About Me

About Me.

Hi, I’m Nikki. I’m so happy that you’re here! I would love to tell you a little about me and why I do what I do.

I never thought my journey would lead me where it has. I left a small town in Virginia to pursue my dreams; what they were at the time I had no idea. Those dreams, along with a very ambitious and encouraging boyfriend (now husband), led me to places like Washington, DC (after completing photography coursework and a business degree at James Madison University) and New York City (where I made some great friends working at a midtown photography studio). It was through these experiences, and many life lessons, that I was able to figure out what I was really passionate about.

I was lucky enough to meet some really amazing people along the way who helped me get to where I am now. I actually get to spend every single day with two of these amazing people. My 5 year old and my 2 year old boys are my inspiration. Every day is an adventure and a new experience for me. I’ve learned so much about myself through them. They have taught me patience, strength, and humility. I can honestly say, I never thought I would tell another human being to “stop licking the wall.” While my photography obsession may have started well before having my kids, they set it into hyper drive. I pick up my camera every day to document their lives and our family. I want them to have these photos to look back on when they are older, like I have with my family. If there is anything I’ve learned in my life, it’s to take advantage of the time you have with the people you love. This is the message I share with my clients.

 

Why Choose Me?

Little ones won’t be little for long and what stories will you remember? Will you remember those little details? Like the first time she smiled up at you with all that admiration in her eyes or how he took his favorite ‘blankie’ everywhere when he was 2. We are always in such a hurry to get through the day that sometimes we forget to stop and appreciate the details we’re missing. As a parent I don’t want to miss any of those moments with my little ones. As a photographer it’s my goal to walk away from each session with some of those moments captured for each one of my clients. How do I do this? I get to know my clients. I don’t want to just capture those smiling photos I want to capture a full range of emotions. Everyone has a story to tell and I want to know who my clients are. Your story is what makes your family’s photos different.

Any photographer will tell you that photography is more than just a job. It’s more than looking through a camera and pushing a button. It is an obsession, a passion. It’s something you become so infatuated with, you dream of perfect lighting and view your life and all its details as you would through a camera lens. I spend countless hours educating myself through workshops, tutorials and, of course, shooting. This obsession or I’ll call it ‘drive’ makes me want to grow and learn, and be better than I was yesterday. I’ll never be able to settle for where I am in my photography journey. I will always be looking to move forward.

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve found that my strengths are much more visual. So if you haven’t already, click over to the portfolios and the images can speak for themselves. If you’ve already checked out the portfolios and you love me even more after reading about me, then I would love to learn more about you. You can contact me to send over your questions. If you’re still not sure, shoot me an email directly to nikki@nicoleraineyphotography.com or give me a call at 704.559.9882 and we can chat.  I’m looking forward to meeting you!

                

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Nikki Rainey is a natural light photographer based in Charlotte, NC. Specializing in emotive fine art lifestyle newborn, children and family photography.