Meet Nicole Mondestin | Photographer

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

Hi Nicole, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I grew up when my beauty wasn’t considered the traditional standard of beauty. As a result, I was surrounded by so many people who felt they weren’t beautiful because of their features. What they saw as flaws, I saw as beauty marks. I used my camera to show them what I saw. I wanted to celebrate those features and redefine beauty to include all shades, colors, hues, and hair types.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The first time I was handed a camera, I had no interest in the camera or taking photos. I was traveling out of the country to Europe without my parents the last thing I wanted was photographic evidence of my shenanigans. Little did I know I would spend 90% of my time taking photos when I returned home. I told my parents that I wanted to be a photographer. And I was told that it was a nice hobby, but I needed to support myself with a stable job. My parents were of the generation where you go to school, you get an excellent job with a pension, and buy a house, etc. So I decided to become a lawyer. I got accepted to law school and chose not to be a lawyer. While working as a paralegal, I needed a creative outlet and rediscovered photography. I also was tired of how much of myself I had to strip away to be considered professional in a corporate setting. One day we had to take photos and I was told my hair wasn’t professional because it was loc’d. I knew at that point that I wanted to take photos that celebrated people, whether it was headshots, portraits, boudoir or maternity. I was interested in showcasing the person and the attributes that make them unique. Photographing them the way they wanted to be seen. It wasn’t easy to get to where I am today. Sometimes a lot of people didn’t see my vision. I was told I was doing everything wrong only to learn that sometimes you have trust your gut. I learned to take advice and sort through it. Some parts you can use, and other parts you can put on the shelf for later. I overcame challenges by sticking to my guns creating work that had meaning to me and seeking out clients that aligned with my vision. I want the world to know that I create images that inspire, empower and celebrate you. I turn flaws into beauty marks, weaknesses into strengths, and highlight the potential that’s been overlooked. I want you to see your true essence in photos I capture. I want you see your eyes, your curves, and your light. Most importantly I want people to love themselves in front of and behind the camera.

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?
I would like to shout out my husband Marc Mondestin, my family, and friends Nicole & La’Tasha Summer, and La’Tasha Richards. They have all played a major role in my life, business and success. 

Website: www.nicolemondestinphotography.com

Instagram: @nicolemondestinphotography

Facebook: @nicolemondestinphotography

Image Credits
Nicole Mondestin Photography