about nikki
dorset family and couples Photographer
Hello, I'm Nikki
I'm a family and couples photographer based in Dorset, and I'm all about capturing the real stuff. The cuddles, the laughter, the chaos, the quiet moments and all those little interactions that make your family yours.
Photography started for me simply because I loved taking photographs of my own children. I wanted to capture the everyday moments that I knew I would want to remember, but the more I learned about photography, the more I fell in love with everything behind the camera too.
These days, I get to do something I genuinely love, photograph other people's families and relationships and give them photographs that take them straight back to how this chapter of their lives felt.
I'm a mum in a blended family of seven, so I know first-hand that family life isn't always calm, tidy or predictable! And honestly, that's one of the reasons I love photographing families exactly as they are.
a little more about me
I'm part of a busy blended family with five children, so my days are usually filled with school runs, clubs, activities, muddy shoes, forgotten water bottles and approximately a million things happening at once!
Being a mum has taught me that family life doesn't always look like the photographs we see in magazines, and I don't think it needs to.
Children are energetic. They get distracted. They don't always want to smile when someone asks them to. Sometimes they run in completely the opposite direction!
That's why I don't expect your children to sit still and behave perfectly during your photoshoot. I'd much rather photograph their personalities, their relationships with you and the moments that happen naturally.
I also understand that every family is different. Some children need a little more patience, some need time to get comfortable and some simply need the freedom to do their own thing. My job is to create an environment where everyone can relax and be themselves.
my approach to photography
If the thought of having your photograph taken makes you feel a little awkward, you're definitely not alone!
I don't expect you to know how to pose, where to put your hands or how to magically make your children all look at the camera at the same time.
Instead, I gently guide you through simple interactions, movement and prompts that give you something to do together. Sometimes that's playing, walking, cuddling or exploring. Sometimes it's simply sitting together and enjoying a quiet moment.
The photographs I'm looking for aren't necessarily the ones where everyone is looking directly at the camera.
They're the little things in between.
The way your child reaches for your hand. The look you give each other when the children aren't watching. The huge belly laugh. The cuddle that lasts a little longer than usual.
Those are the photographs that tell your story.
My aim is always to create photographs that feel natural, emotional and completely like you.
When I'm not behind the camera...
Photography isn't the only thing I do!
I'm also a Cub Scout leader with 1st Wareham, which means that when I'm not photographing families, there's a good chance I'm helping children build things, cook over fires, learn new skills or generally get themselves into some sort of wonderfully chaotic adventure.
I love seeing children try something new, gain confidence and achieve something they didn't think they could.
I think that probably says quite a lot about why I enjoy photographing children too. I love seeing their personalities come out when they are given the freedom to just be themselves.
So, what are you waiting for?
If you're looking for a photographer who will ask your children to smile nicely and sit still for an hour, I'm probably not the photographer for you.
But if you'd rather spend an hour laughing, playing, cuddling and enjoying time together while I quietly capture what's happening around you, I'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're looking for a family photoshoot, newborn photography, maternity photographs, breastfeeding photography or a relaxed couples session, my aim is always the same:
To create photographs that don't just show what your family looked like, but remind you exactly how this time in your lives felt.
I'd love to hear your plans and see if we're a good fit.
Kind words from
Ella
"Nikki was amazing and photographed me breastfeeding my little one to mark an incredible journey of feeding him. She took such lovely images and you wouldn't even know they were taken in our living room. I purchased the whole album because they were all so lovely. Highly recommend xx"
Photography with me
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