As an award-winning, published photographer in McAllen, Texas, I understand that family is everything. Your family’s story is unique—filled with inside jokes, tender moments, and the kind of authentic connections that deserve to be preserved as beautiful artwork for your home.
At Nicole Gates Photography, located at 321 N. Main Street in downtown McAllen, I specialize in creating family portraits that capture not just how your family looks, but who you truly are together.
Every family that walks into my studio brings their own dynamic, their own energy, and their own love story. Whether you’re celebrating a new addition to the family, marking a milestone like graduations or anniversaries, or simply want to freeze this moment in time before the kids grow another inch, I’m here to create portraits that will become treasured heirlooms for generations to come.
My approach to family photography goes beyond traditional posed portraits. Yes, we’ll capture those beautiful, frame-worthy images where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling—because those are important too. But I also focus on the in-between moments: the way your toddler reaches for daddy’s hand, how mom naturally smooths down her daughter’s hair, the genuine laughter that happens when someone tells that favorite family story, the funny, the messy, the outtakes and the real. These are the moments that truly tell your family’s story.
Serving families throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr, and beyond, I offer studio sessions in our cozy and comfortable downtown location to capture you and your family without any distractions.
What sets my family photography apart is the same attention to detail and artistic vision that has earned recognition in my portrait and competition work. I believe every family member should feel comfortable and confident during their session. This means I work with all ages—from wiggling toddlers to teenagers who’d rather be anywhere else, to grandparents who want to capture their legacy with the whole family. I know how to bring out genuine smiles and create an atmosphere where your family’s true connections shine through.
My family photography sessions begin with a complimentary consultation where we discuss your vision, your family’s unique dynamics, and what you hope to achieve with your portraits. I provide guidance on wardrobe selection that will make everyone look coordinated without being matchy-matchy, help you design the right piece for your walls at home, and walk you through the entire experience so you know exactly what to expect. We also professionally install your wall art because we know that you are busy and we love taking care of all the details from beginning to end.
The investment in professional family photography is an investment in preserving memories that become more precious with each passing year. Long after the chaos of daily life fades, these portraits will remind you of exactly how much love filled your hearts during this season of your family’s journey.
Based in McAllen’s vibrant downtown district, I’m proud to serve the families of South Texas who understand the value of capturing authentic, beautiful moments together. Whether this is your first professional family session or you’re ready to update portraits from years past, I’m honored to be entrusted with preserving your family’s most precious memories.
Let’s create something beautiful together—something that tells your family’s story in a way that will make your hearts full every time you see it hanging in your home.
To see more family photos, you see them at www.nicolegatesphotography.com!
Ready to begin? Contact Nicole Gates Photography today to schedule your complimentary family photography consultation. Hit that contact button to book a call with me to start planning your perfect family portrait experience.
