Daily Inspiration: Meet Nicole Michaels

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Michaels

Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a registered nurse for over a decade, even though I knew I had chosen the wrong career about five minutes in. Nursing was a reliable, respectable profession, like something a mom of four with a mortgage should be doing. So, of course, I went into a high-burnout specialty and spent most of the past ten years working in various areas of psychiatric nursing.

Outside of work, I spent my time either dreading my next shift or working on anything creative. Handmade, themed family Halloween costumes every year. Over-the-top birthday parties that my daughters and I spent the summer planning. Last year, when they asked for a “Jaws” theme, I built a replica of the Orca out of two rafts from the Dollar Tree, cardboard, spray paint, and a vision, ending with a cinematic shark attack reenactment in my parents’ pool. Or maybe I was upcycling a cool piece of thrifted furniture.

And through it all, I was the one with the ancient Fujifilm, taking candids of my kids, my family, my friends, my neighbors—editing them and sending them out. I bet there’s a 50% chance if you met me, I had a camera around my neck.

At some point, I realized that my DIY family photos, even from my wobbly tripod and timer, were actually pretty good. Of course, it took years (and constant supportive friends and family) to convince myself that they were pretty good. Like, “people might actually pay for this” good.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road. The hardest part wasn’t learning photography or working with clients—it was convincing myself that photography could be a “real” career. That I wasn’t just playing around with a camera, but that this could actually be my thing.

Putting myself out there was terrifying. I made an Instagram full of my photos, thought I was being clever with a psych nurse pun for a business name. It turns out no one really gets it, but Nicole Snaps Photography was born. I started posting, trying to turn my hobby into a business, for everyone I knew to watch me possibly fail spectacularly in real time on social media. But…people started booking. And kept booking. And here I am, doing this as my job! I quit nursing in January and haven’t looked back (except to my decade’s worth of friendships). I’m not huge, yet – but it’s growing, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a portrait photographer, mostly—that’s my love. My sessions are quick, easy, and laid-back, especially for families with young kids. I know how stressful family photos can be, and my whole goal is to make them not feel like a chore. You show up, I cross my fingers and hope for some good shots, and the goal is for you to end up with beautiful, natural-looking photos. I love the “kind-of directed candids,” and if I get a real candid, even better! You’re going to remember your family through my photos exactly as you were.

I also specialize in whatever fun idea someone dreams up! You want me to shoot a baby shower that’s actually a surprise wedding? I’m game! (As long as you know I am NOT a wedding photographer, and I will be winging this.) A glam motherhood shoot where you pose like a supermodel while holding a sippy cup and a bag of Goldfish? Let’s do it. You want to recreate a 90s sleepover with an air mattress, childhood bedroom nostalgia, matching PJs, and a landline phone? Absolutely!

I’m proud that even though I could probably benefit from some business lessons, I’ve built this in a way that keeps photography accessible. Every photography business tip I see is “Charge more! Raise your rates!” Maybe I could. But I want everyone to have a good portrait of their kids, their family, their life in this moment. So I keep my prices reasonable. Photography for the people. And in the process, I’ve met some of the absolute coolest, kindest people.

What makes you happy?
Golden hour, cliché, but it just makes everything look magical.

And music—my giant ’70s record player console (which is also my TV stand, vintage and thrifting also makes me happy!) is spinning Billy Joel, Atmosphere, and definitely Fleetwood Mac. Some things come and go, but Rumours is forever.

And the best? When someone tells me the photos I took made them cry. Seeing my photos hanging in someone’s home. The first time a client sent me a picture of a framed portrait I took, hanging on their wall. That’s when I know I got it right.

And of course, my four amazing kids and husband—my models, muses, and biggest cheerleaders. They’re the reason I took this leap and they’re why I get to do what I love…even if they won’t smile for my own Christmas card.

Pricing:

• Family Session – $150
• Engagement & Couples Session – $200
• Senior Session – $300
• Dance & Sports Session – $100

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nicolesnapsphotographysouthlyon.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesnapsphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dkwztkz1P/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://book.usesession.com/i/s2PCwH8DxS