Rising Stars: Meet Mikaela Nichols-Lionetti of Longmont

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikaela Nichols-Lionetti.

Hi Mikaela, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started taking photos when I was in high school with an Olympus film camera. I found a love for creating my own worlds within my photoshoots. From there I went to art school in San Francisco and Chicago. I majored in painting but I continued my love of photography with doing shoots with friends. When I turned 20 my grandma Jan bought me my first DSLR camera and made my current dreams come true. Since then I’ve done weddings, been published, and created MNL Photography.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been far from a smooth road! I have gone through a lot in my camera career. I have learned who to work with and who don’t jive with me. I’ve been humbled by many photographers but I have also found a lot of help through them too! Lighting was the biggest hurdle. But through the help of friends and trial & error I’ve mastered it! The struggles have always brought me to something greater and I’m forever grateful.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do a little bit of everything! I shoot dance events, cosplay shoots, boudior, and weddings. I have been working on building my mermaid shoots and I even have a mermaid tail!
In each set I cater to my clients, I provide props, most costumes and Polaroid shots! I love to learn a personal thing about each client and incorporate it into our shoot. Through that I create a personalized theme to tell the story!

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is how my clients feel during the shoot. I want everyone to feel comfortable and confident while they’re in the experience.
When a client looks at me and says “Oh my goodness thats amazing.” It brings a huge smile to my face. There’s nothing better in this world than helping someone see how beautiful and amazing they are!

Pricing:

• Weddings $1200 to $1800
• Dance events $60 per performer
• Boudior shoots $200
• Cosplay shoots $200
• Mermaid Shoots $200

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mnlphotography.com
• Instagram: @mnl_photograph
• Facebook: Mikaela Nichols-Lionetti

Image Credits
1st: Tina Silver
2nd Lindz
3rd AK and James Golden
4th Kayla Richards
5th Laney Collins