The Playlist: Photographer Nicole Hill Gerulat

She may have a degree from The French Culinary Institute, but these days, Nicole Hill Gerulat spends her time specializing in lifestyle photography. Check out our newest playlist from this San Francisco-based commercial photographer and founder of Nicole’s Classes.

What do you listen to while you work? I have several Pandora stations I go through, but it really depends on my mood!  I like everything from Priscilla Ahn to Reba McIntire to En Vogue.

How do you listen? I don’t have to be quiet for anyone, so I listen through the computer’s speakers. When I’m on set, I have an iPhone speaker system.

Do you have any favorite music websites/providers? Yes—Pandora, all the way!

Does music influence your work? It definitely influences my work. When on set, I usually let the client choose. But there have been two times where I couldn’t take it anymore (one of those times they played Dave Matthews), so I would change it to something in my style. I do feed off music when I shoot, so when I’m shooting tabletop, it tends to be softer, quieter music versus photographing children/teens, where the music becomes more teeny-bopper and upbeat. Even though that isn’t my taste in music, it helps create a more exciting atmosphere for the kiddos.

Where do you find music recommendations? Who influences your musical taste? My sisters know a LOT more about music than I do. I think I’ve shared two or three new artists with them first; otherwise, I rely on them to keep me current. I also used to have an assistant who created amazing CDs for me with all new-to-me artists. She was definitely more in the music scene.

What song or artist best represents the work you create? I don’t really think my personal music style reflects my work. I listen to happy music, but I think my work is even more sickly happy—like the song “Lollipop.”

NICOLE’S PLAYLIST
Big Jumps, Emiliana Torrini
He Wasn’t There, Lily Allen
Ma Jeunesse, Carla Bruni
Walkin’ After Midnight, Madeleine Peyroux
Brandy Alexander, Feist
Sweet Pea, Amos Lee
BossaCucaNova, Aguas de Março
My Baby Just Cares for Me, Nina Simone
This is Not a Love Song, Nouvelle Vague
That’s It, I Quit, I’m Moving On, Adele
Dream, Priscilla Ahn
La Vénus Du Mélo, Stacey Kent

Images: Nicole Hill Gerulat

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