Nicole Lauren Deen

I began photographing at a young age but only took up a serious interested within the past 10 years or so. Growing up in California my early years were influenced by the great photographer Ansel Adams and by the writings and advocacy of John Muir.

Photography is my “therapy” time; it allows me to relax, connect with nature, and recharge.

Currently I an the Vice President of the Carolina’s Nature Photography Association as well as serve as the chair of the Major Events Committee and serve on the board. Visit www.CNPA.org for more info.

When out photographing, I like to incorporate mindfulness in order to get a sense of place and really “see“ and connect with my subject. I believe you can’t capture the essences of a subject or location if you are not really connected to what you are photographing.

My favorite places to photograph are the beaches of North Carolina as well as the many wildlife refuges here as well.  I grew up in California so National Parks and the California coast are also places I frequent and love to explore and photograph.  My favorite subjects to photograph are wildlife, but I also love long exposure sunrise and sunset images and Milky Way images. 

Wildlife and our natural areas are at risk more now than ever. I have a background in advocacy and education and hope that my workshops, presentations, and photographs portray a sense of the beauty of nature and wildlife that others can connect to and fight for. It is only when we care and fight for something that real change can occur.

I was proud to be able to contribute some of my Outer Banks wild horse images to a horse rescue as part of their fundraiser.  I also contributed a percentage of my proceed from sales when showing images at local nature centers and other wildlife centers.

I recently transitioned to the mirrorless Olympus system and love the quality of the images as well as the fast shutter speed and other features that allow you to capture sharp images of birds and wildlife. I process my images in Photoshop, Adobe Camera Raw, Topaz and Nik software editing systems. When I am feeling creative I take by Lensbaby Velvet 56 image out to play, many of my flower and garden images are created with the Lensbaby Velvet 56.

All of my images are for sale.  Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing or using an image for conservation.  I also speak and present at local photography clubs and will be leading a workshop this fall with fellow photographer Jamie Konarski Davidson to West Virginia.

Staying inspired and passionate is important to the creative process.  I am currently working on a project that I am excited to share with others.  Stay tuned for my new and upcoming blog to hear more about my project.