Turning my photography hobby into a small business wasn’t about chasing “bulk cash” or overnight success—it was about connection. From my first nervous market stall to rebranding as Nicole Kearns Photography, this journey has been filled with lessons, challenges, and unforgettable moments where people connected deeply with my prints. In this blog, I share why I decided to take the leap, what I’ve learned so far, and why photography will always be more than just a business for

In 2011, I took a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Canberra that I’ll never forget. What started as a gift turned into the moment I captured my most loved photograph—an image that still draws crowds at markets and holds a rare, magical view of the city from above.