Why Brightside

We bring calm, positive energy (and snacks) to every project. We know when to get serious and when to laugh, usually both at the same time.

Nicole, Karen, and Masao of Brightside Media

Hello, future favorite client

Thank you for considering us.

We communicate clearly, thoughtfully, and often. Our workflows are dialed in. Our gear is fancy. Our timelines are tight. We are always on time, every time.

We believe the heart of every project is the story, and the people behind it, and we treat every detail with care.

But we’re not robots. We’re over-waterers of houseplants, board game nerds, dog people, cry-at-Pixar-movies types, “just one more episode” night owls, skiers/snowboarders, and people who love a good laugh as much as we love beautiful lighting.

- Nicole, Karen, and Masao

Behind the cameras

The team

Nicole

Karen

Masao

People like us

We are fun. A little neurotic, but still fun.

1M+

Times we’ve said “just one more shot” (and lied)

Drones crashed this decade

What clients say

“The Brightside team’s photos will exceed your expectations, and Nicole is a fun person to hang with all day! They gave us posing direction to most efficiently get a quick and great headshot, and were flexible in working with whatever space was available.”

Jenna Faden

Community Manager

“Working with Nicole and her team was such a joy, both as her client and collaborator. The incredible female-led team runs like a dream, and somehow everything feels effortless (even when it’s a 12-hour shoot).”

Rebecca Karamehmedovic

Partner, Sway NY

“Brightside Media is the gold-standard when it comes to corporate photography. Masao and Nicole establish a natural, approachable presence at any workplace, resulting in content that’s truly authentic to a brand or company’s culture.”

Katie Hooker

Senior Communications Specialist

“I’ve worked with Nicole on a few projects now. She’s super communicative, organized, and made everything from shooting and events, to headshots, and group photos a breeze. The shots always end up gorgeous.”

Barbara Booras

Senior Community Manager

“Nicole and team make the process seamless and stress free. We use the photos to pitch clients on our event services in commercial real estate. They’ve become a regular part of our business conversations.”

Liz Vilardi

Senior Community Manager, TxM

“I cannot recommend Karen and Nicole strongly enough. Our nonprofit hired them to shoot photos and videos for our website overhaul, and the images have completely transformed our website and social presence.”

Olivia Stevens

CEO, SOWA Goat Sanctuary

Recognition

Nice things that happened

September 2026

ABEC Small Business Impact Initiative grant

Brightside Media was selected as a recipient of the Small Business Impact Initiative grant from the Asian Business Empowerment Council at the Boston Foundation, in partnership with National Grid. The round was competitive, with $620,000 in requests this year and more than $1.6 million across the three years of the program.

There is a nice symmetry to this one. We have photographed more than a dozen events for the Asian Community Fund and its councils, almost always from the back of the room with a camera in front of our faces. Being on the other side of it is new.

See our work with the Asian Community Fund →

Giving back matters to us

Our paths to photo and video weren’t straight lines. Nicole came from management consulting, Karen from architecture, and Masao from marriage and couples therapy. Together, we’ve spent over a decade in this industry, and we don’t take a single project for granted. Each year, we dedicate time and talent to pro bono work for organizations and families whose missions move us.

Amego

Supports individuals living with autism and other developmental disabilities with compassion, education, and community resources.

Genesis Foundation

Diagnoses, treats, and provides coordinated care for children with rare diseases and genetic disorders.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

Offers the gift of remembrance photography for families grieving the loss of a baby.

SOWA Goat Sanctuary

Provides lifelong care to abused, neglected, and special-needs farm animals, and hosts a community wellness space.

Clients