PAUL NURNBERG
Simply Beautiful Images
story by ROBIN COKER photos by CHARLOTTE BERKELEY
One of the rare and beautiful charms of Beaufort is the eclectic mix of creative entrepreneurs it has not only produced but welcomed with open arms. Our artists are not only made up “born and raised locals” who have thrived and added value to the culture and community, but more often than not, we see that locals and transplants alike all have a place to succeed in our small town. Paul Nurnberg (born in Aurora, Illinois, and growing up in upstate NY) and his wife ended up choosing our Lowcountry small town for both his photography business and a place to call home.
While living in Boston, MA, the high school sweethearts traveled through several southern states on a bicycle trip and decided that maybe the south had better weather and resultingly took a leap of faith for their next chapter. After responding to a job board posting at a conference that she visited while on this trip, Libby was offered and accepted a position in Washington, NC. This is where Paul’s business was born in the Fall 1987, and he has been working for himself ever since. Following Libby’s career in city planning, their journey then took them to Greenville, NC. “We found ourselves frequently visiting historic southern cities and realized we would love to find somewhere to live that had more of the lifestyle that we preferred.” The city of Savannah then called out to Paul and Libby, and they found themselves setting up shop — a hop, skip, and a jump from Beaufort. Just a couple of years later, Libby was offered a position in Beaufort, and one of the requirements was that they had to reside here within the city limits. Paul moved his business to Port Royal a few years later after they realized that they were here to stay.
Today, Paul works from his studio on Ribaut Road in Beaufort. His motto is “Simply Beautiful Images” and that reflects true in every photograph he produces. Paul specializes in portraiture, aerial drone, architectural, and commercial photography. He also teaches one-on-one classes in photography that include in-depth training on using your camera and digital workflow.
If you catch Paul off the clock, you will most likely find him on his mountain or road bike (often on the Spanish Moss Trail), swimming laps at the YMCA, or meandering around the local farmers market looking for fresh, local ingredients. Growing into the next season of life, the plan for this couple is to take it one day at a time, travel more, and continue to show up for the community in many areas. Volunteering for nonprofit photo shoots and environmental groups, including starting up the Beaufort chapter of “Greendrinks,” are just a few of the things bringing Paul joy right now. Also, Paul is learning to create more home-cooked meals in their newly remodeled kitchen.
Paul’s extensive background in photography makes him a top choice for numerous commercial clients, with a special knack for industrial jobs. His love for the art of capturing images started in high school, being first inspired by his brother’s interest in photography. Having no notion that this hobby could grow into a thriving career, he almost pursued higher education in engineering. After learning that photography was something you go to college for and becomes a career, he took the plunge, earning a BS degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, and hasn’t looked back. The notion of doing what you love, so you never have to work a day in your life, doesn’t always pan out to be true; however, Paul claims that it’s pretty accurate for his life.
Having been in the business for more than three decades, Paul has been able to ride the tide of the numerous changes in technology. Having started in the darkroom processing his own film by hand, he now embraces all of the power the digital age offers. Paul explains the advantages of these tools — the ability to do more in less time to serve the community better and grow in his skill set. The con, though, is now everyone with a smartphone is a photographer. Regardless of the easy access to technology and digital tools, Paul knows there is a gift in hiring a professional. Some things should still be left up to a pro: lighting, placement, logistics, and production of the shoot. The digital age of photography has enabled him to get more creative and have fun experimenting in less time. More importantly, however, he feels that the real magic of hiring a professional is the ability of the client to be present in the captured moment.
A common theme that appears frequently in Beaufort is how tight-knit we are as a community. It is not always your background or education that will produce success. It’s how you treat people; it’s how you follow through on your commitments. In a small town like Beaufort, where there isn’t “seven degrees of separation,” but maybe three degrees, you have to show up authentically and be humble. Paul seems to have learned this early and is passing on this solid advice to any aspiring artist, looking to grow in the Lowcountry.
“Network with other creatives; do not be fearful of being overshadowed by other talents; know your thing, and get really great at it. Network and thrive off of others, and most crucial … always live up to your promises. Knowing your ‘thing,’ your product, and just getting really good at it is key. Learn your strengths and weaknesses. Spending too much time being a generalist will not set you apart in today’s market.”
He reiterates the idea that to add value in this arena you have to know your product, your talent, and gifts, and who you are speaking to when you create and market your art. You have to step up to the plate with confidence in your abilities and be willing to evolve as seasons change. Something he has seen within the professional art community is the lack of the ability to “know your worth.” Paul has learned that you always get what you pay for. He would like to ingrain in the next generation of creative professionals not to be shy about precisely what their art is worth. Those who appreciate the creator’s value, the time, and the dedication that goes into it will be willing to pay. Any upcoming creatives aspiring to grow their business in Beaufort can look to members of the community, such as Paul. They have created a beautiful image of finding a space for their art and, more importantly, how to thrive here in Beaufort.
