Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Ulrich.
Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a passion for photography. Before Nicole Renee Photography existed, I was constantly photographing my own children…completely in awe of the everyday moments.
I officially started my photography business part time in 2012, but the heart behind it began during the hardest moment of my life. In 2011, my son Mason passed away unexpectedly and I found myself completely lost. What started as a small favor (taking a Christmas card photo for a family member), unexpectedly snowballed into a business.
Photography gave me a reason to get out of the house, reconnect with people, and channel my emotions into something creative. It became therapeutic and ultimately helped bring me back to life.
What began as something to help me heal, slowly evolved into wanting to create for other families…tangible memories that I would have loved to have had with Mason. I started to recognize how meaningful photographs truly are, especially when they’re all you have left.
Over time, this turned into a full time business serving families throughout West Michigan and beyond. As a mom who experienced child loss, as well as, raising a child with special needs, my perspective deeply shapes how I approach each session. I’m not looking for perfection; I’m watching for connection, personality, and the small in between moments.
This career has brought more joy into my life than I can even describe. Not only did it help give me purpose after losing Mason, but it also became a way for me to provide for myself and my children after my divorce.
After more than a decade (how has it been that long?!), I still feel incredibly honored to do this for a living. What began as a journey in healing has become a calling…one that allows me to preserve the moments that matter most.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve been fortunate to have a mostly amazing experience on this journey. That being said, there were definitely areas where I struggled.
In the beginning, I was learning not only the technical side of photography, but also how to believe in myself again. Confidence didn’t come overnight. There were times when I second guessed myself (still do that haha!) and I often wondered if I was truly “good enough” to keep going.
As my business grew, new challenges followed…balancing motherhood and running a business while also navigating divorce and learning how to stand on my own financially. Building something sustainable while raising my three surviving children required a resilience and a lot of growth behind the scenes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in newborn, milestone, and family photography. What matters most to me is capturing genuine personality, emotion, and the in between moments.
I suppose I’m known for creating a relaxed, low pressure experience.
Because of my personal journey I approach sessions with a deep level of patience and understanding. I know firsthand that family life isn’t always perfect and I never expect it to be. I’m calm, adaptable, and intentional about meeting families exactly where they are.
There are so many incredible women in this profession, so choosing something that “sets me apart” isn’t something I’m completely comfortable with. However, based on feedback and reviews from clients over the years, one thing I often hear is that I balance heart and professionalism well.
I’ve tried to build a business that is emotionally meaningful and sustainable. It’s important to me that my client communication is prompt and personal and that I carefully curate the types of sessions I offer. I’ve worked hard to create an experience that I would want to have if working with me.
What I’m most proud of is the community that’s grown around what I do. Many of the families I work with return year after year, which is something I’m incredibly grateful for. I get to watch babies grow into toddlers and then into big kids in front of my camera. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of this job and something I never take for granted.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that growth requires courage and boundaries.
In the beginning, I tried to keep everyone happy. I undercharged, overextended myself, and second guessed my instincts more times than I can count. Over time, I realized that building something sustainable meant trusting myself, valuing my work, and creating clear boundaries…even when it felt uncomfortable (as a people pleaser, this was gut wrenching haha!).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicolereneephotographymi.com/
- Instagram: @nicolereneephotographymi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolereneephotography.mi/
