Nick Belial Photography

West Chester, PA

Contact for rates

Travels up to 120 miles

Get a free quick quote
Gallery photo 1 of Nick Belial Photography

Headshot & Portfolio Photo Session

Gallery photo 2 of Nick Belial Photography

Production Still from "Best Friends"

Gallery photo 3 of Nick Belial Photography

Behind-the-scenes production still from feature film, "Hayride: A Haunted Attraction"

Overview

Nick Belial is a Movie/Production Still Photographer offering both studio and signature, natural-light headshots and portraits. Photography services for models, actors, the film industry, business professionals, musicians and authors, high school seniors, couples/engagement, boudoir sessions and family portraits.

We offer an array of hourly and 90-minute sessions along with half-day and full-day portfolio development photo shoots. Professional Photoshop retouching is included with every image we deliver-- ensuring a smooth, natural, magazine cover complexion. For on-location shoots, we travel with a full complement of professional studio lighting.

Let me tell your story through my lens.


Reviews

8 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Gwen

Gwen

April 27, 2013

Trash the Dress Pictures

Nick did my trash the dress pictures. He gave me lots of interesting spots to choose from for the session and I chose the waterfalls .I felt awkward at first but Nick made it all very easy and it ended up being alot of fun. I got shots taken above the falls and some of me standing under the flowing water. The black and white ones where I am floating are amazing. By the time I crawled out over the rocks my dress was a total mess, but I can't remember the last time I had that much fun.

Hired as: Portrait Photographer


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Michelle L.

Michelle L.

April 16, 2013

Best Photographer for New, Aspiring Models!!!

I decided to give modeling a try after years of hearing family and friends say "you should be a model". I'm only 5' 7", so I knew right off I had zero chance of becoming a runway model but there are lots of opportunities out there for non-agency standard girls.

I began looking for information and talking to people to see how I should go about getting started. I found that most will say and tell you what they think you want to hear. Then they invite you spend a ton of money taking modeling classes, paying them fees, etc. I found Nick Belial when I searched for headshots. After talking to several photographers, I felt he was a straight shooter, knew the industry and I loved the style of photos in his port.

We scheduled a shoot and right away Nick put me at ease with his relaxed and professional demeanor. He made me laugh and gave gentle direction. He offered loads of great advice whenever I asked a question. We discussed everything from facial expressions and posing techniques to choosing who to work with and which steps to take and which to avoid in my new career. Nick stressed the importance of having a diverse portfolio. All that information, direction and advice proved accurate and invaluable.

When I got my proofs back, I was blown away. I couldn't believe that was me in those pictures. Nick helped boost my confidence during our shoot then seeing those finished pictures made me feel like I could really give modeling a serious go. I don't think I really believed I could do it until then.

I ended up putting together a portfolio using the pics Nick and I took. Most importantly, Nick taught me what to do with my port to make it work for me.

It's only a few weeks later and I have already completed my fourth photo shoot.with several more booked for this month and one for May. My first paid shoot was last weekend for a local clothing company. I modeled a few outfits from their new fall line. What an awesome experience this has been.

My portfolio is doing what it's supposed to do and getting me noticed. I'm getting more and more comfortable in front of the camera. My last shoot led to an offer to model sunglasses and jewelry for a print catalog. I'm hooked and I have Nick to thank for my awesome portfolio and for taking the time to help me get started the right way.

Hired as: Headshot Photographer, Portrait Photographer


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Kelly A.

Kelly A.

April 11, 2013

My "Go To" Photographer

I had my first shoot with Nick when my parents hired him to do family portraits. They also hired him to shoot my sister's wedding a few years later. Nick did my senior portraits in 2006 and everyone raved on my pics. For Valentine's Day, he shot my boudoir session for me and he was awesome. He made me feel totally comfortable and relaxed and the pics turned out great. I had them made into a calendar for my bf. I just got engaged and booked Nick to be my wedding photographer next summer. I can't imagine going to another photographer.

Hired as: Portrait Photographer


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Heather M.

Heather M.

