Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Olsen.
Hi Nicholas, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t take a traditional path into photography. After high school, I earned my GED and started working in guest services at a resort. While I enjoyed working with people, I knew I wanted something more creative and fulfilling. I picked up a camera as a hobby, and what started as a simple interest quickly turned into a passion for capturing real moments and telling stories.
Over time, I invested in learning the craft, building my portfolio, and creating a business centered around authentic, candid photography. Today, I’m the owner of Honey Lens Photography, a wedding and lifestyle photography business serving Philadelphia, New Jersey, and beyond. My approach is rooted in documenting genuine moments rather than staging them, and I’m honored to have been recognized as Best of Conshy in both 2024 and 2025.
Looking back, my journey has been a reminder that there isn’t one path to success. Taking a chance on something I loved ultimately led me to building a career that allows me to tell people’s stories for a living.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
t definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small business owners, I’ve faced plenty of challenges along the way.
One of the biggest struggles was simply figuring things out without a clear roadmap. I didn’t go to college for photography or business, so a lot of what I’ve learned came through trial and error. There were times when I questioned whether I was making the right decisions, whether I was charging enough, marketing effectively, or even if I could turn photography into a sustainable career.
Financial uncertainty was another challenge. Building a business from the ground up takes time, and there were periods where I had to be patient and trust the process while continuing to invest in my equipment, education, and brand.
Personally, growing up without much guidance from my father also shaped many of the obstacles I faced. It forced me to become independent early and learn how to navigate life on my own. While that wasn’t always easy, it taught me resilience and gave me the determination to keep pushing forward when things got difficult.
Every challenge taught me something valuable, and looking back, those struggles played a major role in helping me become both the person and business owner I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the owner and lead photographer of Honey Lens Photography, where I specialize in documentary wedding photography. My focus is on capturing real, unscripted moments rather than heavily posed or staged images. I believe the most meaningful photographs happen in the in-between moments—the laughter, happy tears, quiet glances, and genuine emotions that tell the true story of a wedding day.
Over the years, I’ve photographed weddings, engagements, and lifestyle sessions throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and beyond. I’m known for creating a relaxed experience that helps people feel comfortable in front of the camera, allowing them to be themselves while I document their story naturally.
What I’m most proud of is building a business from the ground up and earning the trust of so many couples to document one of the most important days of their lives. Being recognized as Best of Conshy in both 2024 and 2025 was a huge honor, but what means the most to me is hearing from couples years later that their photographs still bring them right back to those moments.
What sets me apart is my approach. While many photographers focus on directing every moment, I focus on observing and anticipating moments as they naturally unfold. I want my couples to spend their wedding day fully present with their family and friends rather than feeling like they’re constantly posing for photos. My goal is to create images that feel authentic today and just as meaningful decades from now.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time with my grandmother. She was a constant source of love, support, and stability in my life, and many of my happiest memories revolve around the time we spent together. Whether it was simple conversations, family gatherings, or just being in her presence, she always made me feel valued and cared for.
Looking back, those moments meant more than I realized at the time. They helped shape my values, taught me the importance of family, and gave me an appreciation for the relationships that truly matter. Her impact on my life was so significant that I later chose to take her maiden name, Olsen, as a way to honor the influence she had on the person I’ve become.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.honeylensphotographer.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nicholasolsenphotography
