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Traverse City Photographer

Who's Behind The Camera?


Nicole Geri Photography

I go by my first and middle name: Nicole Geri. Traverse City, Michigan is my home base but I frequently travel, especially in the winter. I specialize in weddings, elopements, engagements, proposals, and portraits. After photographing my first wedding in 2012, my love for photography grew. Feeling extremely comfortable with a camera has led me to experience bucket list destinations; including California, Florida, Mexico, Costa Rica, and many unique places in Michigan. Nothing beats summertime in Northern Michigan. My 6 months home in a small neighborhood called Lakes of the North are treasured. Every year still, by the end of October, I am ready for 6 months of traveling the world.

Traverse City PhotographerIt wasn’t always photography that funded my travels. 7 years working in retail helped me fill my bank account so I could fund extended winter trips. My first trip I found a nanny job in Australia, then nannied again in Italy. Finally for the owners of a Heli-Ski lodge in Alaska. I lived in a 1985 Dodge campervan while exploring the west coast. I’d search for odd jobs, and take on as many photography gigs as I could. I spent another 2 winters in a Dodge Promaster, exploring with trips from Michigan to Florida and the Southwest.

While I always had photography on the side, it wasn’t until 2020 I was able to give my undivided attention to my craft. This focus has led me to further my knowledge so I can add more value to what I offer. I find a lot of joy in videography, started making GIF photo animations, acquired my drone certification, attended photography conferences, and all this lead me to be a confident photographer.

Two things were always certain for me; I love photography as much as I love to travel.

Traverse City Drone Photographer

It is while I am shooting that I often feel the most present in a moment.

I don’t think about anything else besides what I am trying to document quickly adjusting my settings to show exactly what my eyes see. All I’ve ever wanted to do is capture my creative perspective of the world. I love that photography is an art, every photographer has their own creative niche. There are many different ways to capture the same moment, and no one is wrong for their documentary style. My perspective on life is that I will shine bright by being authentically myself. By doing that I will attract others who resonate with my view. It fuels my soul to be immersed in a world of creativity.

Northern Michigan Photographer

It started back when I'd photograph my siblings on disposable film cameras.

Those $5 disposable cameras would then cost me another $7 to develop at the store. With a more advanced film camera in high school, I learned my camera's settings and developed my own photos in a darkroom. When my uncle lent me a digital camera at 16, I asked all my friends and family to get creative with me. My senior year I saved just enough to buy my own camera and a decent lens. That was when photography was simply a passion, but after all these years, I still feel that same spark of joy and wonder it brings to my life.

Fast forward to now

It’s been 10 years since I first picked up a digital camera and I haven’t set it down since.

Professionally, I’ve found my niche in third-wheeling it with couples; weddings, elopements, engagements… Really, anything involving love. I also work with seniors and LOVE when I can get creative with portraits, plus I occasionally take on commercial work but only if I like the brand.

 

AS FEATURED IN

Northern michigan photographer
Traverse city adventure photographer

While Michigan is home, I'm a photographer who also thrives living a life full of travel.

I stay busy year-round by capturing my travels, playing with new editing techniques, learning more from photography workshops, doing website work, etc. While I am based in Northern Michigan from May-October, I leave Michigan in the fall to travel until it warms up again next spring. Winter may technically be my "off-season", but I'm available to schedule shoots all across the US and internationally in the months of November through April. The best part is, my lifestyle gives me the freedom to plan my travels around the sessions I book.

View My Travel Schedule