We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Garmise. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.
Nicole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
My clients become friends. Our relationship develops from then start of their booking inquiry, well after their session ends. Photography is such an intimate experience, it feels weird to just part ways after a session is over. I learn so much about each client I photograph, and I spend hours staring at their faces while I edit. I have given clients rides, I have brought coffee to new mommas at their newborn sessions, I have offered to drive to meet them to try on client closet outfits before our sessions. I believe in giving an above and beyond experience.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a lifestyle photographer servicing the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area. I specialize in all things family- from the conception of your relationship- couples photography, to engagement, maternity, newborn, and family sessions. I love to grow with my families, seeing them through all of these magical, life-changing stages of their lives.
I’ve always been into photography, but I didn’t see it as a career path until my husband encouraged me to try it out. I was always the storyteller of my friend group; I was the one with the camera. When I had my kids, I wanted to capture every moment of their lives, and I started working on composition and learning lighting. I spent many years practicing and learning everything I could. With out my husbands unyielding but gentle prodding, I don’t know if I would have ever taken the leap. It’s scary to create something so meaningful and share it with the world.
I create stories for my families, and I think this sets my work apart. It’s never about the, ‘look at the camera and smile’ pictures. I live in the in-between. The small looks, the gentle touches, and the quick hugs of comfort. I love capturing the small details that change so quickly. I want to gift these details forever for my mommas. The tiny hands, the way they squat while looking for sea shells, how their little arms warp around your neck. I also love capturing the older teen dynamic, and getting them out of their shell. It’s almost like a challenge to me. I love the wild children, and the reserved, hard to reach kids. I love to try and connect with them on their level. It also brings me so much joy to hear dads say that they actually enjoyed our sessions!
My editing style is colorful, and more moody. I offer an extensive client closet of women’s dresses and some men’s and children’s items.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I’ve learned so much through my photography business. My business has made me a better person. I have learned to only compare myself to myself. To keep my head down and keep true to my heart. I have learned (or I am still learning!) how to balance work + life. I have a big family, we homeschool and my kids are my life so sometimes it’s a hard juggle.
Have you ever had to pivot?
There have been many times I have had to take time to reassess. Photography is an art, and as artists we can get burned out quickly. I have reached burnout many times and have had to reflect and step back, to create space for other creative outlets to refill my cup. I used to fight slow season, and worry I would never by busy again, but now I take the slower seasons as a time to recoup and refill my creative soul.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unscriptedphotographers.com/5wildlingsphotography
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5wildlings_photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5WildlingsPhotography
