Rising Stars: Meet Nicole Crawford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Crawford.  

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve wanted to be a photographer for as long as I can remember. It’s not the “normal” thing to go to college for, so often I was asked what I really wanted to do. Still, after high school, I went to Grand Valley State University for a couple of years, where I studied photography. It didn’t take me long to realize that this wasn’t the right path for what I wanted to do. While I did enjoy my photography classes, the overall college experience just didn’t feel right for me. I came home and continued to take classes at a local community college. It was there that a professor, who saw that I was bored in a classroom, suggested I look into an intensive program instead. This led me to Missoula, Montana. It seems wild to think about now, but I packed up my stuff and spent a summer living 1,600 miles away. It was easily the best choice I’ve ever made in my life. When I came back, I dove right into shooting weddings solo and I haven’t turned back. This year, after 6 seasons and far too many other jobs making photography my side gig, I went full-time with my own business. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has had its ups and downs for sure. It was hard starting out because I was a server and I was giving up shifts where I would likely make more money than what I was charging for sessions at the time because I had to start somewhere. I’ve learned A LOT since then, hugely how to manage my time and to charge what I’m worth. And let’s be real, I am still struggling with consistency on social media and playing the comparison game. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Wedding Photographer in Southwest Michigan who specializes in documenting your story. I would venture to say that I am more known locally as a Family Photographer. Both of which I am immensely proud of. As an artist, I am so proud of where I am today and where I started. It is so fun to watch my work grow, especially when I get to watch my clients grow with me. I like to make my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera, so less posing and more prompting to capture real moments. I am working on even more of that, especially when it comes to family portraits. I think this approach sets me apart from other photographs, as well as the warmth and style to my final images. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am open to working with anyone, just inquire and we can see if we’re a good fit. I love to collaborate with other wedding industry vendors, let’s plan a styled shoot! As far as support goes, if you like my work follow me and share my photos with your friends and tell people if you’ve done a session with me so that they can book me too. My small business thrives on repeat customers but also on referrals. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nicolebatesphotography.com
• Instagram: @nicolebatesphotography
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicolebatesphotography

Image Credits
Molly Grunewald Photography
Nicole Crawford