Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolette Arteaga
Nicolette, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Newark, Delaware, and raised in East Orlando, Florida, where I’ve stayed rooted throughout my life. Being a twin has always been a unique part of my story, but losing my mother at a young age profoundly shaped me. As deeply as it impacted me, It taught me the importance of cherishing the fleeting moments in life. During that time, music became my refuge—it helped me cope with hardships and gave me a sense of connection and healing. I’ve always had a deep love for music, which naturally led me to focus my photography on bands and live performances. Documenting the raw energy, emotion, and stories behind the music has become my passion, allowing me to merge the two things that have shaped me the most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road like most creative paths, it’s been filled with challenges. Losing my mother at a young age was one of the first and hardest struggles, allowing this loss to influence me but not define me. Today, I’m also balancing my passion for photography with personal responsibilities, such as taking care of my grandmother, which comes with its own challenges but also its rewards. Breaking into band photography, especially as a woman in a male-dominated scene, has been another significant hurdle. Earning respect and proving my talent in an environment where women are often overlooked or underestimated required persistence and a thick skin. On top of that, navigating the competitive and sometimes exclusive music industry was no easy feat. Despite these struggles, I’ve learned resilience and developed a deep sense of purpose, which makes every opportunity to capture raw moments and energy through photography even more meaningful and proud to do what I love.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am predominantly a band photographer servicing under my brand: Nicolette and The Lens, specializing in capturing the energy and emotion of live performances. My work is deeply intentional—I pursue each photo with a sense of reverence, striving to highlight the true, genuine emotion within each moment. To me, every picture is a sentiment, a way to preserve the beauty of movement, uniqueness, and raw unfiltered moments. It is why i also make sure to capture shots of the fans and the crowd for my clients. I’m especially proud of my connection to the punk community, which stands as a symbol of resistance, inclusivity, and political awareness. Punk has always been about challenging norms and fighting against systems of oppression, and I carry those values into my work. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I’m committed to breaking down barriers and amplifying the voices and stories of those who are often overlooked. I understand the emotional power it holds. What truly sets me apart is how I immerse myself in the moment when capturing photos. I move with the fluidity of the band, never still, working hard for each shot. My approach mirrors the energy and rhythm of the performance, allowing me to capture those authentic moments that might otherwise be missed. It’s not just photography for me; it’s about honoring the emotion, spirit, and impact of the music and the culture behind it. You will also find some of my work has been used for character designs for band merchandise!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is definitely from when I was about 10 years old. I went through a goth phase in elementary school, and I remember sneaking into my mom’s makeup bag to steal her eyeliner. I would go into the bathroom, carefully apply it, and then, before heading home, I’d quickly wash it off so no one would know. It was my little act of rebellion and self-expression, a way of carving out my own identity. Looking back, that moment really taught me about embracing individuality and the importance of finding ways to express yourself—lessons that still influence my work and perspective today.
Pricing:
- For pricing and availability please email me at Nicoletteandthelens@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicoletteandthelens.pixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoletteandthelens/
