Daily Inspiration: Meet Nicole Cole

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

Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started taking pictures for my mom when she needed help during her time in business with her best friend when I was in high school. I always had a passion for art and people and even considered changing my physical education degree to a general art degree but never did, I was really far in. My mom put her side business of photography aside when her friend passed away. Fast forward to 2016, I had my first child and was desperate to start capturing memories, so I borrowed my mom’s old DSLR and started clicking. Before long, I was in love with the craft of making memories that could be held in a frame. Other families were asking me to take their pictures and next thing I knew I was asked to photograph my first wedding, it has taken off from there.

I named my business Soulshine Photography because that word has always been there for me. I want to share the shine that God has placed inside of me to really capture the souls that step in from of my camera. I believe that this aspect of my business is what has allowed it grow the way it has. I now document around 15 weddings a year, 40+ lifestyle family sessions, and 20+ newborns a year. Having the encouragement of my family and my faith in Christ has helped me keep a perspective to love all of my clients with a full heart. Mom, Deborah, is my business partner and having her to walk with me through this season of my life has helped grow Soulshine in ways that would not have been so easy without her. My business is not about me or what I can gain. The heart of my business is truly to love others well.

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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but the struggles that have come our way have only helped us grow. I would say the top struggle I have faced is mentally. It is very easy to pull out the phone, hop on Instagram, and start comparing. My business and my identity is not found in the response my images receive on social media.

I am grateful for it, but I have to constantly get into God’s word and remind myself that, while yes, other photographers are amazing and take gorgeous images, I have been blessed with a talent and a love that I put into my images and my clients. Another struggle is feeling defeated when clients do not choose our business for their occasions. I believe all photographers struggle with this. I have learned that the clients I have been blessed with are put in my life for a reason. A reason that goes far beyond documenting moments. For this perspective, I am so grateful. It has helped me grow into a more joyful person and photographer.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in lifestyle family, newborn and wedding photography. Capturing moments as they really happen. This is great on wedding days because there is so much natural connection already happening all around. For family sessions I prep all of my clients with information of what to expect during their session. I encourage tons of play with their children, and I am known for helping families cut loose and enjoy the imperfectly perfect in the season of life their children are in. I am most proud of the way I capture connection that is unique to each client. Some people are more playful in their interactions. Others are more loving, romantic and calm. It sets me apart to be able to read each client without putting an expectation on them to be anything other than who they are.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Through the Covid-19 crisis, I have learned that humans are made for deep and meaningful interaction with one another. Our hearts crave to be around others. We are made for relationships. This perspective drives me to connect more with the people in my life in a more intentional way.

Pricing:

• Weddings: 2,800 – 3,500
• Lifestyle: 200 – 300
• Maternity and newborn: starting at 500

Contact Info:

• Email: soulshinephotography10@gmail.com
• Website: https://soulshine.photography/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulshine__photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulshinephotographynicole

Image Credits
All photos taken by Soulshine Photography