Hello my name is Nicola and I see beauty everywhere. I think the world is made up of puppy dogs and rainbows, with a side of unicorns mixed in. And I think I’m very funny! No, but really, my tag line, “Capturing The Beauty In You” came about very organically after thinking about what I really love to do, and what the results of my artistic visions have created.
Born in Scotland I grew up in a regular family with my parents, sister and 3 goldfish, that I am convinced lived for 18 years. Some of my relatives lived close by, but some further away in the Czech Republic. I was fortunate enough that my family had the ability to travel to see our relatives, and in the winter, to sunnier climes in the Canary Islands. Scotland is pretty cold in the winter, so this was always something to look forward to. I think it was here that I developed a love of photography. Mostly of sunsets and pretty trees, and sometimes my sister in a bikini.
Other than photographing on these holidays, I had a slow start in the art world. Mainly due to my art teacher telling me I was no good at art when I was 12. Yup, it was a pretty encouraging school system. (Yes, I can laugh now.) I didn’t really shoot much until I went traveling after high school, to exotic destinations like Australia, Fiji and Africa. But even then it was just a point and shoot camera.
It wasn’t till I returned and had to pick a career that I turned to photography. “Ok, Dad. I want to be a surf photographer.” And he said yes! So I moved from Scotland to California, and with a few twists and turns, here I am, living in Pasadena and shooting weddings and portraits.
As my friends know, I am nothing if not honest, so I’ll tell you something. Some photographers might tell you it’s all puppies and rainbows, but I’m here to tell you that running your own business is hard work. But if it’s work that you love, which I do, then it’s worth it. And I really do love meeting new people and getting to know them, and I really do get excited at each session for the images I get to capture for my clients. My most treasured possessions are some old photographs I have of my grandparents, and knowing that some of the images I capture, will become those treasure possessions for my clients and their kids and grandkids is the best feeling.
So, in conclusion, I’m a bit crazy, have the gift of the gab, great at sarcasm, hate mushroom, love photography and look forward to meeting you.
