Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Smith.
Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, I’m Nicole Smith, owner and photographer of Nicole Smith Photography LLC, based in Graham, North Carolina. I’m originally from New York but made my way south to attend Elon University, where I graduated in 2015 with a degree in Secondary Education. After college, I was accepted to Teach for America (a national organization that places passionate educators in underserved schools) and began teaching biology at a low-income school in Greensboro, NC. During that time, I also earned my master’s degree in Science Education from Johns Hopkins University. Soon after graduation, I met my husband, Ben, who quickly became my best friend and biggest supporter. We’ve been together ever since! I fell in love not only with him but also with the small town charm of Elon and I knew it was the kind of place I wanted to raise a family.
Teaching has always been close to my heart. Working in a low-income school allowed me to make a difference far beyond the classroom. I wasn’t just teaching biology; I was mentoring, encouraging, and helping my students see their own potential. I taught for six years, and every year deepened my love for education and community. When COVID hit and schools closed, I used what I called my “big camera,” and offered to my seniors graduation portraits outdoors while following safety guidelines. This small gesture for my students quickly grew and families began reaching out asking if I offered sessions beyond seniors. At first, I charged just $25 a session, never imagining it would become something more!
Fast forward a couple years- I am now a stay at home mom with two wild boys, a golden retriever, an amazing husband and run my own photography business. During my transition from a teacher to a stay at home mom, I’ve poured myself into learning photography by taking in-person and virtual courses, practicing constantly, and developing my own style. That passion and dedication led to the official start of Nicole Smith Photography LLC. What began as a side project during a challenging time has blossomed into a full-fledged business. Today, I get to capture families, seniors, and special milestones for people all across our community. I’m so grateful to do what I love every single day while also being able to raise my family.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, it’s been a pretty smooth journey because photography has always been more of a passion than a requirement for me. It’s something I truly love, and I’m so grateful that I get to do it while raising my two boys and being a stay-at-home mom. This career gives me the flexibility to create my own schedule, keep learning, stay creative, meet wonderful families, and help people capture meaningful milestones all while being present for my own family’s moments.
That said, balancing motherhood and running a business definitely comes with its own set of challenges! I often have my boys tagging along with me to sessions. Sometimes in the stroller, sometimes on their balance bikes. I’m incredibly thankful for my amazing clients who are so understanding and continue to trust that I’ll deliver the same quality and care, even when my little “assistants” are nearby.
There have also been plenty of other learning curves from figuring out my camera settings and mastering Lightroom and Photoshop, to investing in expensive equipment, gaining clients in a small, tight-knit community, and finding my unique photography style. And of course, there’s the never-ending balance of work and family life. I really try to make sure I don’t miss any big moments with my kids, even if it means a LOTS late-night editing sessions.
At the end of the day, I’m so proud to show my boys what it looks like to build something from the ground up, follow your passions, and create a life doing what you love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My photography mainly focuses on family portraits where I am capturing genuine connections, laughter, and those little in-between moments that tell a family’s story. I also love photographing life’s special milestones, from first birthdays and newborn sessions to heirloom portraits, engagement shoots, and more. Each session is a chance to freeze a moment in time that families can look back on for years to come.
What I’m most proud of is the incredible range of clients I’ve had the privilege to work with over the past few years and the friendships that have come from it. Many of my clients come back year after year, and watching their families grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
I think what really sets me apart is my background in education and my experience working with children. Before photography, I spent years teaching, which gave me a deep understanding of how to connect with kids, make them feel comfortable, and bring out their authentic personalities in front of the camera. Being a mom myself also helps me relate to families on a personal level. I know how quickly time flies and how important it is to capture those fleeting moments.
What I’m most proud of is how much this little dream has grown not just as a business, but as a way to connect with people and make a difference. I’m proud of the families who come back year after year, the friendships I’ve built, and the trust my clients place in me to capture their most meaningful moments. I’m also incredibly proud of the balance I’ve found as a mom and business owner. Being able to raise my two boys while building something that’s entirely my own is priceless..= My clients have become more like friends, and I’m so thankful for every family who trusts me to capture their memories and tell their stories.
At the end of the day, I hope my work reminds people to slow down and appreciate the little moments. Embrace the messy, beautiful, in-between memories that make life so special. I’m grateful I get to freeze those moments in time, both for my clients and for my own family.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I wouldn’t call myself a risk-taker at all. In fact, anyone who knows me will tell you I’m about as Type A as they come! I thrive on structure, and I like having a schedule from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep. Straying from that routine isn’t really my style. I actually see a lot of those traits in my oldest son now, and while it makes my husband a little crazy, it’s something I’ve come to appreciate about myself.
That said, I’ve realized that taking risks doesn’t always mean making huge, life-changing decisions. In my photography business, I take small risks all the time such as meeting new families and hoping they’ll connect with me, photographing newborns and trusting that I’ll capture those perfect, once-in-a-lifetime moments, or promoting new mini sessions not knowing if anyone will book them. Even sending off a finished gallery can feel like a risk as I wait to hear if my clients love their photos as much as I do.
Pricing:
- 30 Minute Family Session $140
- 1 Hour Family Session $240
- Heirloom Session $250 Additional Child $150
- Seasonal Minis $125-150
- Newborn $275+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicolesmithphotographync.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_smith.photography/?hl=en
- Facebook: Facebook: Nicole Smith Photography LLC
- Other: https://nicolesmithphotographync.mypixieset.com/contact/
