Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Queen
Nikki, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was the yearbook kid in highschool. I went around taking pics of kids, it helps you win friends for sure if your able to get them featured, ;). I never believed that I could actually make it as a real photographer but it’s been my primary job for about 20 years now. I’m not revealing my age, so don’t ask. As an adult I started out in a studio franchise and then gravitated to shooting events and nightlife under my own umbrella. I was the resident photographer for Ghost Bar when we had one. I shot the opening of so many hot places in Dallas that have long since closed down, only evidence remains are my photographs. It was fun, so many celebrities in my archives. I never realized how many famous people slide through Dallas. As I got older I wanted to settle down and get married so I did and pivoted my photography into shooting portraits and weddings, as opposed to parties and nightlife. I made one last pivot adding branding\lifestyle photography to my resume after my recent divorce. Photography is keeping me and my two kiddos afloat for now, I’m growing my portrait business and love serving small business owners and awesome clients in the housing industry.
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?
Oh man, the struggle is real when your a small business owner. Just look at my taxes, LOL. Actually please don’t. There are tons of crazy stories from my earlier days shooting nightlife. It was definetly a wild ride and I’ve probably seen it all to be honest. Have you ever been threatened by the body guard of an actual Prince? I have. “You take his picture and I’ll break your legs”. No problem, I’ll just go over here to the other end of the club and pretend your not here. I definetly partied with that Prince later in the night and absolutely did not take his picture as you can see, I still have both legs in tact. There are so many ups and downs in photography, sometimes I get burnt out and want to quit and have a “normal” job. Usually the best answer to that is pivoting. Start shooting for a different demographic or a different genre all together.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a small business owner myself, I feel personally connected to my branding clients. I know what it’s like to NEED to grow. Bringing in money and staying afloat has become the most important thing in my life, now that I’m a single Mama, so when I meet a client and we discuss their needs, I get it. I give them a service that will help them grow and connect with potential clients. I make people look their best and that isn’t something you can learn in school. You either know how something should look or you don’t. If you don’t just go find another field, save your money. I’m a little OCD, so when I am with a client and we are in the middle of their portrait session, I look at every detail. I know how women like their hair to look, I know what they like to hide. I know the best angle for your body, and I will turn every ring, necklace, bracelet straight until you look perfect. The end result is in my head when i shoot and its a well thought out process. I am way too generous as well, I provide more images than my client expects…everytime.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
When I divorced, I had no idea if I could support me and the kids on my photography income. It was a huge risk. I took on a lot of debt, made a lot of bad choices, bought a house with a pool to name one, LOL. I just keep pushig forward. I want my kids to look back and say “Mom busted her butt for us”. I want to give them a good life and I’m going to do everything it takes to continue to grow and expand and make that happen. Taking risks is all part of the entreprenuer life. You put your head down and push through the storm. Hopefully it all works out, LOL>
Pricing:
- Branding Headshot Session starts at $350
- Realtor Headshot Networking Event $400
- Small Event Coverage $250 hour
- Headshot Mini Sessions $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.queensimage.com/studio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestudioqueen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestudioqueen
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiqueenmlo/
Image Credits
Nikki Queen: The Studio Queen
