Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Steele.
Nikki, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
It all started a little less than six years ago when I had my first born, Jayden. I honestly never knew I could love so much until the day I held him in my arms for the very first time. I had a Samsung Galaxy S4 at the time and used the heck out of it, not to get on social media or surf the web, but to take photos of my son every single minute of every single day. LOL, that might seem a little stretched, but in my defense, not by far. I didn’t want to miss any moments like his yawns and his smiles. The way he wrapped his little fingers around my pointer finger. The way he looked at me letting me know that I was his comfort. I captured them all with my phone.
My husband was actually the first person that complimented me saying I had a really good eye for things, that the photos I took of our son were really good. He then surprised me a couple of months later with my first DSLR, and that’s when I found my true passion. Although I had my hands full with being a stay at home mom, turning my passion into a legitimate business was always in the back of my head, I just didn’t have the time to dedicate myself to it. Then came baby number two, our daughter, Sophia. I had two under two – life was crazy and hectic so any dream of me becoming a photographer was put on the back burner as I tended to my little babies.
Fast forward to six years later, now we have our son who is about to turn six and our daughter who is four, and I get to do what I am so passionately in love with – documenting life, love, and everything in between. I’ve been in business for a little over a year, and it just gets better and better! And what makes it even more rewarding are the amazing creatives I get to meet, and the friends I make along the way! And the icing on the top?! I create my own schedule, and that allows me more time with my kids while building my business from home. I seriously owe it all to my incredible husband who stuck by my side, gave me that push, believed in me, cheered me on, and continues to support me in this journey, this amazing adventure of a biz!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I started out doing portrait and lifestyle photography, and I still do, but what really drives my creativity is love. Two people that are head over heels madly in love. Seeing the spark in their eyes and that look of “I love you more than anything in this world” can be heard and seen from just one captured millisecond in time. That is what gives me butterflies. That is what photography is all about. I feel that love should be seen and felt, not just heard so my goal for every couple is to always capture photos that tell their love story.
What I most pride myself on is the ability to make people comfortable in front of my lens, and that is when all of the magic happens… love, in its purest, most beautiful form. Not only do I serve my clients as a photographer—I am also their friend, their confidant, and their supporter.
I strive to create dreamy images with creamy skintones and light and airy colors – all of the romantic feels!
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I am a strong believer in seeking wisdom. The more questions I ask of people who are where I want to be in life, the wiser I’ll be. It’s a lot easier to learn from other people’s experiences and mistakes than it is to learn for yourself so I would definitely seek for advice before making a big business decision.
I think that in any industry, it’s really hard not to want the newest and latest equipment, but I definitely wouldn’t rush into it. Do your research and really ask yourself if it’s a need or a want. Is what you’re using and doing right now working for you and getting the job done? And most importantly, can you afford this purchase?
As far as earned income, it can be very stressful especially because it’s not a set salary. There are great months, and there are slow months. Always remember that you only get out what you put in. And no one ever said it was going to be easy. Work hard. Stay humble. Be patient. Keep hustling.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see my work at www.nikkisteelephotography.com or my Instagram or Facebook page @nikkisteelephotography
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nikkisteelephotography.com
- Phone: 405.208.2203
- Email: hello@nikkisteelephotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikkisteelephotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikkisteelephotography
Image Credit:
Nikki Steele Photography
Personal photo – captured by Terri Graves Photography and edited by me
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