15 Questions with Nina Pomeroy

What’s your morning routine like?

Each morning I start with a double expresso latte and then grab my journal and write down 10 things I’m grateful for.

Are you an avid reader?

I love historical fiction - anything from my hometown of New York (Gilded Age) to Italy (where it all started.)

What’s your favorite part of living in Northern California?

On any day I can choose to drive to the ocean (Carmel is my favorite) or to the walk through a Redwood Forest. It’s pretty spectacular here!

I hear you’ve traveled to Italy 3 times this year- what’s that about?

I do an annual trip called “Italy With Nina” where I curate a week-long trip staying at a friend’s award winning boutique hotel in Umbria. But aside from that my daughter was living in Rome for the past 4 years for her undergrad and just graduated in May!

What’s your latest culinary discovery that you’re excited about?

I love to cook! I’ve recently learned how to make Sourdough bread so nuturing my starter Stella every day has been a learning experience. There’s nothing like freshly baked bread.

What’s your favorite dish you’ve made this summer?

When my daughter was home, we would go to the farmer’s market and get lots of product and make these tarts with puff pastry. So delicious!

What’s changed the most about the professional photography industry since you started?

Starting out as a film photographer 25 years ago, I've experienced the industry's evolution firsthand. AI represents a fascinating turning point. While it offers capabilities, it can also create an authenticity gap that clients and audiences are learning to spot—and that disconnect can be professionally damaging.

You’re a native New Yorker, specifically Brooklyn. What do you miss most?

I really miss that trademark New York honesty. Everyone's so direct—you never have to wonder what someone's actually thinking. That's still very much part of who I am. The Italian bakeries are another thing I think about, especially the pastries. But living in the Bay Area has its perks—the depth and authenticity of the Asian cuisine here is truly incredible.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken with your business that’s paid off?

Beginning photographers often make the mistake of chasing every genre instead of becoming exceptional at one. Specialization is where you build real expertise. When I brought my studio to the west coast, I saw it as a chance to reimagine my practice entirely. I chose to specialize in headshots and became an associate of Peter Hurley, the preeminent headshot photographer in New York City. The training has been rigorous and comprehensive, and what keeps me energized is the continuous learning—there's always something new to discover.

What’s a piece of work from your early beginnings that you’re still particularly proud of?

The art shows I did in New York were pivotal—they gave me the confidence to turn this into a full-time career. Seeing my work as large-scale 30x40 prints hanging in a gallery was surreal, and actually selling pieces made it even more thrilling.

What habit or routine helps you stay grounded when work gets overwhelming?

I usually take off Mondays. Sunday is family day with my 90 year old parents and a traditional Sunday Italian lunch. So Mondays are my days to regroup, plan for the week and even a little self care now and then.

What’s something you’ve been putting off that you’re actually excited about taking on?

I've been wanting to launch a podcast for some time. As a headshot photographer, I get to meet incredible people with amazing stories, and I'd love to explore those conversations in a deeper way. There's something appealing about the audio format—it's intimate and conversational in a way that complements what I do visually. I'm excited to finally make it happen and see where those discussions lead.

How do you personally recharge?

The Great British Baking Show is my go-to, and I knit while I watch. I'll admit I'm a bit of a wool snob—I only use premium yarn from independent purveyors. If I'm going to spend hours on a project, the materials have to be worth it.

If you could have dinner with any entrepreneur, who would it be and what would you ask them?

If I could, it would be Anthony Bourdain. He wasn't a traditional entrepreneur, but he built something remarkable around authenticity and storytelling. I'd want to understand how he knew which risks were worth taking and what he learned about people through all those intimate conversations. As someone thinking about starting a podcast, his approach to drawing out people's stories and creating genuine connection really resonates with me. His work showed how powerful it is to lead with curiosity and honesty.

What words do you live by?

It costs nothing to be kind.