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Inspiring Conversations with Nick Fitzgerald of FITZTOGRAPHY, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Fitzgerald.

Hi Nick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I come from a family of artists, so creativity was something I was immersed in from a young age. Whether it was painting, drawing, or just noticing beauty in the little things, I was always wired to see the world a bit differently. I discovered photography in high school through a class my girlfriend at the time was taking—and the moment I picked up a camera, I was hooked. It felt like the perfect fusion of technical precision and creative freedom.

Over the years, what started as a passion evolved into a calling. I studied photography in college, and eventually built a career that now spans thousands of projects. But it wasn’t until I made the leap—leaving the safety of a 9–5 job—that I truly stepped into the role I was meant for. That decision led to the launch of my business, Fitztography LLC, and I haven’t looked back.

Today, I specialize in luxury short-term rentals and high-end real estate, helping clients tell visual stories that increase bookings, elevate listings, and connect emotionally with viewers. What sets my work apart is the intentionality behind every shot—each image is designed not just to show a space, but to sell an experience. I’ve grown this business into something I’m proud of, serving clients across Tennessee and beyond, from individual Airbnb owners to major property management groups and developers. It’s been an incredible journey—and I feel like I’m just getting started.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. They say it takes 10 years to become an overnight success, and that couldn’t be more true in my case. The road has been anything but smooth—but every obstacle has shaped the way I work and what I stand for today.

Early on, the biggest challenge was simply figuring out how to get paid to do something I loved. Photography was always a passion, but turning that into a sustainable career was a whole different journey. I had to learn not just how to shoot, but how to sell, market, build relationships, and run a business. I’ve dealt with broken equipment, clients who ghosted, and seasons where the work dried up completely.

Then came COVID, and like so many others in the creative and hospitality industries, I got hit hard. The short-term rental market collapsed almost overnight. At the time, I was working full-time as an in-house photographer for a management company and was laid off in a mass downsizing—ironically, while I was out shooting a property. That moment could’ve broken me, but instead it lit a fire. I decided then that I was going to bet on myself fully.

I rebuilt from the ground up—slowly, intentionally, and with a clear vision. Now I’m running a profitable business of my own, working with clients I truly believe in, and doing work that’s creatively fulfilling. Every challenge taught me something valuable. And in hindsight, I wouldn’t trade those tough seasons—they built the resilience and grit that fuel everything I do today.

We’ve been impressed with FITZTOGRAPHY, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I run a photography business that’s rooted in storytelling—specifically, helping people visually tell the story of the spaces they’ve worked so hard to build. While I started out in traditional real estate photography, my focus over the past few years has shifted toward short-term rentals—Airbnbs, vacation homes, and luxury stays. These spaces aren’t just properties—they’re experiences. And that’s what I specialize in capturing.

What sets my brand apart is the emotional quality of the imagery. I don’t just take pictures; I create visuals that connect with people and make them feel something. Whether it’s editorial-style photos, cinematic videos, twilight shots, or drone footage—I bring a high-end, magazine-worthy look to every shoot. My work has directly contributed to clients increasing bookings, raising nightly rates, and improving their brand presence.

I’ve photographed thousands of properties across a wide range of clients—from individual Airbnb owners to large-scale rental companies managing hundreds of units. And while the scale may vary, the mission is always the same: to create visuals that captivate, convert, and elevate.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built. I’ve maintained long-term relationships with clients from day one, while continuing to attract new business through word-of-mouth, social media, and search. I’ve had my work featured in Southern Living, purchased by design firms, and reshared on high-traffic platforms—and still, what drives me most is when a client says: “You captured this exactly how I imagined it.”

If I could leave readers with one takeaway, it’s this: In today’s market, visuals are the product. Guests are scrolling. Buyers are judging. If the imagery doesn’t stop them in their tracks, you’ve already lost. That’s where I come in. I help my clients rise above the noise—and that’s something I take immense pride in.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
For me, it all comes down to one word: CREATE.

Everything I do revolves around creating—images, stories, moods, moments. I’m not afraid to put my work into the world, to build something from nothing, and to keep pushing even when the outcome is uncertain. That mindset has carried me through the tough seasons and fueled the growth during the great ones.

I’ve never been content just following trends or doing what’s expected. I believe in what I create, and I have the professional skill and experience to back it up. I take people along for the ride—my clients, my audience, my peers—because I want them to feel what I felt when I made the image. That’s the difference between photography and storytelling. And that’s why I’ve been successful. I create with purpose, and that makes it matter.

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