Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicki Gaylord.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well like most stories in this profession, mine started as a kid who loved taking photographs. I didn’t like to be in them much, but I always had a camera. I was that friend, always in your face saying “SMILE!” I remember my mom being the same way. We had what seemed like hundreds of photo albums in our home growing up. One of my favorite past times would be to sit down and take a trip back in time.
Instinctively, even now, I scan the photos, absorbing every detail. I tried my hand at some drawing, then I moved onto writing poetry. I once had dreams of writing a poetry book. I submitted several pieces to publications and contests. I wrote poems for mothers day gifts, and wedding speeches. Then I started having children of my own, and once my focus and time change towards them, the words in my head faded. So I turned back to photography. Telling a story with images came easier to a tired mind.
It wasn’t until 2016 that my husband finally pushed me to pursue my passion professionally. He already knew I loved to create beautiful images, and that I loved to fill our home with moments frozen forever. So after our fourth child was born in 2017, it was a no-brainer to step out of my comfort zone and ask others to let me fill their home with their memories as well.
So far I have been fully self-taught, reading any and everything I can get my hands on. Following many many many successful photographers on social media, and listing to their tips and tricks. Chasing the new trends, and coming up with my own unique perspective. But most of all, practicing every chance I can and shooting something weekly if not daily.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think since I had a slow start, and already had so many images to start a profile, that things have been pretty smooth. There are always highs and lows, as with any profession. But the time off can be refreshing too, especially with four kids. I think a struggle for me, is that with having a young family at home, I find it difficult to take time away to go to photography conferences or shootouts. So this year I am committed to attending at least 2 if out of town, and 4 if local.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Heart & Lens Photography – what should we know?
Heart & Lens started out as Mini Moments Captured by Nicki, but wow was that a mouthful. So for purposes of being found easier and not having to spell out anything when asked, I changed it. Now it’s short and sweet, tells exactly what I am about, my heart and my lens. I specialize in family portraits, child photography, and small weddings. My style would be considered clean natural light photography. I love to be outdoors and capture all the beautiful colors nature has to offer.
I am most known for capturing those special little moments you didn’t know you wanted to remember forever. I joke that I would love to find clients who will just let me follow them around and snap photos when they aren’t paying attention. Unposed candid images have my whole heart. I am a sucker for bright sharp sparkling eyes as well. I can’t remember a time when I felt I could afford beautiful portraits of my family. I have always felt that every single person deserves to have beautiful photos of their family, friends, or animals hanging on their walls, and I want to provide that to them.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My heart. Every session I do, I put in my whole heart. I put myself in my client’s shoes, and try to anticipate how they will feel, what they will want out of the session, even going as far as, what will their great-great-grandchildren want to learn about them through these images today.
Pricing:
- Portraits $150 5 fully retouched digital images.
- Weddings $1500 and up, with an online viewing gallery.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heartandlens.com
- Phone: 713-562-4780
- Email: nicki@heartandlens.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartandlens/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartandlens/
Image Credit:
Mary Branum
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
