Nicole

Before photography, I spent 21 years in my first career. That experience shaped my love for details, people, and the stories that make every family unique. When I finally leaned full-time into photography, I knew I wanted to create portraits that feel effortless and timeless.

In the studio, I’m equal parts calm guide and Gen X goofball. My not-so-secret essentials? A candy stash and a Diet Coke within reach. The vibe is light, fun, and relaxed so you never feel stiff in front of the camera.

My goal is simple: portraits that make you look incredible, feel comfortable, and live beautifully in your home for years to come.

Karrie Jo

Meet our in-house hair and makeup artist, studio assistant, and biggest evangelist. She’s the calm in the room and the first to cheer you on, making sure you walk into every session feeling camera-ready.

From natural, polished beauty to a little red-carpet glam, she tailors your look to the vibe of the shoot—nothing heavy-handed, always refined. While Nicole is dialing in the light, Karrie Jo is refining the details.

Bottom line: she keeps the pace smooth, the energy high, and the experience fun, so you can relax, enjoy yourself, and look your absolute best.

Together

We keep it professional but never too serious — you’ll laugh, feel comfortable, and leave with portraits that are every bit as fun as they are beautiful. What makes Nicole Gates Photography different isn’t just the images — it’s the team behind them.

Nicole and Karrie Jo have been friends for years, and that energy comes through in every session. We laugh, we hype you up, and we keep things real so you can relax, have fun, and look your absolute best. Between Nicole’s eye for detail and Karrie Jo’s magic with hair and makeup, you’re in the hands of two women who care about making you feel as good as you look.