Conversations with the Inspiring Bronwyn Nicholson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bronwyn Nicholson.

Bronwyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
If my accent doesn’t give it away, you’ll probably realize soon enough that I wasn’t raised in the USA. The fact that I come from exactly halfway around the world still stuns me some times. If you were to drill a hole right through the center of the earth, you would come out to the little country of South Africa, where I was born and raised.

Photographing our spectacular wildlife in South Africa is what started my journey into photography and has been a great joy for me, a joy I hope to encourage my children to do one day.

I met my incredible husband in a faraway place and through his stories and zest for life, I came to live in the USA and have been so grateful for the life we have built here.

Have you ever sat down and thought about how often we are spontaneous versus being deliberate. I noticed when I was capturing my kids that there was spontaneity in their movement and nature that I didn’t see all the time but saw it so clearly in their images and it was the love of capturing this spontaneity that drove me to take more pictures.

That is why you’ll see my work, especially with kids and families, tends to drift away from a static image to an image capturing that essence that makes you-you, when you’re not being deliberate when you’re being your spontaneous self surrounded by those you love the most.

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?
My biggest obstacle was our constant moving due to my husband’s work. It was difficult to build a solid client base. We finally found our tiny slice of heaven and decided to put down roots. The most helpful thing to build my business was seeking help from friends that have lived in the area for many years. To find connections through them.

I was would say as a young starter keep chipping away… there will be times when you feel like the path forward is so uncertain and almost monumental but consistently taking small steps forward will get you there in the end.

Also, remember that other women are our best supporters, I have learned this well. Ask questions, learn as much as you can and network. Amazing people will come into your life when you need them.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I started out as an airline pilot. I flew commercial jets for a good part of my career. I was heavily involved in what was considered a mans position. It taught me that women can be as competent and as equal to men as they choose. We decide our path and there is nothing that can stop us from reaching those goals.

When I stopped flying and took up photography, I was commissioned to do a photography session that took a spin on young girls being more than “little princesses” – they wanted to be tough – they wanted to be both.

Initially, I thought it was just a trend but after the session and the results we got from it, I was in awe in what I had just experienced. There they are – these young girls that are already starting to learn that they can rock any path they choose, there is no proverbial box. The joy and pride their mothers took seeing their young daughters being both beautiful and strong, fierce and fabulous was immeasurable.

I think I’d like to explore this type of photography further. Visual communication is a powerful tool.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My mother was a very powerful force in my life. She was a strong beacon guiding my decision to become a pilot. She never once made me think I wasn’t capable of moving in a male-dominated arena.

She passed away 10 years ago but she would be proud to see that I have branched out and started my own business. She was a very successful business owner herself.

Pricing:

• My mini sessions start at $250 a session. This includes 5 digital images that are edited. Additional images are priced per image.

Contact Info:

• Address: 7977 Monarch Rd, Larkspur, CO 80118
• Website: www.bronwynskye.com
• Phone: 720 648 2423
• Email: bnicholson775@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronwynskyephotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bronwyn-Skye-Photography-237592009776809/

Image Credit:
Photo of me: Shannon Harp Photography, Photos of kids: Bronwyn Skye Photography

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