NICOLE

This is Nicole Gates

Your PHOTOGRAPHER, PROFESSIONAL POSER and ENTERTAINMENT all rolled into one.

Boy Mom x 2 (they are simply amazeballs) And Furbaby Mama of 2, married to the love of her life, addicted to Diet Coke and a good cheeseburger (obv)…and Netflix and ALSO extremely allergic to duck face lips in photos.

Nicole founded the NGP Studio in 2019 after slaving away for over 20 years in a fulfilling and demanding career; but now she just slaves for you (that’s a Britney Spears song isn’t it?) And she LOVES it!

Nicole says there is no such thing as someone being photogenic. It’s a bunch of malarky. She prides herself on turning every woman into a supermodel. And she has been known to get a “blue steel” image out of the guys too.

Deciding to be photographed is exciting and fun, and also scary! It is an exercise in vulnerability, exposing yourself to another person. It is also a very empowering experience and…RIDICULOUSLY FUN.

In 2021, Nicole added boudoir photography to her studio because she was tired of seeing “bad boudoir” and knows that women can look beautiful AND CLASSY, even with no clothes on.

In 2024, Nicole started focusing on photographing families after her dad passed away. She often talks about the importance of existing in photographs for your kids, and now she makes it her goal to help everyone document their families and HANG THOSE PORTRAITS ON THE WALL! You will NEVER regret it. Creating beautiful art for your walls and beautiful keepsake albums and coffee table books is her JAM. Plus, she has a ridiculous candy bar for the kids and they get to experience Nicole’s sense of humor, cringe laugh, and fun kid-loving style. “Family. Fine Art. Forever.”

Can’t wait to meet you!

PS…If you want to see all her photograph award badges, click HERE. (Yawn)

XOXO

Nicole

KARRIE JO

This is Karrie Jo Sharpless!

Your GLAM FAIRY and STUDIO SHOOT ASSISTANT

Also a boy mom and mama of two huge Great Danes and a French Bulldog. And she is ADDICTED to hair color, origami tattoos, cupcakes and anything sweet.

KJ has been with NGP since the beginning and has watched this business grow and is responsible for all the beauty you see on this website.

She is passionate about hair and makeup and loves being an assistant to the coolest photographer in the world…. (I swear she said this!). She loves having the ability to help women see themselves at their best. We don’t believe in transformations, because women don’t need to be transformed, they just need a little help to figure out how to bring out the beauty they already have! KJ believes that makeup should be an authentic expression of who you are and she strives to enhance natural features instead of overshadowing with excessive glam. She is allergic to CRAZY CONTOURING, don’t do it. Her approach is rooted in the idea that LESS IS MORE, it’s all about highlighting what makes you, YOU!

She can also kick your butt! Ha.

She and her husband are the proud owners of the Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy in McAllen, Texas. Together they aim to create an empowering space where individuals can learn self-defense, develop confidence, and foster a sense of community (kind of what we do in the studio too!).

She is definitely a very devoted mama to an incredibly smart and funny and creative boy who is the light of her life. He reminds her daily of the beauty and wonder in the world.

"I believe that life’s little joys, like a wagging tail or a sweet treat, can bring so much happiness!”

SARA

Meet Sara Gutierrez!

Sara is the official studio “MOMAGER” and CLIENT COORDINATOR. And she does just about everything in the studio.

Sara is a proud mama of 3 gorgeous girls who are her pride and joy.

She is a perfectionist and one of the most thoughtful people we know.

She joined us in September 2024 and has been learning all the ins and outs of the business to help me serve YOU better! You may hear from her when reaching out to inquire about a shoot or she might follow up with you after you have booked your shoot. She makes Nicole go home at a reasonable hour and reminds us of the things we need to prioritize. She is also the product order manager and helps schedule professional installation of your wall art too! (Stay tuned to meet our professional installer soon!)