February 5, 2013

Engagement Session and Wedding

Nick Belial shot my sister's wedding in August 2010. When I got engaged, I asked her for Nick's information because I was impressed with her wedding album and she only had good things to say about him. I booked an engagement photo session with Nick for me and my fiance that took place a few weeks after we got engaged.

We visited three different locations during our engagement session and each was amazing. Nick has an artist's eye for picking the perfect scenes and backgrounds. When we got the proofs about a week later, we were blown away. All the shots are beautiful, but there's one silhouette shot with the sun setting behind us and there's faint orbs of light streaming through-- It's so beautiful and definitely my favorite of all the pictures we have ever taken together.

After that, it was an easy decision to hire Nick to be our wedding photographer. In the weeks before the wedding, we spoke several times. Nick answered all my questions and we discussed what shots were most important to us. Our wedding had only 64 guests, but Nick made us feel like rock stars on the big day. He was there capturing all the important moments without all the pushy direction you see from photographers at a lot of weddings.. The result, our big day was all about us and our memories thankfully don't include an in-your-face photographer telling everyone where to stand, when to smile and how to pose every five seconds.

Our wedding was beautiful and we have many amazing photos to remind us of the day. I can recommend Nick Belial Photography without reservation. Thanks Nick!!!

Hired as: Portrait Photographer


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Candace M.

Candace M.

December 22, 2012

Flexible, Caring Wedding Photographer, Amazing Pictures!

We hired Nick for a four hour wedding shoot that was scheduled for October 30th, 2012. We were able to view his portfolio online and he was easy to schedule and the best value around.

He maintained constant contact through e-mail in the months leading up to the wedding and a few weeks prior to the date, Nick called just to check in and make sure everything was going as planned. We discussed the type of pictures that we were interested in, which were mainly outdoor photographs with the ceremony to be held on my parents' property. Nick had several suggestions, including mentioning that pictures in a nearby park might be nice.

The weekend before the event was scheduled, I received a message from Nick. He had been watching the weather for the area where the wedding was to be held, which was several hours from where he was located and found out that a hurricane was headed that way. In the message, Nick informed me that he had already called the park that we were planning on getting pictures done, and found out that they had a pavillion that they were willing to rent out if we needed an option for an alternate location that was covered.

He kept in constant phone contact with us over that weekend as the storm got closer and plans continued to change. On the afternoon before the wedding was supposed to happen, we finally made the determination that we could not go forward as planned. Although Nick had promised to be there for the photographs, every other scheduled vendor for the wedding was closed and unavailable to reach by phone.

When I called Nick to see if we could reschedule, he was very supportive and moved things around in his schedule to accomodate us for our wedding and we were able to go forward with the event on November 1st, two days later. The pictures turned out amazing and we would definitely recommend him to anyone who is looking for a stress free experience with a talented photographer for beautiful memories of their special day!

Hired as: Portrait Photographer

Write a review

Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Gig length: 30 - 600 minutes

Insurance: Yes

What to expect

I connect with every client on two or more occasions prior to the photo shoot to discuss everything from the customer's individual goals to wardrobe selection. Each model receives an advance itinerary detailing the names of our planned shoot locations along with information pertaining to the site's physical location, description of unique features and history along with website address and phone numbers where applicable.

In my experience, something always seems to get left behind at home... Sometimes it's a favorite pair of shoes, other times it's something crucial like make-up or wardrobe bag. With more than 20 years experience, I've learned that planning thoroughly and being organized prior to a shoot can make a huge difference. I send out a "Things to Do & Things to Remember" list designed to help you be prepared and more relaxed when you arrive for your session.

What to expect... I am unrushed, patient and easy to work with. You can always expect a high degree of professionalism characterized by reliability, artistic creativity and supportive encouragement. For me, a successful shoot leaves the model feeling challenged, self confident and anxiously looking forward to seeing her finished set of headshots and portraits.

About

My passion is capturing beauty, nature and unique places and suspending them in time. I got my start shooting a Pentax K-1000 on my school's yearbook staff. Photography equipment and technology has changed by leaps and bounds over the past twenty years.

