Conversations with the Inspiring Nicole Thomson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Thomson.

Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I never dreamed or thought I would be a photographer! Before becoming a full-time intimate wedding, destination, and elopement photographer, I had a seven-year career in the digital and tech industry, bringing order to chaos as a project manager and Director of Operations. It wasn’t until I married my husband in November of 2015 that I had to give that career up for his job as an Air Force pilot and started thinking about what the next steps were for me personally and professionally.

In December 2016, people started asking me to take family photos for Christmas cards, which I quickly discovered I wasn’t a fan of. I did, however, discover a love for photography and decided to give it a go in January 2017. I was trained in film photography while in college (think darkroom) and have had a camera in hand to some extinct ever since for enjoyment, so it didn’t take very long to pick up settings and such on my DSLR. I also grew up in a family of artists, so the rule of thirds and such was something I always knew.

Needless to say, I never thought my business would be as successful as it’s been! Everything in life has taken a lot of work and been really hard, but photography has come easy! It allows me to combine my love for people and creativity!

Has it been a smooth road?
Due to my husband’s job, we move A LOT! Six months into my business, we moved and I had to start from scratch. It was very overwhelming and a ton of work! We’ve since moved four times in five years! From the beginning, I had a very clear picture of how I wanted my business to look, which steemed from knowing myself well and our life. I created a very clear plan of where I wanted to be in 1, 2 and 3 years with steps to get me there!

The biggest piece of advice I give people during mentor sessions is to be confident in who they are as a person, as that directly impacts your business! Know yourself and don’t waver in your goals! People will always have something to say or criticize! Stay true to yourself and priorities in life!

Please tell us about Map and Compass Photography.
I’m a guide and photographer for destination elopements and intimate weddings, whether that be in Colorado or abroad in Iceland or Greece! I’m not like other photographers… I actually help my clients plan their day, asking intangible questions like…

– Is there a location or place with personal meaning or significance in your relationship’s history?
– What traditions do you want to start or include in your day?

I don’t just show up and shoot elopements and small weddings, but I help couples ask the intangible questions to create a meaningful wedding day. From just a couple to a 50-person wedding, I help plan a day true to values, personalities and interests!

I’ve been able to create a brand that is 100% me and hands-on. People hire me because of my care and attention, from the planning process to capturing their wedding day. I know when to step back and let a moment happen, or when to carve out moments for special interactions. Being able to not only capture, but help couples plan such an important is priceless!

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Such a great question!

How I Built This – I find so much encouragement as an entrepreneur listening to this podcast! Each episode is a reminder that everyone struggles when starting their business!

Music – I find a lot of my creative energy in listening to music, like Explosions in the Sky, Maggie Rogers, Beirut, etc.

Yoga and Mediation – These two items have been crucial to keeping me grounded in the last three years. My type-A personality can get the best of me. Having time and space to decompress brings about a lot of creativity!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mapandcompassphotography.com/
• Phone: 9039267908
• Email: mapandcompassphotography@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mapandcompassphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mapandcompassphotography

Image Credit:
Myself – Map and Compass Photography

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