Meet Nicole Bowman | Photographer

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

Hi Nicole, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first got into photography I was working a typcial 9-5 job. At that time, taking pictures was just a hobby that I practiced on weekends. After becoming a teacher, I really started to turn this into a side business. It meant that I was shooting basically any time that I wasn’t working. It also meant that my work life balance was basically non-existent. Then, I found out I was pregnant, and everything changed. It suddenly became important to me to be able to spend real time at home with our daughter. This motivated me to work towards a “full-time” career in the industry. It’s definitely had ups and downs, but I get to set my own hours, and work around the schedule that works best for my family. It really has changed the way that I look at work life balance, and I couldn’t be happier with it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an artist, I really try to capture emotions and everyday moments. Living in Arizona, it is so amazing to be able to capture an engagement session with a desert sunset and saguaros. My light and bright shooting style, allows my clients to be the main focus. Reaching where I am now as definitely a slow burn. It took a lot of mistakes and trial and error. One of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned is not be afraid to ask for help. It took me a long time to learn that, and as soon as I did, it was game changing. If you could know one thing about working with me, it’s that my goal is to make your shoot easy and fun! We will definitely laugh!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Phoenix is such a great city! We are so lucky to have the horse town of Cave Creek with desert views, and a relaxed atmosphere. While there, you definitely need to check out Buffalo Chip. Downtown is such a unique experience, and there are so many great restaurants like the Pizzaria Bianco and Arrogant Butcher. While down there, you definitely need to check out the Children’s Museum if you have kids. If you have more time, definitely head north and check out Jerome, Sedona, and Flagstaff!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I really got my start in photography working with rescue dogs after I started volunteering with Lucky Dog Rescue. After doing that for a short time, I discovered that there was a whole community of artists who help to find animals forever homes through their artwork, and that lead me to Hearts Speak. I cannot say enough about how much they have shaped me as a photographer, and how much the community that they have built has meant to me. I didn’t know too many photographers in the beginning, and this group made me feel like I belonged. Hearts Speak also teaches rescue organizations how to take better pictures, and to more effectively market their adoptable animals. It has been so much fun to get involved in their trainings and workshops! One of my favorite memories as a photographer was being able to shoot nearly every adoptable animal at the Maricopa County Shelter in one day. It took a team of volunteers and photographers, and it was amazing!

Website: www.nicolebowmanphotography.com

Instagram: @nicolebowmanphotography

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicolebowmanphotography