Nicole Dreon: Blog

Small Intimate Wedding........Garwoods, Lake Tahoe

(Nicole Dreon) — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 21:00:25 GMT

I love when people meet each other later in the life, as I can see how much joy it brings them. It confirms my theory that people fall in love all the time and later is sometimes better. Garwoods was the perfect backdrop for Victoria and Michael to gather together their closest friends and family. After waiting two years to celebrate their wedding, this small intimate ceremony was special for all involved.

Cowgirls, Horses and Springtime Flowers....the American West in Truckee

(Nicole Dreon) — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 20:13:20 GMT

When most people think of Lake Tahoe, they think of the endless horizon of Big Blue. Drive a short distance from the Lake, though, and you’ll find landscapes like Colorado and Wyoming.

Russell Valley is a tight-knit community about 20 minutes outside of Truckee. Here, your neighbors might stop by for a visit on horseback.

I was luckily to get a chance to shoot in the Valley when the spring flowers were at their brightest. It was fun to visit a more rural setting so close to my home and capture these horsewomen in their element!

Small Intimate Wedding....... the West Shore of Lake Tahoe

(Nicole Dreon) — Thu, 19 May 2022 19:14:17 GMT

The day was perfect for this small intimate wedding on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. I just loved that the couple was able to host close friends and family at an old school Tahoe cabin. The setting was the perfect combination of trees and forest and an epic lakeview with a private dock.

Family Photo Shoot Lake Tahoe, California

(Nicole Dreon) — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 19:36:07 GMT

The weather this November has been spectacular here in Lake Tahoe. I love shooting later in the year because the light is softer and it’s possible to shoot right into the sun without some of the harsh shadows that make it impossible during the summer.

I had a fun afternoon exploring the east shore of Lake Tahoe with this sweet family from Reno. I love the rock formations you find on the east shore of the Lake because they help give definition to the horizon and the rocks helped to frame our pics. They were also a great outlet for the boys to release some energy! These teenagers were filled with tons of liveliness, and some of my favorite photos are the ones where they fearlessly flew up the rock faces.

Wildfires and Photoshoots: Lake Tahoe Family Shoot

(Nicole Dreon) — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 17:00:00 GMT

With wildfires seeming to become a normal part of life in the American West, I have clients who are nervous that smoke will ruin either their wedding photos or family shoot. The good news is that smoke is actually an advantage during a photoshoot.

Let me explain why.

Smoke creates a filter that takes away the harshness of the sunlight which can create shadows on people's faces and cause people to squint. Normally, I like to do photoshoots either early in the morning or later in the day because of light. With smoke it makes it easier to shoot at any time during the day. This is great for weddings where couples are following a timeline and don't necessarily have the flexibility to shoot in the best light. Smoke also creates a bit of a mystical backdrop.

Below are a few pics from a family shoot in Lake Tahoe where there was a bit of smoke in the sky. Normally, shooting on the lake can be tricky because of the reflection of the sun on the water. In this case, the smoke helped dilute the reflections.

Behind the Scenes: 2020 Olympics in Tokyo

(Nicole Dreon) — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 19:59:50 GMT

In addition to shooting photos, I work in TV production for events like the X Games and most recently the Olympics in Tokyo. For me, it’s all about story-telling whether you tell that story with a pen, still camera or with video. In 2021, I worked for one of the broadcast teams on the BMX and Skateboard venues in Tokyo. It was such a cool experience to be right in the middle of all the action. I love live TV where there’s so much adrenaline and so many decisions that happen on the fly. When we weren’t on air, I tried to sneak in a few pics. I either used my iPhone or my stealthy 35mm fixed on my Nikon d850. Nikon’s 35mm 2.0 is my absolute hands down favorite travel lens because it’s so compact and discreet.

Women's Cow Branding Competition: Elko, Nevada County Fair

(Nicole Dreon) — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 22:29:26 GMT

There is perhaps nothing I love more than scenes from the American West, and there is no state that delivers more of those scenes than Nevada. Road tripping by myself gives me a serious rush. There is this freedom I feel when I get behind the wheel, knowing there are exciting adventures that lie ahead. I felt so luckily to stumble upon the women’s cow branding competition at the 100^th Anniversary of the Elko State Fair. I always wanted to be a cowgirl, but I guess documenting them will be as close as I get. These ladies had some serious horsemanship skills. Check out some of my favorite pics below.
Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair Future cowgirl at Elko State Fair

Lake Tahoe Squaw Valley Wedding

(Nicole Dreon) — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 03:19:00 GMT

