Interview With Photographer Nicole Hill Gerulat

The last few months I have had a lot of friends and fellow Tech4Moms readers email me asking about where they can go to learn more about their camera. It led me on a wide web search to find the perfect fit for busy moms who want to learn how to use their DSLR’s. I was pleasantly surprised to discover Nicole Hill Gerulat, a Utah native who was born and raised right here where Tech4Moms is located.

Now based out of San Francisco and New York City, Nicole has an incredible portfolio full of bright and cheerful images she has shot for dozens of magazines and nationwide companies. Despite being a busy mom, Nicole works hard shooting, blogging, and educating others through her online classes and in-person workshops.

Nicole has generously taken time from her busy day to be interviewed by Tech4Moms, and we are excited to announce that one of our fellow staff writers is taking one of her online classes, and will be sharing the details of it soon.

When did you decide to be a photographer?

In 6th or 7th grade. My parents gave me a film Canon Rebel G and I fell in love. I photographed the weirdest things, but mostly flowers. Watching my images form on paper (in the darkroom) was a magical process!

What make/model was your first camera?
Canon Rebel G

What is your favorite lens in your camera bag today, and why?  I love my 85mm f1.2 lens. It is soooo sharp!

Do you prefer to photograph people, places, or things?
Things and kids.

Your lovely blog is titled A Little Sussy. How did that name evolve?

When my parents would return from a vacation, they would bring a little gift. My mom would say, “It’s just a little sussy.” -a phrase she learned from her cousin living in Texas meaning a small, unexpected gift.

You teach several online classes along with the brilliant Alma and Mike Loveland. Which classes do you suggest for someone who has just purchased their first DSLR?

Absolutely take Photo 101 –it is for beginners and intermediate shooters. It will show you what to do (even if you’ve never taken it out of the box!) and how to shoot with its manual settings to have complete control over your photographs. You’ll love it!

You have such a unique style that is clean, bright, and crisp. Does your home and living space reflect that as well?

Unfortunately, no. We live in a Tuscan-style home that I’m slowly converting to being brighter. Paint and furniture has helped, but it’s a transition home. I might have a hard time in a future home painting it anything but white!

If you could travel anywhere in the world with your camera, where would you go?

Ireland, New Zealand and back to Greece.

I noticed sometimes you post pictures of your beautiful daughter. Is she a total ham, or is she camera shy?

Thank you! She is a total ham, but no longer helps me out with smiling at the camera. She’s soooo busy too, so it makes it tricky to follow her around for a shot. Plus, she loves looking at herself in the LCD screen so after one shot, she comes running over.

What type of camera do you suggest for people who are ready to make the leap to a DSLR?

I recommend anything in the Canon Rebel series.

How has becoming a mother affected your career?

I can’t do everything I wanted! 🙂 It has made me slow down a little and more than anything, re-prioritize my time and become more efficient. But as far as the work I’m doing and the clients I have, it’s getting better and better.

What advice do you have for other moms who want to follow a career in photography?

Get as much education and assisting as you can before you start. This is soooo important. There are so many digital momtographers around the world that are terrible. Separate yourself from them by learning good technique and perfecting your style.

Do you have any upcoming new classes or events you want to share with us?

We have 7 new classes at NicolesClasses.com! Classes start every two weeks. Follow us on our blog for updated news and info on our Art Weekends and live courses.

Thanks for taking time to talk with us Nicole! To learn more about Nicole, you can visit her blog A Little Sussy.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links.

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