Nicole C Photography: A Friend and Fellow Photographer

Nicole Cowen is a talented photographer whose passion for storytelling and capturing genuine emotions is evident in every image she creates. I had the privilege of shooting a family session for Nicole while both our families were stationed in Pensacola, Florida. Nicole’s warmth, creativity, and ability to connect with the families she works with shine through her work. In this post, I’ll be sharing more about her journey and the impact she is making through her photography. It’s beautiful to share a community with such a kind-hearted and talented woman.

Nicole wears many hats. Mother, military spouse, photographer, and business owner of Nicole C Photography. Her journey into photography is shaped by all of these roles, and they intertwine beautifully in her life. “I feel like I wear a lot of different ‘hats’ in my day-to-day life that all intertwine together to make me who I am and have directed my business journey,” Nicole says. It’s this blend of identities that has not only inspired her work but also allowed her to see the magic in everyday moments, moments that she now captures for others.

A Lifelong Love for Photography

Nicole’s love for photography began in middle school and her camera became a constant companion after she received it as a Christmas gift. “People have always made fun of me for being the ‘picture person’ and always taking the time to snap a photo or gather people together for a group shot,” she reflects. Over time, she realized the power of freezing those moments in time. How photos could preserve memories long after the moments have passed.

Our Connection

One of my very first family sessions was with Nicole and her family. After that session, she shared how much it meant to her to see her family captured in candid, real moments. “I had these beautiful, candid moments captured that I could display on my wall forever,” Nicole recalls. Seeing those moments preserved sparked something in her. She realized she wanted to do the same for others, to offer families the gift of timeless memories that they could cherish for years.

Balancing Business and Family

As a military spouse and mother of two young children, Nicole needed a career that could balance both her family and her passions. “As a military spouse who moves a lot, has two children, and a husband who is often gone, it can be very challenging to find an accommodating job,” Nicole explains. Photography became the perfect fit, allowing her to work on her own terms and schedule. She found a way to offer something valuable to other families while also being fully present for her own. And Nicole C Photography was born!

Capturing Emotion and Connection

Nicole’s photography is about more than just snapping pictures, it’s about capturing emotion. “Through this journey, I’ve been able to learn better balance. To slow down and soak in the moment as much as possible,” Nicole shares. Whether it’s her own family or a client’s, her goal is always the same – to capture the emotions, connections, and unique qualities of each family she works with. Her hope is that when families look at their photos, they feel every emotion from that day all over again.

Encouraging Others to Capture Joy

Nicole believes in the power of photography to freeze time and create lasting memories. She encourages others to embrace that as well, whether they’re using a professional camera or a phone. “I love being able to tell people’s stories and give them a photograph that represents a special time in their lives,” she says. “I’ll end this by encouraging you to take the time to take the photograph, especially if it’s of something that brings you joy.”

Discover More About Nicole

Nicole continues to bring her unique perspective to families in Virginia Beach, coincidentally where we both grew up. She specializes in creating timeless, beautiful images. You can find more of her work on Instagram and her beautiful website. Take a moment to explore her beautiful portfolio and learn more about her, you won’t regret it!