I got to do my first full session in the studio a couple of weeks ago with the amazing Nikki Ono. Nikki came in to create some beautiful images with me, and she got to be the very first client to experience my new studio space.
Nikki has so many talents and interests – it’s hard to keep track of it all! She does patient intake at an autism clinic in Seattle, she is a licensed massage therapist, and her husband recently opened a restaurant in Edmonds called Ono Poke – and she works there too! She also has 2 kids, she volunteers at their school, and she runs races (including marathons!) on a regular basis. Nikki is a beautiful, active, optimistic, dependable, and all-around amazing person.
When it was time to start planning for our photo shoot, we started with a Pinterest board. We shared some ideas, and got excited about a bunch of them. Then, we got together to go through her closet, get more in-depth with our ideas, and choose clothes.
When the big day came, she brought her daughter for support and of course to help with styling. Nikki’s daughter made a great assistant. She made sure her mom was beautifully powdered and looking awesome.
We had really comprehensive plans for poses, outfits, and lighting. As we plotted through each concept, we laughed and had a great time making Nikki look and feel amazing! When the studio shots were complete, we headed to a nearby park to get some beautiful environmental portraits. These were so fun to do, and we planned the timing perfectly, so the trees were beautifully lit by the evening sun!
Nikki and I had a fun time creating portraits that are unique and true to her. She has images now that she can pass down to her kids as heirlooms for them to show their own children and even their grandchildren. And these photos will serve to remind her of how beautiful and radiant she is; no matter how she might be feeling in a given moment.
This is what it’s all about. Beauty. Confidence. Legacy.