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

Hi Mikaela, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I thought I want to be a photographer for a living. Why not start my own business? Now I’m 10 years in and I’m so glad I did!

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 have been a passionate photographer since my first film class in high school. I started with a small Olympus film camera and it was my favorite. However I needed a faster camera so my grandma Jan bought me a Nikon D500. Since then I’ve learned that camera inside and out, its my bread and butter.
After lots of learning, loosing out on gigs and making bad connections with certain people. I learned my lesson. I continued my journey solo and since then have shot weddings, shot pole dance competitions and showcases.
I am unique because I’m multi-faceted. If someone asks me if I can photograph a wedding I say absolutely! If someone asks if I can shoot a home birth I say why not let’s try it! I can take photos of anything and make them come out beautifully. In my shoots I cater to the client, I make sure they get exactly the esthetic they want. I go beyond from a maternity shoot to a wedding, I do it to see the joy on their face when they see the photos.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would absolutely take them to a Red Rocks show! Its the most iconic venue we’d have to go to whoever is playing!
For dinner one night I’d take them to Odessy because its the best Italian food I’ve ever had at a restaurant.
I’d definitely do a day in Boulder and take them on a hike to a place in Boulder called Red Rocks. It over looks the all of Boulder and is sooo beautiful.
Then I’d take them to the Deshanbe Teahouse and have lunch and tea.
Another day I’d do would be to go to Meow Wolf Denver! We’d have drinks in their lounge and then go get food at Jinya Ramen. Then I’d take them to Retrograde for a night cap.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out to my close friends who modeled for me when I first started. I owe it to them for their continuous support over the years! I also owe it to my dad and family who helped me through art school and supported my dream!

Website: https://www.mnlphotography.com

Instagram: @mnl_photograph

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaela-nichols-5b379865?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Facebook: Mikaela Nichols-Lionetti

Image Credits
Model credits: AK Golden and James Golden (two, three)
Model credits: Kayla Richards (first and third)
Model credits: Becca Doska (last two)

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