Bright, Fierce & Fabulous: Nicole Seguin-Morris, Personal Brand Photographer
This month, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Nicole Seguin-Morris, a talented photographer whom I had the chance to work with last summer. While she’s based in San Francisco, the stars aligned and she happened to be in Provence the same week I was hosting the Lavender Lover Retreat. She came and captured a few moments of our day (see some her beautiful photos at the end of the post!).
Nicole is all about shining a beautiful light on women’s stories, and empowering them to step into a new, better version of themselves. I love her style, her personality, and her mission. And I’m sure you will too…
Bonjour Nicole ! Please tell us a little about yourself.
First of all, not many people know this but I’m Canadian, and I moved with my family to France when I was only 8 to do all my schooling. So I had to navigate living between 2 cultures for a big part of my life, and that shaped who I am today: an empathetic Canadian with a side of French sass :)
In my late 20s, I moved to San Francisco with my now ex-husband and, after years of feeling uprooted, found a real sense of belonging in the diverse, creative communities of San Francisco.
I’m a mom of a 14 year old boy who keeps me on my toes everyday! There’s no escaping the scrutiny of a teenager…
Outside of photography, I’ve recently started playing with watercolor, and I love how it’s teaching me to let go of outcome.
Your work is rooted in visual storytelling for women entrepreneurs. What draws you to telling women’s stories through your lens?
I’m so glad you asked! Women’s stories are rarely given the space they deserve, especially visually. So many women are taught to “present well” and focus on how they look instead of being themselves. My work, and bigger mission with women, is to break away from that pattern.
Leading up to the session I will constantly reroute the focus from their appearance to their personal brand. I ask about their personality, their values, the way they lead and what they stand for. Questions like: “What is the one message you want your client to remember?” or “What is one misconception about your work?”.
And something shifts gradually. The women I work with come to the session feeling empowered. They’re on a mission! That’s the moment I love, because I’m no longer photographing a woman trying to look good. I’m photographing a woman who knows what she’s here to accomplish.
Many of the women in my community are going through a transition or about to start a new chapter (whether in their career, or their personal life). What role can photography play in helping them step into their identity with confidence?
I just had a conversation with a coach today about this. We talked about how women in their 40s and beyond are in that era that I call the “F*** it era”. Women have never NOT cared for others, and at some point they come to the realization that they have left most of their dreams and aspirations behind.
They aren’t selfish, they are reclaiming their time. And I’m here for it! Photography is a bridge between the version of you that’s ending and the version of you that’s emerging.
And let me tell you, when women see their pictures reflecting back to them that new identity, they feel unstoppable.
For women entrepreneurs trying to elevate their brand, what are the most important elements they should consider when planning a photoshoot?
I like to reassure clients that the brand package I offer includes make up and styling, a mood board, and a visual planning session. We will talk about locations and outfits, and everything will be planned to a T.
But we can’t elevate your brand if we don’t know WHO you are talking to (your ideal client), and WHAT you are talking about (your story). We need to build a brand photoshoot around a few narratives: your process, your leadership, your client experience, the behind the scenes of how you work, and the human side that creates trust (mostly your face!).
And one last element: plan for real usage. You need images that work for a homepage, speaking events, press, social crops, and consistent posting. That means photos that can be cropped to any format, and don’t need to be stamped with the photographer’s watermark!
You joined us in Provence during the Lavender Lover Retreat last June. What was it like for you to photograph women there?
That was magical! The pace in Provence is slower, the light is kinder, and the environment itself invites you back into your body. The way you led everyone seamlessly from one activity to the other without rushing was inspiring!
Photographing women in that setting felt different than photographing in the go go go energy we’re used to, especially in the Bay Area. I only wish I had stayed longer…
Lastly, if we were sitting in a café in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence right now, what would you order?
Love this! When in France, I always keep it simple: “Un croissant et un café au lait s’il vous plait!”
And a table outside for some people-watching ;)
