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. Before I made a living as a Northern Michigan photographer, 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 spent a couple winter seasons in a 1985 Dodge Camper Van while exploring the west coast. I’d search for odd jobs, and take on as many photography gigs as I could. The 85 Dodge broke down all across the US. Later, I 2 winters in a 2019 Dodge ProMaster, exploring with trips from Michigan to Florida and the Southwest. These stories of travel fill my journals, while the photos bring these memories to life.
While I always had photography on the side, it wasn’t until 2020 I was able to quit my retail job for the final time. I gave 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, creating GIF photo animations, I studied then acquired my drone certification, am officiated, and am often learning from photography conferences/workshops/educational events all across the world. It was a combination of this hunger for photography knowledge lead me to be the confident photographer I am today.
Two things were always certain for me; I love photography as much as I love to travel.