We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Vardo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I worked on this year was not a single wedding or shoot. It was really leaning into photography on my own terms. I set guidelines for myself about how I wanted to work, how to navigate my emotions and the trials of the year, and I used my camera as a way to express myself. Through that process I connected with incredible couples and vendors, built relationships, and even got to travel.
It is meaningful because it showed me that wedding photography can be more than a job. It can be a space for growth, creativity, and community. Every session I did under those new guidelines felt intentional, honest, and like a reflection of both my clients and myself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Nicole, the photographer behind Nicole Vardo Photos. Based in West Texas, I specialize in weddings, engagements, and lifestyle sessions. I started photography as a creative outlet and it’s grown into my way of telling stories and connecting with people.
My approach is intentional and tailored. I plan sessions around each couple’s story so their images feel authentic, not staged, and I handle the logistics so they can simply enjoy the moment.
I’m proud of how my work has grown through genuine connections and travel this year, and I want people to know that their story matters. My goal is to create timeless, honest images that feel like living memories.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Honestly, I never had a set plan for building an audience on social media. I have always felt that my art is first and foremost for me. If it resonates with people and they like my work, then that is amazing but my focus stays on creating what feels authentic.
My advice for anyone starting out is to show up consistently with work that you genuinely enjoy making. Share your process, your behind the scenes, and your story. When you are honest and passionate about what you post, the right audience will naturally find you.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As an empath, it is often easier for me to express emotion by capturing it through my camera. When I am behind the camera with new people or with people I have documented many times before, I forget everything else. Nothing else exists in that moment. That feeling of complete presence and connection is the most rewarding part of being an artist for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicolevardo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolevardophotos/

Image Credits

Nicole Vardo