Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Spears.
Hi Nikki, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It’s pretty simple, really. I was a Mom with a corporate management career who picked up a camera to take photos of my kids and our family. I quickly realized I was pretty good at it, and others thought so too. My friends and past clients began referring me to others and my client base kept growing.
With my husband’s help (because I certainly couldn’t do this without him), I began pouring every opportunity I had into reaching more people and learning everything I could about photography because there is way more to it then just pointing and shooting.
While photography is a very creative art, it’s also a very technical and precise one, and those are my stronger attributes because I like to learn how to do everything! I surprised myself initially when I realized that I also have a creative side that I never knew was there. I still surprise myself on occasion when I get a creative burst of ideas in the middle of a session with a client.
Photography is my happy place and I am thrilled to have finally found ‘the thing’ that I really enjoy doing. While most of my work is spent photographing families/children, doing headshots, and some newborn lifestyle shoots, you can also find me at the baseball and softball park grabbing action shots of my kids and their teammates, or hiking the trails nearby grabbing shots of the beauty found in nature.
When all is said and done, I just want my clients to have had fun during their session and end up with some great photos that reflect that.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It isn’t always a smooth road. Getting started in something new is always a challenge, specifically with photography. When you make the decision to do this, you find yourself with no portfolio to show people but yet, you want them to trust you with their photos so it takes a while to get your name out there.
Covid certainly had an impact for a while as people were trying to keep to themselves and stay safe, but we are all learning to live within the parameters of that and still live our lives. Advancements in technology, specifically camera phones, have had an impact too but I do not believe anything will ever take the place of photos being taken and edited by a professional. Besides, in most cases, someone is always left out holding the camera or squeezing in for a selfie. 🙂
When it rains it pours too. I’m not complaining at all but you’ll find yourself with a very manageable photography schedule and work-life balance and then all of the sudden three people need graduation photos, two more have had babies and want a newborn lifestyle session, someone needs senior photos, and your own child has a softball game all in the same weekend. It can get stressful at times and this is where my husband is a huge help but I take it in stride because I try my best to never turn down a request.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a lifestyle photographer who specializes in photographing families and their special moments. I’m most proud of my ability to get to know my newer clients pretty quickly and be able to provide them with the type of session they want and are comfortable with and in the end, we have some great photos that reflect that.
If we can be honest, having photos done is initially awkward for everyone, especially if they don’t know you. For those that do know me, they know that I’m up for just about anything when it comes to getting the photos that they want.
There are two things that I feel set me apart. The first thing is, I want everyone to have a good time and I will do my best to make them feel as comfortable as possible so they are able to have fun, be themselves, laugh ALOT, and end up with photos that reflect that.
The second thing is, I try to remember to ask everyone if they want me to be in the driver’s seat. Most do, at first, but I also tell them that if they have an idea or if there is something they want to try, that I am not offended by this and I want them to speak up. After all, these are their photos, right?
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
There really hasn’t been anything that impacts my photography although I do find myself letting them know that I need to grab a closer shot before I actually do so that I can make sure they are ok with that. I’m also 100% fine wearing my mask if that is their preference, I don’t mind at all!
Pricing:
- $250 – Family Session w/10 digital images
- $250 – Headshots w/10 digital images
- $250 – Maternity w/10 digital images
- $250 – Newborn w/12 digital images
- Starts @ $250 – Senior Portraits w/10 digital images
Contact Info:
- Email: nikkispearsphotos@gmail.com
- Website: www.nikkispearsphotography.com
- Instagram: @nikkispearsphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkispearsphotos/
