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

Hi Nina, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up I was always involved in art programs, whether it was choir/orchestra, honors art or photography. It’s where I’ve always felt most comfortable and at home with myself! So choosing to stay in my artistic lane was a no brainer. Originally I actually wanted to do hand animation! But once I took film photography in high school, I just knew that this specific branch of art held my heart.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I find in this profession that I get to touch a lot of peoples lives in a personal way. Between capturing beautiful moments that will last a lifetime at weddings and making amazing people feel vulnerable and confident all at the same time in a boudoir session, having people open up and feel confident has always been something I’ve strived to achieve in my work. There’s that quote that “people won’t really remember what you said to them but they will always remember how you made them feel” and I think I’ve always carried that in how I navigate my shoots let alone how I capture a session. I want your session to be unique to you and that means I get to ask a lot of questions and really get to know you to create something special. By really caring about the people that take time to book with me, I go from clients to friends pretty fast leaving you with awesome photos, a lasting impression from the shoot and hopefully the feeling of wanting to shoot again!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I mean what isn’t there to do in AZ, ya know? My best friend is awesome and usually is taking me to all the cool spots if I’m being honest but drinks in the city at stardust pin bar, or stopping at Ziggys pizza shop for a realllll good slice? Perfection. If we wanted to hang out and swim or hike, I absolutely would go to Oak Creek to hike and chill out by the water and later explore Sedona and you gotta stop at The Hudson for a bomb charcuterie board! My boyfriend and I have also been making a habit to find cute little areas of Arizona that need a little more love in our eyes, so camping in Strawberry and stopping at By The Bucket is great fun. The reservoir out there is a great diving spot too!
Like I said, there is so much to do in AZ but I think those are the things I’d be wanting to do with my friend, just exploring and finding random cool spots along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had so many people help me get to where I am to this day: from my parents, my supportive partner Ben, amazing friends and coworkers that I think have always seen more in me than I ever have. Without these amazing people, I think my life would look a whole heck of a lot different!

Website: www.ninapazphotography.com

Instagram: @ninapazphotography

Facebook: Facebook.com/ninapazphotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.