Nicole Hawkins

Hi! Tell us about yourself

Hi! I’m Nicole — mom to two wonderful kids in the local public schools, and cat mama to Clover (our orange tabby) and

Lucky (our grey striped tabby with bright green eyes). I grew up on Long Island as the youngest of five, with four older brothers.

Before photography, I practiced law, first in Manhattan as a mergers and acquisitions attorney and later on Long Island as an appellate lawyer. After becoming a mom, I discovered photography as a creative outlet and quickly realized it was my true calling. I started my business in New York City in 2017, and when our family moved to Maplewood in 2020, I opened my studio here soon after. Working with designer Hollie Velten, I transformed a blank space into a warm, welcoming studio that feels both elevated and comforting — a place where parents can relax and simply enjoy being together.

Outside of work, I’m happiest surrounded by flowers and sunshine. I love tending to my garden and growing dahlias in every shape and color — it’s my favorite creative outlet when I’m not behind the camera.

Tell us about your business

Nicole Hawkins Photography is a full-service portrait studio in Maplewood, NJ, specializing in joyful, soulful portraits of babies, children, and families. We serve busy parents who value artistry, professionalism, and a seamless experience—from wardrobe styling and hair and makeup coordination to custom-designed, heirloom-quality artwork. Known for our minimalist, modern studio portraits, we also offer in-home newborn and outdoor family sessions for those who love authentic, yet polished images. With years of experience working with energetic toddlers and children of all abilities, sessions are always relaxed, fun, and thoughtfully tailored to each family.

Where did you grow up?

Merrick, NY, which is on the South shore of Long Island in Nassau County (near Jones Beach).

How long have you lived in SOMa?

We moved here in August 2020.

How did you find yourself doing this work?

During law school, I bought my first DSLR and fell in love with photography. After working as a corporate attorney in Manhattan, I left law when motherhood inspired me to rethink my path. While home with my baby, I began taking online courses and connecting with other mom photographers. What started as a creative outlet quickly became a passion and then a calling. Building my photography business from scratch has been the most rewarding journey of my life.

What inspired you to start your own business?

Motherhood changed everything. My son sparked my love for photography and gave me the courage to pursue a new path. I wanted a career that felt meaningful, creative, and flexible—one that allowed me to be both an engaged mom and a fulfilled professional. His sweetness inspired me to build a business that celebrates the beauty of family and the fleeting wonder of childhood.

What is it about you that makes you so good at what you do?

Clients are drawn to the emotional depth and artistry in my work. I bring thoughtful intention and genuine joy to every session—I truly love connecting with families and celebrating their kids. That warmth helps families feel comfortable and seen, allowing me to capture images that are not only beautiful, but deeply personal—artwork that reflects their love, personality, and story.

What is your favorite thing you have worked on so far?

In 2019 the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan selected me to photograph members of their community for a beautiful interior decor project called “Faces of the Community.” The goal was to create portraits that depicted the diversity and breadth of the JCC community. I photographed couples, families, and individuals in my Upper West Side studio over two days of photoshoots, and the results are now permanently displayed throughout the building located at the corner of Amsterdam Avenue and West 76th St.

Do you have any magic tricks that you use in your business that you swear by and could share with others?

Using a paper monthly planner. I use google calendars like many, but having the month view in my hands is invaluable to understanding what’s happening next and planning for success. I have a highlighting system to make photoshoots and phone calls stand out, which helps cut through the many different items.

Setting alarms on my phone for phone calls and Zoom meetings. I usually set three alarms (30 or 15 minutes before, 5 minutes before, and at the time of the phone call), but that might be overkill for most. I look at my calendar at the start of each day and set the alarms, and then I never worry about being unprepared or late for a client appointment.

What's your go-to celebration meal when you hit a milestone?

Lorena’s in Maplewood Village.

What legacy do you hope to leave through your business?

I hope my portraits bring lasting comfort and joy—helping families feel their deep love for one another and see the beauty in their everyday moments. I want every child I photograph to feel cherished and confident each time they see themselves in my work, and for parents to feel they’ve preserved their child’s sweetness, spirit, and love in tangible form. My greatest hope is that these portraits become family treasures—passed down, smiled at, and shared through the years, keeping connection and love alive.

What was the last gift you gave someone?
A big, gorgeous candle from Perch.

Best biz book/podcast you’d recommend

The Happiness Lab. It’s not a business podcast, but so many episodes will help anyone running their own business do so more efficiently, and with more joy.