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.
It 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.
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.
