How my journey began
Growing up in Wisconsin, Nicole's journey with photography started when she was a young girl. She became fascinated with composition and the story a photo can tell.
She became fascinated with composition and the story a photo can tell. She considers herself “self-taught,” although she went to school for film and has taken photography courses. In her late 20s, she followed her heart and enrolled herself in one of the top 20 film schools in the USA. There, she bought her first camera, a Canon 5D ii, with several fantastic lenses, including the 70-200mm 2.8f, which became her go-to lens.
She believes photography is a process of discovery and loves to set the stage, problem-solve, and get in close. Her preferred process of exploring subjects is with a macro lens and shallow depth of field.
Nicole's experience has brought her in front of the camera, working on multiple sets as lead and supporting actress, to working as director behind the camera in several productions which led her to move to California in 2017. Her expertise in photography, video production, and marketing has evolved over the years, culminating in her latest role as a video editor and producer for a San Diego-based production company she worked on pre-production and found herself on sets for Huey Magoo’s, Palomar Health, National Conflict Resolution, and Drift Restaurant as well as post-production, editing videos for broadcast and social media.
What People Are Saying
Awards I’ve Won
2016, she directed a scene in a Chicago 48-hour film festival that received "Audience's Choice for Best Directed."
2018, Ventura Weekly, a local magazine in Ventura County, published Nicole’s photos in one of their weekly editions.
In 2020, Nicole worked on set in Los Angeles for an independent movie production. There she worked side-by-side with the
Art department, and casting.
Artist Statement
Photography is a journey of discovery that unfolds in two places: one in front of my lens, capturing a story, and the other within me, where my soul resonates with that story. I love that moment of self-discovery; it makes me feel alive. My favorite photography to shoot has been product photography. I love a moody setup with a black backdrop and one light source. When setting up for product photography, I consider the brand’s story, the product message, the colors that will complement it, what else needs to be in the frame, and what lens I’ll use. These questions guide each shoot, but sometimes the true direction reveals itself only while shooting. All of a sudden, an idea comes to mind, or a color jumps out at me; a composition sings, and I adjust to what the picture is telling me. I am always thinking strategically about what I am capturing.
My goal every time I get behind my camera is to bring to life a story, to elevate that story, and to make you want it. Lifestyle and candids are super fun to shoot for me as well. Any chance to go outside, enjoy the sun on my face, and snap away without the restraints of a studio makes the process feel new and brings refreshing perspectives.
Every photo is a glimpse into my soul.
Chat with me
I would love a chance to awnser any questions you may have about my services or potential hire opportunity.