With digital cameras everywhere, including most cell phones, today everyone can capture great memories. That said, for those important ocassions when you need high-resolution, professional images with rich, vibrant colors-- a skilled and experienced still photographer can mean the difference between a decent photo-- and one that's simply unforgettable.

I generally work around the Delaware Valley, but often travel to the New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland shore areas. Whenever possible, I shoot outdoors using natural light. I tend to prefer backdrops like English gardens, waterfalls and beautiful, old stone buildings. That said, when headshots and fashion sessions require the controlled lighting environment of the studio, we have you covered. Our studio is located near the PA/DE border and is convenient to Philadelphia, Wilmington and South Jersey.

I am available for select, IMDb-listed film and television projects requiring the services of a production or unit still photographer. I mainly cover the east coast of the United States plus Nova Scotia, Canada. My day rate varies depending on type of project, location and duration.

The best part of my job is meeting new people and photographing them in a wide range of unique places and settings. I enjoy working with models, film crews, business professionals, artists, families and anyone needing the services of a skilled photographer.

Additional booking notes

Whenever possible I shoot using natural lighting and real-life backgrounds. I'd much prefer to see colorful garden scenery, beach dunes or a beautiful reflecting pond serve as the backdrop for a model's headshots and portraits, rather than blue background studio shots. Natural sunlight simply adds a warmth to images that flash strobes and flourescent lighting can never achieve. Of course, traditional studio backgrounds are available-- the choice is yours.

After your shoot, I will go through all of the images and select a range of the best for your perusal. Next, I create a set of proofs for you to look over and decide which images you like best. Those that you select will be edited (retouched) using powerful digital software that allows enhancement of your photos. For example, backgrounds can be lightened, contrast added, colors made deeper and more vibrant-- and best of all-- imperfections removed... A scar disappears like it was never there. Acne blemishes-- gone. In fact, we can give your skin the radiant glow of a CoverGirl model. Choose your images-- and photographer with that in mind.

Depending on the number of images, your proofs may be either emailed or sent to you on a disc. In most cases, your proofs will be ready within 3-5 business days. Once you decide which images you would like retouched, I will begin working on them and may send you a sample finished image or two, just to get your feedback.

Turnaround times required to retouch your selected images will be determined by the total number of photos you have chosen to be edited. Typically, most retouched photo sets are ready within 8-10 business days.

Influences and inspiration

While I enjoy the work of many different photographers, there isn't one in particular that I can point to as being a direct influence. Having grown up with an appreciation for the art of painting, I always find myself studying how light and shadows effect the mood, feel and overall perception of an image. I am invariably impressed by the realistic details and muted colors found in paintings by artist Richard Bollinger. Likewise, I respect the skillful execution of adding soft, natural light onto canvas, as seen in the artistry of painter Thomas Kinkaid.

Setup requirements

I provide all equipment, backdrops, lighting, etc.

Check out these featured profiles

Featured

JAH-Bey, LLC

5.0 (9)
17 Verified bookings

  • Baltimore, MD
  • Video Services
  • Contact for rates

Amy H. said “Jeff and his crew were friendly, and great communication. A total pleasure to work with! ”

  • Springfield, NJ
  • Motivational Speaker
  • $1000 - $5000

Frank R. said “Ankur Garg understands what's needed to not only get the job done when it comes to running a successful marketing campaign, but he also understands how to do the RIGHT THING even when when all the... ”
Featured

Kevin Huang Group

5.0 (10)
11 Verified bookings

  • Princeton, NJ
  • Jazz Band
  • $300 and up

Sabrina S. said “Kevin and his band were absolutely incredible! He was the best to work with out of all of our vendors. He has great communication and was very amenable to all of our requests. Their transitions were... ”

Devinwade Productions

5.0 (2)
5 Verified bookings

  • Pennsauken, NJ
  • Videographer
  • $500 and up

Brad R. said “I have been a classical guitarist in the wedding industry for over 20 years. I have a good idea what average and above-average service looks like. So, when I say that Devinwade Production blew us... ”