Nicole Peters taking a picture among the cacti at Cactus Country.
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Nicole Peters has pursued the art of photography ever since welcoming her first daughter, Harper, into the world.
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Before she started her family, Ms Peters had never dabbled in photography.
The move to Shepparton from Bendigo in 2014 opened up new opportunities, including an unexpected love for photography.
“A lot of us grow up for most of our lives not really ever knowing what we want to do,” Ms Peters said.
“And there was a time in that period, and before then, where I just didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life.”
But when Harper came into the picture, the young mum found herself wanting to capture every moment of her daughter growing up.
“I had my first child, and I wanted to be able to capture photos of her and our family, moments that were going to be better than using an iPhone,” Ms Peters said.
“I got myself a camera, and from there, a passion that I never knew that I had sort of just formed.”
The aspiring photographer began watching tutorials and reading photography articles to teach herself what she needed to know.
For the most part, Ms Peters focused on snapping photos of landscape views; scenic shots of waterfalls and nature.
Photography became an enjoyable hobby, and nothing more.
That was until Isla was born.
“And then, at the end of 2018, I had my second daughter and at the very start of 2019, I thought, oh, I wouldn’t mind experimenting a little bit with people,” Ms Peters said.
“And it just grew from there.
“I never realised how much impact I could make on someone’s life by taking photos.”
Harper Bartlett, Nicole Peters and Isla Bartlett.
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Ms Peters moved on to offering free photos for her family and friends, while simultaneously improving her skills by getting involved in workshops and mentoring.
After earning a Diploma in Photography in March 2024, she decided to try her hand at transforming her passion into a business.
Since then, the photographer has been involved in projects that have helped strengthen the connection between her business and the community.
Ms Peters has had her photos featured in magazines, with a particularly beloved picture framed in GV Health’s birthing suite.
And occasionally, you can find her hard at work, sharing her gift with the guests of Cactus Country and The Paddock at Ulupna Island.
Although she specialises in families, maternity sessions that focus on celebrating the glow and beauty of pregnancy and newborns, Ms Peters is also known to do weddings, special events such as debs and birthdays, couples shoots, branding and commercials.
During preparations, clients are provided with a session guide that includes an outline of the process and information regarding pricing.
Location guides, styling guides and advice on tips and tricks are also provided.
“So I try to make the process as stress-free and relaxing as I can,” Ms Peters said.
“It’s about letting the parents, the new-time parents who haven’t had much sleep, fighting over who gets to change the nappy and stuff like that — it’s allowing them to have time to sit down and relax and enjoy their time there as well.”
In addition, Ms Peters also owns The Photographers Wardrobe, a side business that allows clients to use clothes and accessories during photo shoots.
Anyone outside of Ms Peters’ clients can rent her clothes for a price.
“I would feel so honoured if anyone wanted to come through me and have me be (a) part of their lives and capture their milestones,” Ms Peters said.
“I love the community that we live in, and I want to be able to give back to our community as much as I can.
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