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

Hi Lauren, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I picked up a camera at the age of 13, unaware of all of the creativity that would come out of something that started as taking pictures of the flowers in my backyard and would later become something I am so passionate about. Photography has been a constant in my life, giving me the ability to evoke many emotions through a moment in time. The thought to go from hobbyist to business owner was a slow burn that came from a love for the reaction I gained from others as they viewed my work for the first time. I knew this was something I didn’t want to fade out in a list of other pastimes, but to become a full time exploration so from there a hobby blossomed into a business.

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.
I think there are a couple things that set me apart… one is how early I began my journey, I was just 13 years old when I discovered what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, which I don’t imagine many people find to be the case for themselves. I have invested a lot into this passion project of becoming a photographer through years high school media classes, a degree in photography and media art, workshops, equipment, and right out time. Secondly, I find my passion for life and the way we choose to live it to be one of the more interesting things about my personal identity and brand as a professional. I find that the greatest things in life are on the other side of our comfort zones, in whatever capacity that may mean for you. To me, I find my greatest growth comes from the exploration of different cities and places, working with unlikely subjects and photographing the seemingly smallest moments of our lives. I challenge myself to fall in love with both the simplistic and extraordinary moments of life by exploring the boundaries of what it means to be an artist.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the many things I love about Nashville is how much there is to do – food, music, concerts, sports… we’ve got it all. I grew up going to the Grand Ole Opry and Bridgestone arena for concerts, so that is a must do on my list to show someone around. The cookery has probably the best pancakes I’ve ever had in my life, such a great breakfast spot. I love to eat at local places like Redheaded Stranger, Izzy’s Feel Good Food, East Side Bahn Mi, and Bartaco for lunch or dinner. I would for sure add a Nashville predators and Nashville Soccer Club game to the list, as well as hanging out on the Parthenon lawn or going to walk around Percy Priest lake.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dad, Jeff, is someone one who has really pushed me to go for my dreams. He has always supported me in every aspect of my wildest ideas wether it be in photography, traveling the world or becoming a better person. He bought me my first camera, has supported me in growing my business and has been my go to person for figuring out how to do life.

Website: https://laurennicholsphotography.mypixieset.com

Instagram: laurennicholsphotography

Image Credits
Lauren Nichols

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