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I’m Kirsten Nicolaisen, a freelance photographer hailing from New York. 

 

My work is rooted in documentary-style travel and lifestyle photography, focusing on unposed, evocative moments that connect people and places. I aim for my imagery to feel uncontrived, observant and emotional — whether it be a fleeting expression, a horizon in the evening light, or shadows cast on city streets. With a background in journalism, I’ve honed an eye for storytelling and an appreciation of nuance. 

 

I’m currently working on a photo project about the Camino de Santiago — a centuries-old network of pilgrimage routes that wind through Spain (and beyond). Since I walked my first Camino in 2018, I’ve known it would be something I’d return to for the rest of my life. In the spring of 2025, I walked the Camino del Norte along Spain’s North Coast. You can view my first installment of this project here

 

I’m a current member of Camera of the Month Club, a New York City photography collective, and I also work in the hospitality space as a food, restaurant and wedding photographer. You can view my wedding website here. My commercial work has been featured in several publications, including Condé Nast Traveler and WNYC.org.

 

Based in Brooklyn, New York with frequent travel back to my home state of California, I’m available for photography work near and far. For inquiries on collaborations, commissions, licensing and prints, contact info@kirstennicolaisen.com.

I’m Kirsten Nicolaisen, a freelance photographer hailing from New York. 

 

My work is rooted in documentary-style travel and lifestyle photography, focusing on unposed, evocative moments that connect people and places. I aim for my imagery to feel uncontrived, observant and emotional — whether it be a fleeting expression, a horizon in the evening light, or shadows cast on city streets. With a background in journalism, I’ve honed an eye for storytelling and an appreciation of nuance. 

 

I’m currently working on a photo project about the Camino de Santiago — a centuries-old network of pilgrimage routes that wind through Spain (and beyond). Since I walked my first Camino in 2018, I’ve known it would be something I’d return to for the rest of my life. In the spring of 2025, I walked the Camino del Norte along Spain’s North Coast. You can view my first installment of this project here

 

I’m a current member of Camera of the Month Club, a New York City photography collective, and I also work in the hospitality space as a food, restaurant and wedding photographer. You can view my wedding website here. My commercial work has been featured in several publications, including Condé Nast Traveler and WNYC.org.

 

Based in Brooklyn, New York with frequent travel back to my home state of California, I’m available for photography work near and far. For inquiries on collaborations, commissions, licensing and prints, contact info@kirstennicolaisen.com.

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