Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikole Marston. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Nikole, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from the struggles I’ve faced in life. I’ve learned that even in the hardest moments, there’s always something to hold onto—whether it’s hope, lessons learned, or the simple fact that pain doesn’t last forever. Choosing to focus on the positive doesn’t mean life is easy; it means I believe there’s always a way forward. Every challenge has shown me strength I didn’t know I had, and that’s what keeps me looking toward the brighter side.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I run Light and Love Photography, where my heart is truly in capturing people’s most meaningful moments… whether it’s weddings, families, seniors, or those everyday connections that often go unnoticed. What excites me most about my work is being able to preserve emotions and stories in a way that people can look back on for a lifetime. It’s not just about taking a beautiful photo, it’s about holding space for people, making them feel comfortable, and drawing out their authentic selves in front of the camera.
What feels most special about my brand is that I approach photography with intention and care, rooted in connection and storytelling. Every session is about celebrating people as they are, with honesty and beauty.
Right now, I’m excited to be expanding more into creative portraiture and branding sessions, while continuing to focus on couples and families here in Southwest Colorado. I also love collaborating with local communities and exploring ways to bring more art and heart into my work.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey.
First, resilience—life doesn’t always go the way we plan, but learning to keep going, adapt, and not let setbacks define me has been huge. Resilience isn’t about never falling, it’s about choosing to get back up and keep showing up.
Second, connection. Building trust with people.. whether in business or life, has been at the core of everything I do. Photography, for example, is so much more than pictures; it’s about helping people feel seen and valued. Learning how to listen and connect has opened more doors than I could’ve imagined.
Third, creativity and curiosity. Staying curious has allowed me to grow, experiment, and find joy in the process instead of just the outcome. Creativity doesn’t always mean art—it’s also problem-solving, finding new perspectives, and daring to try things differently.
My advice for anyone just starting out is to give yourself permission to be a learner. Resilience comes from experience, so don’t be afraid of mistakes. Connection grows when you practice being genuine and showing up for people. And creativity expands when you make space for play and exploration. The most important thing is to keep going, keep learning, and trust that growth happens step by step.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, absolutely!! I would love to collaborate with other artists and creatives! I’m especially excited about connecting with photographers, hair stylists, models, and local business owners who share a passion for creativity and building each other up. My goal is to create a community rooted in connection, support, and the pursuit of our dreams together.
If anyone feels inspired to collaborate, I’d love to hear from you!
You can connect with me through my website at www.lightandlovephotography.net,
on Instagram at @_lightandlove.photography,
by email at [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lightandlovephotography.net
- Instagram: @_lightandlove.photography
- Facebook: Light & Love Photography
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