Meet Nikole Marston (O’Brien) | photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikole Marston (O’Brien) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikole, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own photography business was a natural progression of my passion for photography and a desire to turn my love for it into something more meaningful. I’ve always had a love for photography, something that began in high school and only grew stronger over the years. After moving to southwest Colorado and starting a family, I began to realize the opportunity I had to turn my passion into something more.

In 2021, I decided to take the plunge and start my own business. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but I knew that I had the right blend of skills, experience, and motivation to make it work. I wanted to offer something meaningful.

Being a mother of two, I was driven by the desire for more flexibility and to be present for my family. Starting a business allowed me to balance that, while doing something that made me feel fulfilled. It also gave me the opportunity to connect with others in a meaningful way, as photography is such a personal experience. Ultimately, my thought process behind starting the business was about creating a life where I could pursue my passion, support my family, and make an impact in the community, all while being able to share my love for photography with others.

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.
My journey as a photographer has been one of passion, growth and constant learning. From a young age, I have always been captivated by the power of a single image to tell a story, to evoke emotion, and to preserve memories. Photography has been a love of mine since high school, but it wasn’t until I moved to southwest Colorado and started my family that I truly saw the opportunity to turn that passion into a business. Starting my own photography business in 2021 was exciting yet daunting decision, and it definitely was not an easy path.

What sets me apart in this field is my connection to the people and places I photograph. Living in a beautiful, vibrant area like southwest Colorado, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that I get to incorporate into my work. I’ve built a business around capturing the uniqueness of my clients’ stories, whether it’s through family portraits, special milestones, weddings, or engagement sessions. I always aim to make every session feel personal, relaxed, and meaningful. It’s not just about taking a photo—it’s about capturing the essence of the moment and making sure the people in front of my lens feel heard, seen, and celebrated.

What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built around my business. I’m incredibly grateful for the clients who have trusted me with their memories and for the referrals that continue to help my business grow. Every person who has booked with me, every small business that has supported me, and every fellow photographer who has shared their knowledge has been integral to my success. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The growth I’ve experienced has also been due to the incredible support from my husband from day one. He has helped me balance the challenges of motherhood with running a business, attending college classes, and working full time, and his belief in me has been a constant source of motivation.

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting a business from scratch is no small feat, and there were definitely moments of doubt. There were times when I felt overwhelmed by the balance of being a mother, managing a business, and still trying to perfect my craft. But I learned to trust the process, take things one step at a time, and ask for help when I needed it. The support from my clients and community has been crucial in overcoming these challenges. They’ve helped me stay focused on my passion and reminded me why I started in the first place.

Along the way, I’ve learned so many lessons, from the importance of building relationships to the value of patience and persistence. I’ve learned that running a business isn’t just about being good at photography; it’s about marketing, managing clients, and finding your niche. Most importantly, I’ve learned the significance of staying true to my values and vision as an artist. My work is an extension of who I am, and it’s important for me to remain authentic to myself and my clients.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I am deeply committed to making every experience personal and memorable. I want to create images that people will treasure for years to come—photos that remind them of the love, joy, and beauty in their lives. I am passionate about what I do. My journey has been shaped by the kindness of others, and I want my work to reflect that same kindness and authenticity.

Today, as I look at where I am professionally, I can’t help but feel incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. It’s been a journey full of hard work, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s the love and encouragement that I have received that have made it all possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Cortez. I would definitely take them to Durango & Telluride, I’d make sure they had an unforgettable time exploring the beauty and charm of this incredible area!

• Places to Eat in Cortez, CO: The Farm Bistro, Loungin’ Lizard, Shiloh Steakhouse
• Places to Eat in Durango CO: Ska Brewing Co. Zia Taqueria
Fun & Exciting things to do:
• The history of the Ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde, with its ancient cliff dwellings, is a fascinating experience that offers both breathtaking views and deep cultural insights.
• Take the scenic train ride through the mountains for incredible views and a glimpse into the region’s historic railroading past.
• The Telluride Gondola is a must-do! It offers stunning views as it transports you between Telluride and Mountain Village. The town itself is also charming, with lots of local shops and restaurants.
• San Juan National Forest offers scenic drives and trails, while Bear Creek Nature Trail provides a peaceful and picturesque walk through the forest.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I reflect on my journey and the success I’ve had with my photography business, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along the way. There is no way I would be where I am today without the help and encouragement from others.

I can’t express enough how thankful I am to my clients who have trusted me to capture their special moments. The word-of-mouth referrals and the people who continue to book with me are the lifeblood of my business. Every session and every person I work with has made a lasting impact, and I am so grateful for their support and belief in my work. And I can’t forget the local businesses and organizations who have welcomed me, collaborated with me, and referred clients my way. Their support has been integral to growing my presence and establishing my business in this wonderful community. I also want to give a heartfelt thank you many other photographers in my community who have supported me– whether through sharing their wisdom, offering advice, or simply creating a community where collaboration is more important than competition.

But above all, I owe so much to my husband. He has been my biggest supporter since day one—cheering me on when I doubted myself and helping me balance the demands of work and family. His constant encouragement has been a driving force behind my success, and I couldn’t have done it without him.

Looking back, it’s clear that I didn’t get here alone. The support from friends, family, fellow photographers, clients, and local businesses has been invaluable. Each of these connections has played a pivotal role in helping me achieve my dreams, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Website: https://www.lightandlovephotography.net

Instagram: @_lightandlove.photography

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

Image Credits
@sayyesbridal