Introduction
Welcome to Frame Your Journey, a story series on the blog featuring photographers from around the world and the paths that shaped their creative lives.
There are many ways to describe Nicole’s photography; Intentional, heartfelt, and full of wonder. I’ve followed her for years, and what always stood out was her passion for capturing landscapes and wildlife in a way that feels both personal and powerful.
Nicole has been shooting with OM System cameras since the beginning. They were her first real camera and in May 2025, she celebrated five years behind the lens. While becoming an official ambassador didn’t happen yet, OM System reached out to collaborate with her on several articles, blog posts, and live sessions.
This is her story.
Living in Maine, I have always known our coastline is home to the Atlantic Puffin, but I never realized just how rare and special it is to see them up close until my trip to Machias Seal Island in July of 2022.
It’s one of the few places in the world where you can photograph puffins from a blind, and it’s right off the coast of my home state.
Getting to the island isn’t always guaranteed. The landing depends entirely on sea conditions and weather, which can change quickly along the coast. But to me, that unpredictability is part of what makes the trip so exciting!
The day we went was cold and foggy, with heavy mist rolling in off the ocean. It might not sound ideal, but that kind of weather makes for beautiful, soft light… the kind that makes every color pop.
The puffins were even smaller than I expected, but full of personality. They’d waddle right up to the blinds, close enough to touch (though of course, you don’t!).
There’s something about hearing their tiny feet pattering across the walkways and roofs that just stays with you. Being that close to them was unforgettable, and I’m already dreaming about the day I can share that moment with my children.
Creative Choices
For this series, I used my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III with two lenses: the M.Zuiko 300mm f/4 PRO for close-up portraits, and the 12-100mm f/4 PRO for wider shots of the colony.
One of the best parts about Machias Seal Island is how close the puffins get. You don’t always need a long lens, but having one gives you more creative freedom.
The OM System’s compact size and stabilization made it easy to work in the tight space of the blind, and the fog helped create soft, even backgrounds that I love for wildlife work.
About Nicole Gearty
I’m Nicole Gearty, a wildlife and nature photographer based in Maine.
I love capturing small, quiet moments outdoors, whether it’s wildlife, coastal landscapes, or the little details that make you pause and appreciate where you are.
Through my photography, I hope to share the beauty of the natural spaces that mean so much to me.
Want to see more of Nicole’s incredible wildlife and landscape photography? Follow her on Instagram -> @nicolegeartyphotography
Camera
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Settings
300mm | f/5.6 | ISO 400 | 1/2000 sec
Lenses
M.Zuiko 300mm f/4 PRO
M.Zuiko 12-100mm F4 IS Pro
Editing Software
Adobe Lightroom Mobile
Topaz Labs
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Share Your Story
Got a photograph with a story to tell? We’d love to feature your work in our Frame Your Shot series. Whether it’s a moment, a memory, or a message behind your photo, share it with us and inspire our community with your unique perspective.
