Welcome to the blog!

Whether you’re an aspiring model or a small business , you’ll find a ton of free resources to help plan out your shoot or get your questions answered. Maybe even check out some of my bts or past projects.

Preparing for your photoshoot! Male Youth Model Edition

Preparing for your photoshoot! Male Youth Model Edition

So you’ve booked your first shoot, or maybe you’ve done this before. Either way, this prep guide is to help you, the parent or guardian, and your child to prepare for your upcoming photoshoot. Please know that I am here to guide you through this process and while you have this to refer to please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have questions. I pride myself in creating an experience for both you and your child that is safe, fun, and a place for you both to learn more about the industry; there are no dumb questions here!

Nikki SmithJanuary 29, 2024Comment

Preparing for your photoshoot! Female Youth Model Edition

Preparing for your photoshoot! Female Youth Model Edition

So you’ve booked your first shoot, or maybe you’ve done this before. Either way, this prep guide is to help you, the parent or guardian, and your child to prepare for your upcoming photoshoot. Please know that I am here to guide you through this process and while you have this to refer to please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have questions. I pride myself in creating an experience for both you and your child that is safe, fun, and a place for you both to learn more about the industry; there are no dumb questions here!

Nikki SmithJanuary 15, 2024Comment

Thinking about modeling? READ THIS!

Thinking about modeling? READ THIS!

You’re here because you’ve had thoughts of trying modeling and, let’s be honest, you’re not quite sure where to start. Embarking on a modeling journey can be a thrilling but knowing what to look our for and where to start can be daunting. It's a world where creativity, fashion, and artistry meet. However, it's also an industry that demands professionalism, preparation, trusting your gut, and understanding. I’m here to guide you with the basic insights so you can navigate this potential career safely and with some success.

Nikki SmithJanuary 15, 2024Comment

Flora Boutique updates their brand visuals

Flora Boutique and I wanted to give this new but incredible brand a fresh look; one that was elevated but also stayed true to its natural esthetic.

Nikki SmithJanuary 1, 2023Comment

Archive Bridal adds a new look to their e-commerce platform

Archive Bridal adds a new look to their e-commerce platform

When Paulette, the owner of Archive Bridal, approached me to help update their e-commerce imagery I was so excited. We wanted a set that was repeatable since they constantly have new inventory coming in and also allowed the white products to stand out.

Nikki SmithJanuary 1, 2023Comment

Brooke with No Ties Management

Brooke with No Ties Management

Brooke needed an update to here modeling portfolio, so we hit the gorgeous beaches of SoCal to get the perfect backdrop.

Nikki SmithNovember 15, 2022Comment

Test Shoot With Lauren

Test Shoot With Lauren

Lauren got in touch with me over Instagram to schedule a swim shoot. Thankfully we got lucky with one of the most beautiful sunsets of the year.

Nikki SmithNovember 15, 2022Comment

You've booked your first shoot...now what?

You've booked your first shoot...now what?

Don’t worry, this post will walk you through all the steps and some of my favorite pieces of advice to get you photoshoot ready.

Nikki SmithJuly 26, 2022Comment

How to prepare for your swim shoot

How to prepare for your swim shoot

We all know that preparing for a photoshoot can be a little intimidating but this guide should help make the process a little easier.

photoshoot prepNikki SmithMay 31, 2022how to prepare for your photoshoot, swimwear, swim photoshoot, fashion shoot, san diego fashion photographer, beach shoot Comment

Guess who got featured on Redfin???

Guess who got featured on Redfin???

I did!

Nikki SmithMay 10, 2022Comment

ADRIFT

ADRIFT

My latest editorial with the talented Alexa!

Nikki SmithMarch 4, 2022Comment

Peltier & Hermoza Swimwear Collaboration

Peltier & Hermoza Swimwear Collaboration

I’m so glad that I got to collaborate with Hermoza Swimwear and Peltier Winery for their mini-partnership. It was so wonderful that Marisa trusted me to capture these images and share them across her and Tiffany’s brand. To give you some background on Hermoza Swimwear, they design comfortable and timeless swimwear that will stand the test of time. Their prints are colorful and have so much character that each piece tells a story.

Nikki SmithJune 26, 2020Comment

How to make your own product photography flatlay board

How to make your own product photography flatlay board

A few days ago I posted a few images of a flatlay board I made in one of my favorite photography Facebook groups, Looks Like Film Learn. It’s a great group to learn, find educational resources, and just interact with a ton of insanely talented photographers. Anyways! It got a ton of comments and a lot of you wanted to see how I made it so this is what this post is about.

Nikki SmithApril 25, 2020 Comments

The Basic Etiquette of Working With Agency Models: A Photographer's Perspective

The Basic Etiquette of Working With Agency Models: A Photographer's Perspective

If you’re a photographer who is just starting out, you’ve probably wondered what it takes to start shooting with models signed with agencies. To be frank, the answer is really simple.

Nikki SmithApril 24, 2020 Comments

Model I.D. with Allison

Model I.D. with Allison

I’ve been a SoCal native my whole life, born in San Diego and raised in Temecula! I am 18 years old and am a college student while working. I truly enjoy traveling, and spending quality time and experiences with family and friends! Whether it be yoga, traveling, learning- there are so many things which bring me joy!

Nikki SmithJanuary 26, 2020 Comments

Model I.D. with Alexandra

Model I.D. with Alexandra

My name is Alex, I grew up in Encinitas CA and I like to roller skate, hang with friends, and go to the beach. I started modeling at the age of 17 when I got scouted by my agent at a taco stand.

Nikki SmithJanuary 11, 2020 Comments

Goodbye 2019 and hello 2020!!!

Goodbye 2019 and hello 2020!!!

This past year has been a legit roller coaster, with a lot of twists and turns, plus some high points. Into the start of 2019, I was 40 pounds heavier, was growing distant from my family, had a job that paid the bills but didn’t fulfill me, and was struggling to move on from a relationship that wasn’t going anywhere.

Nikki SmithDecember 31, 2019Comment

Fashion Shoot with Veronica from L.A. Models

Fashion Shoot with Veronica from L.A. Models

It’s not every day that you create a set of images that you’re truly proud of. This impromptu shoot with Veronica just that.

Nikki SmithNovember 28, 2019model, san diego, fashion model, photography, beauty dish, softbox, studio lighting, san diego fashion photographer, san diego studio photographer, fashion shoot, photoshoot Comment

In The Studio with Lexa

In The Studio with Lexa

The Team:

Model: Lexa @lexaaloha

Hair & Makeup: Cindy Tran @noirbeaute

Stylist: Myself and Nicole Pakozdi @redandrelaxed

Shot at EQ Studios

Nikki SmithNovember 18, 2019beach, model, fashionComment

Finally...a post about myself. How I became a photographer and why.

Finally...a post about myself. How I became a photographer and why.

Do you ever get that question, you know the one that asks about how you knew what you wanted to do and when? It's the type of question that kinda stumps you. The one that makes you think way back to when you were a kid or in high school when you were just figuring things out.
For me, I get this question a lot...
”When did you start photography and how did you know?” and usually my answer is ”I've always wanted to be a photographer, I just didn't know it.”

Nikki SmithJuly 15, 2019 Comment