Breaking Out the Long Lens--Photos In the Time of Corona

(Nicole Dreon) — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 21:55:56 GMT

Fall Fun on the Summit: Lake Tahoe--Truckee Family Photo Shoot

(Nicole Dreon) — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 02:02:51 GMT

Lake Tahoe Wedding Photography, Squaw Valley Wedding, Olympic Village Lodge

(Nicole Dreon) — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 03:19:00 GMT

She's Here! Newborn Shoot: Lake Tahoe, Truckee, California

(Nicole Dreon) — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 20:52:03 GMT

Bluebird Powder Day and Maternity Photography--Truckee, Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, Reno

(Nicole Dreon) — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 16:39:10 GMT

Squaw Valley Family Photo Shoot--Andrea and Jason

(Nicole Dreon) — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 19:38:50 GMT

Lake Tahoe, Truckee Family Photos: Sam, Scott, and Ramsey

(Nicole Dreon) — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 22:34:53 GMT

A Day at the Ranch......Family Photos, Senior Portraits, Truckee, Calif.

(Nicole Dreon) — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 18:49:14 GMT

Off-Grid Wedding, Estes Park, Colorado, Garett and Kaylee

(Nicole Dreon) — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 00:26:54 GMT

Lake Tahoe Wedding, Garwoods Restaurant, Truckee photographer: Autumn and Seth

(Nicole Dreon) — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 04:33:58 GMT

Dancing Pines Wedding, Lake Tahoe Photographer, Truckee Photographer, Lake Tahoe Weddings

(Nicole Dreon) — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 14:53:02 GMT

Utah Wedding Photographer, Park City Weddings, Kate and Sheldon

(Nicole Dreon) — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 19:14:17 GMT

Cape Cod Wedding, Sarah and Jimmy, Wedding Photographer, Truro Vineyards

(Nicole Dreon) — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 23:35:12 GMT

Children's Photography, Family Photography, Lake Tahoe Photographer, Truckee Photographer

(Nicole Dreon) — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:12:39 GMT

Lake Tahoe Maternity and Family Shoot--Hyatt Regency Incline Village

(Nicole Dreon) — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 22:29:04 GMT

Becca and Jamie.....Woodend Sanctuary, Chevy Chase, Maryland

(Nicole Dreon) — Mon, 22 May 2017 06:35:27 GMT

A little Xmas Shoot in Truckee

(Nicole Dreon) — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 16:06:13 GMT

Lake Tahoe Wedding Photography, Vintage Campers, Monica and Matt

(Nicole Dreon) — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 19:21:10 GMT

Mammoth Family Photo Shoot

(Nicole Dreon) — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 03:41:53 GMT

Wild Horses, Reno, Nevada, Sonny Boys Tours

(Nicole Dreon) — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 15:11:42 GMT

Lake Tahoe Wedding, Garwoods Restaurant, Outdoor Wedding

(Nicole Dreon) — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:36:00 GMT

Pacific Crest Trail Wedding--Downieville and Sierra City

(Nicole Dreon) — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 19:29:05 GMT

Lake Tahoe Wedding, Squaw Valley Wedding, High Camp Wedding, Wedding Photography

(Nicole Dreon) — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 21:05:48 GMT

A Little Adventure With Big Orange--Lake Tahoe Family Photography

(Nicole Dreon) — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 23:34:04 GMT

Camels By The Sea

(Nicole Dreon) — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 23:02:43 GMT

Camels By The SeaLocation: Essaouira, Morocco; Shoot: Mercedes, Sprinter Van; Event: Gazelle Rally; Nikon D810, Lens Nikon 27-70mm 2.8

Lauren and Leigh--Lake Tahoe Wedding Photographer

(Nicole Dreon) — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 16:11:23 GMT

Mama Africa Photo Collection

(Nicole Dreon) — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 22:06:30 GMT

Some of the photos from my "Mama Africa" series are hanging at Uncorked in Truckee right now. If you're in town, please stop by for a glass of wine and check them out.

#1. Little Pregger Mama from Ngor Island in Senegal.

