Community Highlights: Meet Anthony Nickens of A. Specs Media

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Nickens. 

Hi Anthony, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and early on I developed a love for visual storytelling. As a child my parents instilled in my siblings and I, a deep reverence for our faith and a love for people. I have a large family on both my mother and Father’s sides so consequently there were always people around and conversations being had. Family functions were always lively, boisterous, and sometimes solemn. I remember looking around at different family members and freeze-framing their expressions in my mind, or creating a movie of their story in my head. I’d always be visualizing what it was that I was hearing. I did the same thing at church, with friends, and at school where I often found myself daydreaming. I remember the first time that I realized I had a knack for visual storytelling, I was in the 1st grade. My teacher Ms. Johnson called my mom one day and asked her some questions about an assignment we’d done in class and she wanted to know if I had been truthful. The assignment was to draw a picture and to use words under the photo to tell a story. I had written about going to the circus and all of the cool things that had happened while I was there. Ms. Johnson wanted to know if the story was true and my mom confirmed that it was. Ms. Johnson was so impressed by my attention to detail and descriptions that she bragged to my mom on and on about it. My Mom still tells me that story to this day and I remember this. At the age of about 22 I picked up a camera for a project I wanted to do and I haven’t put it down since. I love taking photos and filming video for a living! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It seems like it should go without saying but life is not an easy journey. Growing up where I did, it was important to be able to use your fists or your words to defend yourself. I wasn’t good at either! When I became an adult in business, I realized that being able to stick up for yourself is one of the most important skills to have. I’ve had clients who have tried to evade payment, some that took advantage of my time, and even people who talked down on my abilities. When I first started taking photos and filming video it was because I had a huge passion for learning the ins and outs of the craft itself. I had to allow that love and passion to carry me and help me continue to excel my business to higher heights. 

We’ve been impressed with A. Specs Media 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?
In 2015 I founded a Photography & Videography company called A. Specs Media LLC. (stands for Anthony’s PerSPECtives) I have two awesome team members who help me with everything. Bermisha, who’s my second shooter, and Angela (my sister), who’s my media manager. It’s our mission to provide people with one-of-a-kind quality portraits, videos, and customer service. I specialize in business/organizational videography, event photography, and in lifestyle photography. I’ve worked with it feels like every demographic; Politicians, athletes, high-level executives, neighborhood organizations, school districts, musical artists, authors, inspirational speakers, actors, and the list goes on! It’s been a great ride so far and I’m excited to see what’s coming my way! 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Use your resources and soak up as much information from those who are already doing it. Challenge yourself at every opportunity to learn. It’s so important to build bridges and not walls, especially in the business world. I wish that I’d understood the importance of investing in myself earlier. From purchasing equipment to forming new business partnerships, investment is so important. 

Contact Info:

• Email: a.specsfilmandphoto@gmail.com
• Website: aspecsmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspecs.kc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASpecsMedia
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrCShmcdqCc1ghgyWT5bSw

Image Credits
A. Specs Media LLC
Anthony M. Nickens