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Personal brand client standing in golden light, styled editorially, radiating presence and authenticity on camera

The Problem With Traditional Brand Photograph Most brand photos are surface-level. They might be polished. Perfectly lit. Technically solid. But they lack soul. They don’t make you feel the person. They don’t communicate energy, depth, or identity. They look good — but they don’t resonate. And that’s a problem if you’re a thought leader, coach, speaker, author, or […]

If you’re searching for the best personal brand photographer in New York, one name rises to the top: Nick Onken. Blending editorial sophistication with emotional storytelling, Nick’s work goes far beyond headshots. His Elevated Realism™ approach captures your highest self — magnetic, polished, and unmistakably you. 📍 A Photographer Who Knows NYC Intimately Nick spent 15 […]

A mood board filled with textures, color palettes, typography samples, and brand imagery on a designer’s wall — representing the visual identity process
Nicky Clinch standing in nature during her brand shoot, styled in flowing earth tones and captured in soft light
Personal brand shoot in Los Angeles with natural light and editorial styling.
Lewis Howes standing confidently in a European location during his personal brand shoot with Nick Onken

Introduction Lewis Howes, host of The School of Greatness and bestselling author, was ready to elevate his personal brand with a visual identity that matched his next chapter of leadership. He had already built a massive platform. But he was stepping into a deeper, more embodied version of his brand—one that integrated emotional intelligence with […]

A creative team reviewing photo previews with a client during a personal brand shoot, showcasing collaborative planning and leadership-focused visual strategy

Leadership isn’t just something you declare — it’s something people feel the moment they see you. And in a world where your first impression often happens online, your photos need to do more than look good. They need to position you as a leader. A personal brand shoot isn’t about winging it with cute outfits […]

Photographer Nick Onken reviewing brand photos on dual monitors in his creative studio, highlighting the professional editing and high-value experience of a personal brand photoshoot

Let’s cut to it: The cost of a personal brand photoshoot depends on one thing—the level of transformation you want to create. You can hire someone to take nice portraits. Or you can co-create an identity-elevating experience that reshapes how the world sees you. So… How Much Does It Cost? At the top of the […]

Entrepreneur reviewing photos with personal brand photographer during photoshoot

If you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or speaker looking to stand out online, then you know photography is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. But hiring the right personal brand photographer can feel overwhelming. With so many options, styles, and price points, how do you find the perfect fit for your vision? Let’s break it down […]

Entrepreneur preparing emotionally for a personal brand photoshoot with Nick Onken

Getting in front of a camera isn’t just about appearance—it’s about energy, mindset, and emotion. When you’re being photographed, especially for something as intimate and revealing as a personal brand shoot, the camera becomes a mirror. A mirror of confidence—or insecurity. Of ease—or resistance. Over the years, I’ve learned that the emotional preparation is just […]

Nick Onken directing a subject during a stylish personal brand shoot in an iconic Austin setting

If you’re building a brand in Austin, you already know—this city has a vibe. Creative. Wild. Soulful. Free. But when it comes to personal brand photography, not all photographers can capture that essence. If you want photos that go beyond headshots and into transformation… Nick Onken is the name to know. Austin Roots. Global Vision. […]

Nick Onken directing a personal brand photo shoot using music and movement to evoke confidence

A great photo is more than just perfect lighting and good composition. It’s about capturing your subject’s truest essence—that confident, authentic, magnetic self that already exists inside them. My job as a photographer is to bring that forward. Over the years, I’ve built a toolkit of both physical and psychological tools that help guide clients […]

Entrepreneur photographed in a bold editorial setting, exuding confidence and leadership through Elevated Realism™ brand photography

Introduction In today’s hyper-visual world, the first impression you make online can determine whether someone trusts you, hires you, or skips over you. Your brand photography is often the first point of contact—and if done right, it can immediately communicate authority, confidence, and influence. This is where my Elevated Realism™ style of personal brand photography […]

LATEST in brand intelligence

Personal brand client standing in golden light, styled editorially, radiating presence and authenticity on camera

The Problem With Traditional Brand Photograph Most brand photos are surface-level. They might be polished. Perfectly lit. Technically solid. But they lack soul. They don’t make you feel the person. They don’t communicate energy, depth, or identity. They look good — but they don’t resonate. And that’s a problem if you’re a thought leader, coach, speaker, author, or […]

Editorial-style portrait by Nick Onken on a New York City rooftop capturing brand authority and essence
A mood board filled with textures, color palettes, typography samples, and brand imagery on a designer’s wall — representing the visual identity process

LATEST in creative intelligence

Entrepreneur preparing emotionally for a personal brand photoshoot with Nick Onken

Getting in front of a camera isn’t just about appearance—it’s about energy, mindset, and emotion. When you’re being photographed, especially for something as intimate and revealing as a personal brand shoot, the camera becomes a mirror. A mirror of confidence—or insecurity. Of ease—or resistance. Over the years, I’ve learned that the emotional preparation is just […]

LATEST in life intelligence

Entrepreneur preparing emotionally for a personal brand photoshoot with Nick Onken

Getting in front of a camera isn’t just about appearance—it’s about energy, mindset, and emotion. When you’re being photographed, especially for something as intimate and revealing as a personal brand shoot, the camera becomes a mirror. A mirror of confidence—or insecurity. Of ease—or resistance. Over the years, I’ve learned that the emotional preparation is just […]

meet nick

I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life.

Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here. 

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