#2. Sleeping Beauty--Dakar, Senegal #3. Little Mama--Dakar, Senegal

#4. Mama Bear and Her Girls: Dakar, Senegal #5. Bath Time: Jinja, Uganda

#6 Sleeping Babes: Congo, DR Congo Little MamaGoma, DR Congo

#7. Little Mama: Goma, DR Congo

Beautiful Mama and Her Belly--Lake Tahoe Maternity Photos

(Nicole Dreon) — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 18:24:09 GMT

From Bump to Baby--Lake Tahoe Newborn Photography

(Nicole Dreon) — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 17:13:42 GMT

Matt and Nicole--Garwoods--Lake Tahoe Wedding Photography

(Nicole Dreon) — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 18:23:05 GMT

Jason and AIlison Hill--Lake Tahoe Wedding Photography

(Nicole Dreon) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 22:57:22 GMT

Tahoe Baby Bump

(Nicole Dreon) — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 01:19:28 GMT

From Nelson to SF

(Nicole Dreon) — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 01:02:34 GMT

Hoehn Sisters

(Nicole Dreon) — Fri, 02 May 2014 22:19:44 GMT

Lake Tahoe Family Photography: Dowd Family

(Nicole Dreon) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 00:58:25 GMT

It's hard to believe spring is here in Lake Tahoe. I had a great afternoon with the Dowd’s and their extended family, all of whom were in town from the East Coast and southern California. There was lots of running, playing and spontaneous moments. Those spontaneous moments are always my favorite shots and luckily we had plenty of those.

West Shore Cafe--Lake Tahoe Weddings--Julia and Nick

(Nicole Dreon) — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 20:33:42 GMT

I love, love, love the West Shore Cafe as a venue--it's just the perfect backdrop for a Lake Tahoe wedding. I only wish there were more winter weddings, in general. The light is fabulous and it's just so cozy and intimate. Julia and Nick were the cutest couple. They were so laid-back and truly in love, which reflected in their photos. They were a pleasure to spend the day with! West Shore Cafe Wedding, Lake Tahoe

Squaw Valley Winter Wedding--Jessica and Ryan

(Nicole Dreon) — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 17:30:38 GMT

A year ago I had the pleasure of being with Jessica and Ryan when they eloped at Squaw Valley. It was a snowy, blistery day--but a memorable one. I wanted to post a few photos and wish them a Happy Anniversary--even though I'm a few days late. Happy Anniversary!!

Winter Gangsta Photo Shoot

(Nicole Dreon) — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 09:04:03 GMT

Nothing like a December snowstorm to make this family photo shoot a lot more fun! A little winter weather didn't deter the Crezee family, and we got some Xmas photos done just in the "nick" of time!

Surfing California Coast, Nikon D800, 50mm 1.4, Pacific Coast Highway

(Nicole Dreon) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 00:48:31 GMT

We squeezed in a quick trip down the California coast before it started to snow here in Tahoe. Wow, nothing like a little douse of the Pacific Coast Highway to remind you the world is a mighty beautiful place. It was fun to play with my Nikon D800 and 50mm 1.4 fixed lens. I LOVE fixed lenses and the 50mm works great in natural light.

PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn Wedding, RSVP Events: Josh and Danielle

(Nicole Dreon) — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 20:50:04 GMT

PlumpJack is such an awesome venue for a bride and groom to get hitched. There is nothing more romantic than saying "I do" with the Tram Face in the backdrop. Josh and Danielle are longtime Tahoe locals who met while working at Alpine Meadows back in the day. The bride created all sorts of unique details that made their wedding extra special.

Lake Tahoe Weddings, Old Greenwood Weddings, Scott Corridan Design

(Nicole Dreon) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:00:22 GMT

I had the pleasure of working with the crew from the Tahoe Mountain Club, along with the very talented event producer and interior/architecture designer, Scott Corridan. Scott created the perfect indoor wedding and reception venue at the Old Greenwood Club House. If you've been dreaming of an intimate scenic wedding, look no further.

Lake Tahoe Family Photography / Jamie and Nicole

(Nicole Dreon) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 21:34:57 GMT

Squaw Valley is such an awesome backdrop for family photos. There seem to be a lot of little boys in Lake Tahoe these days. They are so fun to photograph. They just run, jump, laugh and play, while I follow behind and click away!

A Little Bolinas Surfing

(Nicole Dreon) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 04:53:42 GMT

Spent the weekend in San Francisco and then on the way out of town we made a surf detour to Bolinas Beach. Bolinas is a great spot for beginners as long as you have a the ultimate Arctic wetsuit. It was the perfect fall day and the beach was packed. I tried not to think about the Farallon Islands--a hotspot for great white sharks--which is not too far away.

Lake Tahoe and Squaw Valley Wedding-- Melissa and John

(Nicole Dreon) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 20:20:02 GMT

Melissa and John were brought together by a love of skiing and the mountains. These two engineers from the Bay area tied the knot on the top of Squaw and then danced the night away on KT Deck with the tram face in the background.