Meet Nicole Kirshner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Kirshner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi nicole, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I actually pursued a creative career despite being afraid of it for a long time. I always felt drawn to photography, but I grew up believing that being an artist wasn’t a realistic way to make a living. My grandpa used to say you couldn’t make money as an artist, and I took that to heart. Because of that, I chose a more “practical” path and went to school for child and adolescent studies instead of art.

After college, photography stayed with me as a side hustle. I loved it, but I was too afraid to take the leap failure and the lack of guaranteed income really scared me. It wasn’t until I was unexpectedly let go from a job that I was forced to confront the question I’d been avoiding: keep playing it safe, or finally pursue what I was always drawn to.

That moment made me realize that the fear had never gone away but neither had the pull toward creating. In a way, the universe kept nudging me back to photography until I finally listened. I pursued a creative career because it allows me to tell stories, connect with people, and create every single day. Choosing photography was choosing to trust myself, follow my passion, and build a life doing what I love even in the face of fear.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in people and connection. I’m most drawn to photographing real emotion the quiet in-between moments, the way people naturally move and interact when they feel safe and seen. I blend digital and film photography to create work that feels timeless, intentional, and deeply human rather than overly posed or trend-driven.

What sets me apart is the way I approach the experience as much as the final image. I don’t just show up to document a day, I guide my clients, earn their trust, and create space for them to be fully present. I want my work to feel honest and elevated at the same time, images that don’t just show what something looked like, but what it felt like.

Getting to where I am professionally was anything but easy. I didn’t take a traditional path into photography and I kept it as a side hustle for years because fear held me back. Fear of failing, fear of inconsistency, fear of choosing something without a guaranteed outcome. Even after taking the leap, I’ve faced moments of self-doubt, burnout, and the challenge of rebuilding confidence especially after stepping back to become a mother. Each season forced me to grow, reassess, and reconnect with why I started in the first place.

I overcame those challenges by allowing myself to evolve. I learned that success isn’t linear, and that stepping back doesn’t mean starting over. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, ask for support, and stop measuring my journey against anyone else’s. The biggest lesson has been that consistency, resilience, and staying true to your vision matter more than perfection.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that it’s built on authenticity. My story isn’t about overnight success—it’s about choosing courage over fear, again and again. My work reflects that same intention: honest, emotional, and deeply personal. I want people to feel something when they look at my images, and to know that they were created with care, presence, and purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan the week around what I love most being near the beach, moving slowly, and soaking up the best coastal spots that feel equal parts relaxed and special.

We’d start in Newport Beach, where we’d spend a few days fully leaning into beach life. I’d book a night or two at the Lido House (Lido Isle boutique hotel) so we could walk everywhere. Mornings would start with coffee and breakfast at Malibu Farm, sitting outside and watching the yachts drift by it’s one of my favorite views. We’d spend the day lounging at the beach, walking around Lido Marina Village, and letting the day unfold. In the evening, we’d keep it classic and cozy with dinner at Mama D’s.

The next morning we’d grab coffee from Herst Coffee Roasters, do a walk around Lido, then head over to 32nd Street Beach to watch the surfers and enjoy the ocean. For lunch, we’d pop over to Costa Mesa and eat at The Salty Horse before heading back to my house to recharge.

Midweek, we’d head south for a slower, shop-and-wander kind of day in San Juan Capistrano. We’d walk all along Los Rios Street, pop into the small shops, grab coffee from Hidden House Coffee, and stop for afternoon tea at The Tea House on Los Rios. We’d finish the afternoon browsing River Street Marketplace it’s one of those places you can easily lose track of time.

By evening, we’d make our way to Dana Point for sunset. Dinner would be at Truly Pizza (a must), followed by a walk along the harbor as the sun goes down one of my favorite ways to end the day.

Overall, the week would be a mix of beach mornings, good coffee, great food, and slow coastal wandering, the kind of trip that feels effortless, scenic, and full of little moments you don’t rush through.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As cliché as it may sound, the first person who comes to mind is my husband. He believed in me long before I fully believed in myself. When I was scared to take the leap, he was the steady voice reminding me that I was capable and without his constant support and encouragement, my business simply wouldn’t exist.

Professionally, I immediately think of my friendship with Jocelyn from @titusandjo. We’ve worked alongside each other several times throughout my career, and years ago I even had the opportunity to mentor her and her husband. Coming back into my business after having my son was honestly really challenging and I struggled with motivation, confidence, and feeling seen in my work again. Jocelyn has always been an incredible listener and a genuine friend, showing up for me during moments when I felt stuck or on the verge of giving up. Her support, perspective, and belief in me during that season made a bigger impact than she probably knows.

Both of them reminded me that I didn’t have to do this alone and that support, in all its forms, is just as important as talent or hard work.

Website: https://www.nicolekirshnerphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolekirshnerphotography

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolekirshner/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolekirshnerphotography

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/nicolekirshnerphotography/

Image Credits
Nicole Kirshner Photography