Fil Nenna Photography specializes in headshots and portraits for professionals throughout the North Shore. Nenna operates his photography business from Marblehead, helping clients elevate their online presence with images that capture their personality and style. His services include professional headshots for individuals and teams, with a portfolio available at filnenna.com.
Tell us about Fil Nenna Photography and why you started it. I’m a headshot and portrait photographer based in Marblehead. Making portraits was tremendous fun, but when an early client used her headshot on LinkedIn for a job application, it hit home how much portraits can genuinely help people make meaningful life leaps. A year later, the same woman asked me for staff headshots in the organization she was leading — she had gotten the position she had applied for. People using their photo images as a passport to bigger and better things is why portraiture is important to me, and why I take the art of picture-making seriously. I’m also very lucky that I get to meet all sorts of people from professionals, musicians and artists to business owners, realtors and actors from all over the North Shore. Most are in the process of upgrading their web and social media presence or creating new websites entirely.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? I have a background in science where, alongside in art and business, I’ve been encouraged to experiment and iterate. “Test all things. Hold fast onto what is good.” Although plans can change, at the core I make sure my clients have a great time and get some fantastic images in the process. That’s what really matters.
What do you love most about Marblehead? After living in big cities (Liverpool, San Francisco and Houston) I appreciate more than ever being part of a tight community. I love walking around town and chatting with people on the streets and by the water. People beep and wave to say “Hi” as they drive past, and I see familiar friendly faces in coffee shops, during events and at school drop-off. I’ve not experienced that before. I think it’s really special.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I’m very conversational with a camera in my hand, but I used to really struggle with public speaking. I started a YouTube channel not only as an excuse to talk about the interplay of science, art and photography, but also to address my speaking habits and improve my presentation skills. It’s worked well, and I’ve since taught classes, including a portrait lighting class at the Marblehead Arts Association, which have all been very well received.
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