Meet Nicole Hendley | DFW Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Hendley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from the panhandle of Texas and grew up in a large, close-knit family. Our household was filled with joyful celebrations, from birthday parties and Sunday lunches to dinners with friends and impromptu music sessions. My upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for the sentimental and the importance of cherishing life’s everyday moments. This perspective has profoundly shaped who I am, what I value, and my approach to photography. I believe that the most sacred moments are those unfolding in the present—the laughter shared in the kitchen while prepping meals together, the sweetness of ice cream sundaes on the porch with grandparents, the peaceful moments of storytelling before bedtime. My favorite photo shoots are those that capture a day in the life of a family, preserving these precious, everyday memories.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Dallas/Fort Worth photographer specializing in family, maternity, and newborn sessions. What sets me apart is my focus on photography that tells the unique story of a family. My favorite shoots have always been in-home sessions, as they capture families in their natural element. Recently, I introduced “Homegrown Sessions,” which embrace the beauty of everyday family life. During these 2-3 hour sessions, I spend time with families in the comfort of their home, capturing the moments that truly matter. Life often moves at a relentless pace, making it easy to overlook tender details. I believe in preserving these moments—the way the light falls on a child’s face, the shared smiles over popsicles, the touch of a hand. These sessions blend candid glimpses with gentle, posed portraits, both indoors and out, weaving together a unique and original story. I aim to help families remember not just how this time looked, but how it felt.

The journey to where I am today has been filled with unknowns and challenges. Like any creative venture, it involved a lot of trial and error. I am proud of the risks I took, exploring various genres of photography before finding my true passion. Discovering my niche in documentary family photography has been incredibly rewarding, and I am more confident than ever that this is what I love.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that I am deeply honored to be trusted with preserving moments in time for families. From intimate, quiet newborn shoots to boisterous, exciting extended family sessions, I am thrilled to do what I do, and I never take a single opportunity for granted. To me, this is sacred work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Fort Worth for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best of the city. We’d start with a stroll through Sundance Square, enjoy a meal at Reata, and explore the Fort Worth Water Gardens. We’d spend a day in the Cultural District, visiting the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum, with lunch at Café Modern and dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s for some classic Tex-Mex. We’d also bike along the Trinity Trails, visit the Fort Worth Zoo, and have a casual lunch at Woodshed Smokehouse followed by a dinner at Heim Barbecue. We’d take a day trip to Dallas, explore the Arts District, stop for barbecue at Pecan Lodge, and shop at North Park Mall. Finally, we’d relax with brunch at Brewed and unwind with a spa day at Mokara Spa, ending with a dinner at Grace. It would be an unforgettable visit!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize my husband, Cameron, and dedicate this shoutout to him. We have been married for over 12 years, and his unwavering support has been a constant source of strength through all of life’s twists and turns. Two years ago, I made the decision to transform my part-time photography gig into a full-fledged business. Cameron has been my biggest champion, encouraging me every step of the way and believing in my vision. His love, support, and faith in me mean the world.

Website: https://www.nicolehendley.com

Instagram: @nicolehendleyphoto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolehendleyphoto/