take my friend to some of my favorite spots to hike, camp, and swim in the Tonto National Forest. If we’re lucky, we’ll get to see some of the local wildlife, flora, and fauna!

The last thing I would take my friend to do is check out some local musicians that play around the Valley. If you look hard enough, there is always something to find (and you don’t have to look very hard). Phoenix has a little something for everyone!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people have helped shape the person and artist I am today. It would take a lifetime to thank them all personally. A few of the standouts, though, are my parents. My mom has been the foundation on which our family stands. She’s the Atlas of our world, and without her constant love and encouragement, I know I wouldn’t be who I am today. My dad was the first person to put a camera in my hands and the person who challenged me to look at things from new and unique perspectives.

My dear friends, (you know who you are) who have put up with me as I used as models and actors over the years as I was learning and trying new techniques.

Last but certainly not least, my amazing wife, Syd. Syd has endured the ups and downs of my career and supported me through the many struggles of work and life. Together, we’ve gone through some of the most harrowing heartbreaks to some of the most outstanding achievements, and she has been steadfast by my side through it all. I could not have asked for a better partner in life, nor do I think my life would be nearly as successful as it is without her!

Website: https://nishidashot.com

Instagram: @nishidashot

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-nishida-1b75a4a6

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKv3wDDYPvYY98ymBx0FD2A

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4590877/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Image Credits
All photos are copyrighted to Haley Nishida at Nishida Shot LLC (me)