Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Deisinger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

Oh boy have things changed since I first started this creative endeavor! Rewind back to the summer of 2005, equipped with a point and shoot Kodak EasyShare, I photographed by sister’s senior portraits in our parent’s backyard and thought to myself, “I could actually do this for a job!”

I’ve always been the creative, artsy type – crafting with my Grandma every chance I could get, being active in 4-H doing art and photography projects (sunsets and cat photos were my jam!), taking the Graphic Communication class while in High School at the local Career Tech school (which I’m now an instructor at), and continuing my education at a University majoring in Graphic Design and Interactive Media.

Anyways – back to how it all started… after having such a positive response to the photos I took for my sister, I hustled, hard — printing promotional photos on my little inkjet printer and hand cutting them while sitting on my living room floor to fit into 4×6 albums, which I would then take to the local High Schools in hopes that students would like what they saw and give me a call to book a session. Now keep in mind this was before social media was used for marketing and most professional photographers (at least in my neck of the woods) were still using film! It wasn’t long after, I was booking Homecoming and Prom Formals and Senior Portraits appointments started filling up my calendar. I remember thinking “Me?! How cool is it that this shy, small town girl is going to make a name for herself doing something I absolutely LOVE.” In fact, I came up with a little motto that I, to this day, still use as part of my business model — Growing up you are told to “do what you love” and nothing could be truer for me.

Nicole, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi I’m Nicole.
“Golden Hour Chaser, Magic Maker”

Based out of Historic Galena, Illinois and available for travel worldwide, Orange Anchor is a lover of light, color, and images dripping with authenticity and life. I’m here to invest in you and every beautiful chapter of your story.

I often get asked, why the name Orange Anchor?
It all begins with an idea… which admittedly came to me where I do my best and profound thinking – in the shower. The anchor is a symbol of being grounded and constant for my love of all things creative and I chose orange, not only because it’s my favorite color, but because it’s a power color – it stimulates creativity and represents vitality.

Besides a Photographer, Who am I?
I’m mama to the sweetest blue eyed little boy, Archer Kane, and am expecting my second baby this July, I’m a wife to Shawn – who is the love of my life, and “Ms. Cole” the Graphic Comms Instructor at the CTE Academy in Elizabeth, IL. I liked tacos before they were a “thing” and am an advocate of afternoon naps (though those are far and few these days having a toddler running around) I believe getting your hands dirty is good for the soul and that I’m outright fire at singing Tina Turner’s Proud Mary…. but don’t ask me to prove it unless you have tequila.

What is my style?
“Magical, full of life, authentic, colorful, creative, candid, vibrant, raw, warm, captivating, and really fucking awesome” are few terms that have been used to describe my work.

What is a typical session with me like?
Not one session is alike. But the majority include laughing, twirling, fart sounds, story telling, jumping, hand holding and ring-around-the-rosie, nose kisses… just to name a few. Brides reading this, bodily noises usually only occur after the vows have been said and that one groomsman (you know who I’m talking about) has had a few too many.

Favorite thing about being a Photographer?
Meeting people and discovering what makes them extraordinary. I also just genuinely love being behind the camera and feel most “myself” when creating.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is the ability to communicate and connect with others in a way that words alone can’t always achieve. Specifically being part of someone’s most intimate and special moments. There’s something deeply fulfilling about capturing those raw, authentic connections and preserving memories that people will treasure forever. I love getting to meet so many different people and discovering what makes them extraordinary—everyone has a unique story, and being able to reflect that in my work feels truly meaningful. Every shoot gives me the chance to see individuals in a new light and reveal something beautiful or unique about them that they might not have noticed before. It’s not just about taking pictures—it’s about building a connection and helping people see themselves in ways they may not have imagined and it’s a privilege to create something that will hold significance for them long after the moment has passed.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I really wish I had known earlier how crucial it is to stay true to yourself as a creative, and not get caught up in comparing your work to others. Early on, I found myself second-guessing my style, constantly wondering if my work was ‘good enough’ or if it measured up to others in the field. The truth is, comparison can be paralyzing, and it wasn’t until I embraced my own perspective and voice that my photography started to feel more authentic. There’s so much pressure to conform to trends or to get the approval of others, but learning to trust my own creative instincts and take risks has been one of the most freeing parts of my journey.

Creativity thrives when you embrace what feels true to you, rather than trying to please everyone else or mimic what’s trending. Follow your own path, even if it doesn’t always align with what’s popular at the moment and understanding that it’s okay for your personal style to evolve over time. Everyone has their own unique vision, and finding mine took some time and patience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.orangeanchor.photo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangeanchor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeAnchorPhotography

Image Credits

All images taken by Nicole Deisinger | Orange Anchor Photography