Nikki Caviness shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Nikki, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
With the kids out of school for the summer, I am constantly on the go! I’m part taxi-driver, snack maker, mediator, bracelet maker, basketball player, and lifeguard trying to fit work into all the in between moments. I think many working moms can relate to the chaos that is summer break!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Nikki Caviness, a lifestyle photographer based in Fort Worth. I focus on in-home photography, including newborn and family sessions, as well as interiors photography for designers and builders.
In-home photography has always made the most sense to me…it’s where people feel comfortable, where kids can be themselves, and where meaningful moments happen naturally. It’s also where I do my best work. I specialize in working with indoor light (whether it’s natural sunlight or mimicking it with strobes) so every image feels clean, natural, and elevated.
I come to each session prepared. I work closely with clients ahead of time to choose the best rooms, plan styling, and think through the flow so that the experience feels easy and relaxed from start to finish. My background in marketing also comes in handy, especially with my interior clients. I understand how their images will be used and help them present their work in a way that feels thoughtful and strategic.
After over a decade in advertising (where long hours left little time for anything else!) I knew I wanted something different. As a wife and mom of two, building a business that supports both my need for creativity and my family life has been the goal from the start. I hope my kids see that it’s possible to do meaningful work and still be present at home.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Both of my parents worked when I was growing up – my dad was in the oil and gas industry, and my mom was an audiologist. They were high achievers, with both having advanced degrees, and they always emphasized the value of hard work and education. But what stood out just as much was their presence. We ate dinner together every night, and they never missed a dance performance or recital.
One thing my dad always taught me was the importance of being kind at work. He showed me that you can speak up, lead confidently, and still treat people with respect…and that how you treat others matters just as much as the work you do.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Honestly, fear of judgment has probably held me back more than anything else. When you’re creative, your work feels personal…especially when your brand is built around your style and your voice. It can be scary to put yourself out there and open yourself up to critique or comparison.
For a long time, that fear made me second-guess things when I should’ve just trusted my gut. But I’ve learned that if you want to grow, you have to keep showing up and trying new things. The right people will connect with what you’re doing and will want to work with you because of your authenticity.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably tell you I’m loyal to a fault. As an Enneagram 6, I’ve got my people and will always support them. I like to observe everything, care a lot about doing things the right way, and make an effort to show up with thoughtfulness and purpose. I’ve also been told that I really care about the details – I want things to be perfect and I tend to notice details most people miss…I guess I just naturally see things in a different way, which definitely comes in handy as a photographer!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
That’s a big question, right?? I think for a long time, I was doing what I thought I was supposed to do…getting the degree, a steady corporate job with benefits, and stability. And while I don’t regret any of that, it did lead me into a career that left me feeling completely drained – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I knew I needed more creativity and flexibility, but I didn’t know what that could look like or how to make it sustainable. It took time (and a lot of trial and error), but now I’m doing work that feels aligned with who I am and how I want to live.
Even though I worked 10 years in a career that I hated, it gave me so many skills I still use today. I lean into preparation to make sessions smooth for new moms and busy families, and I bring strategy and thoughtfulness to help my interior clients present their work in an intentional way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nikkicavinessphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkicavinesssphotography
Image Credits
Photo of Nikki: Angela Doran Photography
All other photos: Nikki Caviness Photography
