Nicole

I’m Nicole, the third-wheel extraordinaire often found doing crazy poses to get the perfect shot! I’ve always been a follow-your-heart type of girl. I fell in love with photography when I first picked up a camera in my high school’s yearbook class. Since that moment, I’ve been driven to create a life & career based around photography. I continued my education at the Academy of Art University where I graduated with a BFA in photography. There’s no surprise that photography is the love of my life but traveling is a close second. I’m endlessly inspired by nature, new adventures and meeting new people! I will hold your dress and flowers, fix your hair with one hand, and take photos in the other hand. I am ready to do whatever I can to make sure you and your loved ones are at ease when I’m with you!

IN WHAT HISTORICAL PERIOD WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE LIVED?

Probably the 60’s or 70’s. I was raised solely on classic rock music so I think it would be awesome to travel back in time to photograph some of the greats like Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones. 

WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?

My camera. I can’t leave my house without it. If I do, I legit feel naked. LOL. I always try to have it on me because you never know when you’ll see that perfect shot! I love wandering around with it wherever I go especially in SF. When I was in college, I’d always go out to different areas in the city In between my classes to try to find new areas and developed a passion for documenting the street life of the city!

WHERE ARE YOUR FAVORITE Bay Area Hangouts?

Any hiking trails, literally anywhere! I often travel all throughout Northern California and always try to find a new hiking trail each week to explore. One of my favorites has to be a place called “God’s Bath” near Yosemite. My dad took me there when I was a child and I’ve been going there ever since, it’s a beautiful swimming hole with gorgeous views of the Tuolumne River. If I had to pick a place in the Bay Area, I’d have to go with Redwood Regional Park, there’s so my gorgeous trails with huge redwoods that make you feel like you're nowhere even near the Bay. 

what is your idea of perfect happiness?

WHAT FICTIONAL CHARACTER DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?

My idea of perfect happiness is being barefoot, toes in the sand, skin glowing in the sun, laying out on a gorgeous lake with a charcuterie board in hand! 

Ted from How I Met Your Mother; he’s a hopeless romantic and is constantly following his heart whether it’s with his relationship or his dream job and he has a cute & quirky personality! 

Go-tos

BACKPACKING

I just recently discovered a new love for backpacking! I grew up hiking and have always loved it but there’s something about packing everything up and adventuring off into the wilderness and being able to find your own campsite off the grid that truly excites me!

COOKING

I try to cook one-two new recipes a week that I find off Pinterest. I sort of have an obsession with breakfast food and can cook/eat it literally 24/7. I’ve always dreamed of opening up my own breakfast food truck. My boyfriend also just recently introduced me to smoking meat which has been so fun to learn but definitely takes a lot of patience!

TraVELING

I’ve been to over 18 states and plan to hit all 50! I went on a road trip from LA to Florida and it was a dream for me. I got to meet so many incredible people and experienced tons of new food & places. 

ANIMALS

I LOVE all animals, no discrimination here. Dogs of course have to be my favorite but I’ve always been fascinated with reptiles too! I want to draw out ideas, doodle & write sideways? don’t hold me back with lines :)

OPEN WATER

Oceans, lakes, rivers, whatever. I’ve always been a swimmer and absolutely love kayaking. There’s something about being on a kayak in the middle of the lake during sunrise/sunset that brings me true peace.

SOCCER

Before I found a passion for photography, I was dreaming of being a pro soccer player. I played for almost 13 years but had to call it quits after tearing my ACL’s in both knees, but of course that didn’t fully stop me, I always try to get quick sessions in a few times a week at the nearby soccer fields.