Photographer Spotlight: Nicole Becker of NKB Photo

Location: Glen Ridge, NJ

What's in your camera bag & what's your favorite lens? 

Currently loving my 58mm and shooting film!

Cameras: Nikon D750; FX format Nikon 8008; 35mm film Pentax 645N

Lenses: Nikon 35mm 1.8; Nikon 50mm 1.4; Nikon 58mm 1.4; Sigma 24-70mm 1.8; Rokinon manual focus 135mm 2.0; Nikon 35-80mm 4-5.6

Film Camera: Pentax SMC-A 75mm - MF

Lighting: I prefer shooting in natural light, Nikon SB700 for receptions

Film Preference: Fuji 400H, Portra 800, Ilford Delta 400 BW

Editing: Film processing done by Photovision Prints, digital edits done in Lightroom using custom and VSCO presets

Who inspires you?

First and foremost, my daughters. My eldest daughter was the reason I started taking photography more seriously. And then when my second daughter arrived, I left my full-time job in finance to be with her and to pursue my love for photography. Professionally, I really love following Greg Finck -- his editorial work is just so beautiful. As a women, I feel that Elizabeth Messina just knocks it out of the park every time. I had the pleasure of watching her shoot at Hybrid this year and it was truly inspiring to see her process.

What makes your brand unique?

I know that my work isn't perfect, but neither is motherhood or life in general. I really enjoy capturing the moments that are gone far too soon. When I look back on the images my family captured over the years, my favorites are always the ones of human interaction - smiling, hugging, playing cards. I try to draw inspiration from those memories and invoke true emotion into the images I create for my clients to give an authentic moment that they can visit over and over in their albums and framed heirlooms.

What's your favorite aspect of your business?

My favorite is meeting a new client and then meeting them again & again. I really try to encourage my clients to continue working with me through their milestones so we can create a love story for their family. I find the quiet moments of editing to be the time where I can really build that story from the moments we shared and captured together.

What business advice would you give to someone overwhelmed with starting out?

Be kind to yourself - no one knows the deadlines you've set for yourself, your goals, your inspiration. Take the time you need to really build the brand, the business, the life you want. Manifest those dreams through hardwork and patience. And give yourself grace when it doesn't go exactly according to plans.

What's your Starbucks drink?

Soy Chai Latte 🙂

Where can we find your work?

https://www.instagram.com/_nkbphoto_/

https://www.facebook.com/nkbphotobynicolebecker/