I hired Shawn Nichols for a corporate event which took place in late February 2016. Shawn definitely deserves all five (if I could give any more, I would) stars and a glowing review! I will admit I was hesitant to hire someone off Thumbtack it was my first experience using Thumbtack and I didnt quite know what to expect but he blew it out of the park, completely delivered and really exceeded any of my expectations, with his work for this event! Shawn is going places with his photography, professionalism and strong work ethic and I look forward to following his career. Part of me hates to write such a great review for my own selfish reasons I want him for all of our events! :]
Shawn was hired for our annual corporate Employee Appreciation Event, which I fully planned (and attended) for the first year since starting with my company. One of the things I had noticed about previous years events was the lack of good photography. I had seen previous years photos and thought they really left something to be desired. When I put out a bid on Thumbtack looking for photographers, Shawns website and artwork jumped out immediately, I believed he could deliver. I spoke with him first on the phone and let him know what I was looking for more artistic shots and his time, thoroughness and genuine excitement was clearly evident from our phone call. It seemed like he was exactly who I was looking for.
About a month before the event, I called Shawn and asked him if he could meet me for coffee that week, to have about a fifteen minute meeting to discuss some items for the party. He went out of his way (literally) to be flexible to my schedule and that fifteen minute meeting turned in to over an hour of his time sitting in Starbucks and talking Photography. From there, he then drove with me to Joann Fabrics to hand-select a backdrop for the event that would photograph well and tailored to my vision. This whole afternoon he spent meeting with me and shopping for photography backgrounds was unpaid. He didnt have to do these extra things, he just did he was really going above and beyond before the event even took place!
Fast forward to the day of the event. Shawn and his two assistants (oh yeah he brought two additional photographers to help him capture the night. I really felt we got a huge deal here because for the price of one photographer, we really got three! This was just another way Shawn went out of his way to ensure our event success) came a few hours early to set up one of our photography station backgrounds, and the get shots of a list of things before the event started. Leading up to the event, Shawn was incredible thorough in his communications; answering phone calls and emails quickly and in detail. He even thought of details I hadnt and prompted me to provide a list of shots I wanted to get prior to the event, during the event, asked for an event timeline and for specific individuals whom he and his assistants should be aware of. I really appreciated those questions in retrospect, as I think they really added to the coverage of the event, and with the laundry list of to-dos I had leading up to the party, I appreciated him taking the time and initiative to look out for our ultimate priorities photography and otherwise.
Shawn and his assistants Rachel and Jeremiah were extremely professional, gracious, thoughtful to guests and efficient. They not only succeeded in my hopes for an hour of couple photos as guests arrived, then roaming event coverage; all three of them really went above and beyond to make sure every shot on that shot list was completed. Our guests loved having the backdrop couple photos, and I loved having all three of them there photographing it was amazing to get the extra coverage during that couple photo hour that I didnt know we would have!
Shawn let me know the timeline of when I should expect photos delivered back, as the party wrapped up that night, but delivered a few days earlier. He met every goal I had with the photography aspect of the event. I told him several times that he was the easiest/best/nicest/most efficient vendor or staff I had working on our event, and I really do mean that. The photos back to me were in several files, so easy to open and access, and ranked by him in order of importance (for me). His love of photography and art is intrinsic and clear in his work. His photographs are beautiful and really highlighted the event for me, my company and so many of our guests. I look forward to having and using these photographs for years to come!
During the time I was planning the event, and had been working with Shawn, I saw another opportunity come up within my company which I suggested Shawn, and he was hired for. Those pictures came back prior to our event, and when I saw those beautiful photos, I knew i was going to be happy with his work on the event. I cant say enough great things about Shawn Nichols. You are lucky if you get the opportunity to hire him for any event, wedding, party, or general photography needs. Shawn will make you feel like you are his only client, and will really take your vision and bring it to life. He is so genuine and charismatic and it is wonderful to see someone excel at something they love, and do so well! I look forward to working with Shawn (and hopefully Rachel and Jeremiah too!) on any future business, event or personal photography needs I have!
