May 14, 2020

Meet Nikki Dawson of Niik-Nak Photography in Stone Mountain

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Dawson.

Nikki, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I remember always being so confused about what it was that I wanted to do in life – trying to pinpoint the thing that I was passionate about. Growing up, I tried so many different things and then eventually quit them all and started over with something new because I got bored. So there I was, 23 years old (I’m 26 now), out of college and frustrated because I still hadn’t realized my passion yet. I had always enjoyed taking photos of random things but more-so enjoyed the editing process. I bought my first DSLR camera while I was still in college and just messed around with it casually, shooting inanimate objects and then editing them. I remember participating in this 365 photo-a-day challenge on Instagram so that I could really challenge myself creatively. That was cool for a while and then I got bored again, kind of forgetting I even had a camera at all. My main focus was just to try and land a job post-grad. Photography was never something I saw as a business for myself so I didn’t really pursue it all that much in the beginning.

It wasn’t until I joined the media team for my church, where I was presented with the opportunity to take photos of actual people during service. It was nerve-wracking at first because I had only ever taken photos for myself and never for anyone else before. I think it was because of my church trusting and believing in my ability, that gave me the confidence and courage to keep doing this, and to expand this work outside of my church. As time went on, I would ask my friends to model for me occasionally so that I could gain experience and become more familiar with my craft. But just like a lot of other things in my life, I don’t really get these big revelation “aha” moments that mark the beginning of something new. I sort of just fall into things. I’ll look up one day and just notice the gradual change, the growth, and all of the tiny moments that got me to where I currently am today.

So I don’t think I chose photography, not at first anyway. I’m pretty sure photography chose me and kept choosing me even when I wasn’t pursuing it. Even through my neglect and insecurity, it was always the one desire that kept finding its way back into my heart. It kind of reminds me of my relationship with God – in the same way, that whenever I ran away, He still chased after and pursued me. And a lot like God, the art of photography gave me the grace to realize, in my own time, that it was my passion. It’s the thing that makes me feel the most alive doing.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Honestly, it hasn’t really been too bumpy of a road. Photography was just something that I did to recognize and explore my own talents and eventually turned into a side gig for me. Starting a business was never the intention. After posting some sessions on my social media accounts, people started reaching out wanting to book me, which is still pretty wild. I’m super grateful for the projects that I’ve been a part of and every person I’ve ever gotten to work with. Thankful that they’ve connected with me and my work enough to want me to create for them, and help them tell their own stories. Because for me, that’s the point – to help tell the story of others through photography.

If I had to say, though, I think my biggest “struggle” would probably be me getting in my own way. Those insecure thoughts of thinking that I’m not good enough, or comparing my work to others. That’s the only thing that would ever hold me back and is something that I have to push past daily. Fortunately, now, the work of others simply serves as inspiration for my own work.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My business is “Niik-Nak Photography,” and I am a part-time couple, portrait, and lifestyle photographer who loves to travel! For me, what I seek to capture during my sessions are the silly, organic and spontaneous moments. I want you to feel the emotion that is captured in my photos. The goal is to create authentic, memorable experiences for my clients, and I believe the only way to do that is through relationship – which occurs long before the shoot even begins. This is what I am most proud of when it comes to running my business, and what I think sets me apart from others – it’s the friendship that is created between me and my clients!

I want each client of mine to know that they will leave their session with beautiful photos, yes, but more importantly, a fun and comfortable experience tailored to them that they will always remember whenever they are looking back at the photos from their session. It’s my job and privilege to create an environment that will allow each person to relax and really feel like they can be themselves in front of my camera. I think the only way to evoke that genuine emotion that shines through in photos, is to have a genuine experience with someone who they feel like they can call “friend”.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is understanding and living out God’s calling for my life; and that can look different in different seasons. It’s utilizing my talents in a way that shows His love and character to other people. I’m happiest when I’m fulfilling my purpose and loving on other people, and photography allows me to do that. That is success to me – being able to do the things you love most with a purpose, and positively impacting others along the way.

Contact Info:

Website: niiknakphotography.com
Email: niiknakphotography@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niiknak_photo/

Image Credit:
Niik-Nak Photography

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T’Mil Curtis aka the Navigator: I’m a marketing and brand strategist, co-owner of a record label, content curator, speaker and social media influencer that’s been helping churches, small businesses and brands up their social media game during this pandemic.