A LOCAL SAUK VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHER

Meet The Owner of

Nicole Olinger Photography

Get to know Nicole, a dedicated Sauk Valley photographer with a passion for capturing authentic, meaningful stories through her lens. Whether it’s a senior stepping into their future, a young athlete in motion, or a dancer expressing pure joy, Nicole brings warmth, skill, and intention to every session.

Check out our Spotlight Media Featured Video!

Schedule a session
Contact

Capturing Moments

•

Sharing Stories

•

Capturing Moments • Sharing Stories •

Hi there!

I’m Nicole Olinger, the owner and photographer behind Olinger Photography.

I specialize in senior portraits, school photography, athlete sessions, and dance portraits.

Why those?

Because these are some of the most exciting, emotional, and life-shaping seasons people experience, and I LOVE capturing them!

Every session is an opportunity to:

  • Freeze time

  • celebrate individuality

  • and create images that feel both timeless and true to you.

Local Sauk Valley Photographer Nicole Olinger
School photographer for hire in the Sauk Valley

“Not only are her pictures amazing! But, she's just so nice to work with, and achieves everything you want and then some. She is the photographer where you leave happy with the results and not second guessing if you should have gone with someone else.” -Angela W.

Two women smiling at the camera, standing on a sports field during sunset, with a camera in hand.

How it all started

In 2013, after the unexpected loss of my mom, I bought my first DSLR camera as a way to work through grief.

Photography became more than a hobby—it became a healing process and a calling.

What started as a personal journey quickly grew into a business.

Now, 12 years later…

I’ve turned that passion into a full-time career, photographing students, athletes, and families across many of my local towns and communities.

Nicole taking a selfie in front of a purple wall with a neon sign that says 'Hello Gorgeous' with a heart. She is smiling, has shoulder-length wavy hair, and is wearing a red top and a simple necklace.
Family picture of Nicole, husband, son and daughter

Get to know me

When I’m not behind the camera, I’m spending time with my family. I’m a proud mom of two adult kids, and life is always busy, but in the best way! We love outdoor adventures, boating, and traveling.

My perfect weekend includes inviting friends and family over for a cookout, and if I’m not editing photos, you’ll probably find me enjoying our gorgeous 15 acres of land. (This means you don’t need to worry about finding a location for our outdoor session!)

Photography is the perfect career for me because it allows me to turn my love for capturing memories into lasting art.

LOCALLY BASED

Our Studio in Prophetstown

Our Main Street studio is more than a workspace. It’s where the magic happens! With plenty of room, professional lighting, and seasonal sets (like our annual Santa Experience), we welcome clients into a fun, stress-free environment designed for creativity and connection.

Find on Google Maps

Get in touch.

Have questions? Send us an email and we will respond shortly.

  • A young woman with long hair, glasses, and a black dress sitting on a colorful blanket in a sunflower field, smiling at the camera.
  • A young woman with blonde hair wearing a red plaid shirt and blue jeans stands by a wooden fence in a park during fall, with orange and yellow trees in the background.
  • A woman with long brown hair smiling and holding a small bouquet of sunflowers in a field of tall sunflowers at sunset.
  • Young football player standing on a football field, smiling in a black and red jersey with the number 15, with a scoreboard in the background.
  • Two young female gymnasts standing amidst blue smoke, wearing sparkly leotards. One has dark hair and is holding her hands in front, the other has blonde hair with her hands clasped together.
  • Woman in a red dress standing in a grassy field at sunset, with the dress billowing behind her.
  • A young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes posing outdoors in front of a modern glass building during evening. She is wearing a black fitted t-shirt and light blue jeans.
  • A young woman in athletic clothing sitting on a gym floor with a volleyball in the air above her, red stage lights and smoke create a dramatic atmosphere.
  • A teenage boy in a blue football jersey with the number 5, standing outdoors against a large stone structure, with trees and autumn foliage in the background.
  • A group of young male golf players, wearing dark shirts, khaki shorts, and hats, are celebrating on a golf course, with some lying on the grass and others squatting or kneeling around a golf ball.
  • A female gymnast performing a move in mid-air, surrounded by red powder against a black background.
  • Young couple in wedding attire, embracing outdoors in a lush green setting.
  • Young boy in camouflage jacket and black cap holding a shotgun, standing outdoors in front of twisted tree branches.