Niki M Hits 10,000!

Niki M Photography has a brand new website! Visit www.nikimphotography.co.za to view all my latest work :)

 

I have been counting down this moment for ages! The big promise that was made, mostly to myself, was that I would do a celebratory post as soon as the blog hits reached 10,000. And it is finally, FINALLY here.

For many people, 10,000 hits is not really a lot - but for a girl who was sitting at an office desk in an unfulfilling job until 7 months ago... the support and love that everyone has shown has really made me so thankful and proud of the fact that I had enough guts to give it up and do something I love instead.

If there is anything that has been learned out of this experience, it is that no-one should ever accept sub-standard, second-rate, and second-best. No matter what it is that you want to do with your life, make the effort and you will get there - it may take a while and you may feel like you are drowning. But through the chaos always comes light. A light that guides you to where you need to be and reveals your real purpose in life.

I finally get to dedicate something to my grandfather, who made me realise that life is too short and we should never take anything for granted. He brought out smiles in everyone around him, and I wish I could tell him how much he has inspired me. So Gramps, this post is for you xxx

OK, enough talk about life. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far - you know who you are. Woo-hoo!!! Its time for a celebratory glass of wine. Cheers everyone!

Linay and Courteney

Niki M Photography has a brand new website! Visit www.nikimphotography.co.za to view all my latest work :)

This photo shoot was SUCH a blast! 

Linay and Courteney have so much energy that it made me dizzy - we all bounded onto the beach and completely took over. Running, jumping, dancing, splashing - sheesh! The sisters even decided to wade into the water - never mind the pants - and nearly got taken out by what I have deemed to be a mini-tsunami. But we got some AMAZING shots - and you will be able to tell that it was an 'hour' and a half of pure joy [thanks for the catchline Cadbury :)]

I hope this post warms you up on a cold winters day. If you are warm - you are probably in the upper half of the country. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but get your gum boots out! Unless we got all of the rain (it sure seems like it!).

Tammy and Harry's Engagement Shoot - Part 1

Niki M Photography has a brand new website! Visit www.nikimphotography.co.za to view all my latest work :)

 The bulk of Tammy and Harry's engagement shoot took place at the original and legendary Vovo Telo in Richmond Hill. We had such an awesome time savouring the delicious coffee and pastries - and took a few photos in between ;)

I really want to say thanks to the two of you for going along with my idea on this one... it turned out to be so much fun! Part 2 took place down at Sards Beach the following afternoon - the photos are coming up soon :)

Eben - Stilbaai

Niki M Photography has a brand new website! Visit www.nikimphotography.co.za to view all my latest work :)

I quickly snapped these pics of Eben a while back - and they are just too adorable not to share!

He is a real cutie, and every time I look at the photos I can still hear his mom saying 'Eben. No, don't do it Eben. Do not put that stone in your mouth. Eben...ah man!'. It still makes me giggle out loud every time I look at the 4th photo where he has dirt on his mouth because, believe it or not, there is a stone behind that cutsie smile... but who couldn't forgive a smile like that!

Niki M's Top Tips - Get The Most Out Of Your Wedding Photography

Niki M Photography has a brand new website! Visit www.nikimphotography.co.za to view all my latest work :)

Today's post is a bit off course compared to the usual Niki M posts, but my latest quest is a guide to resources and a collections of tips for clients. This is pretty important as most couples invest upwards of 10% of their total wedding budget on photography/videography, so I decided to share some of it on the blog. This is not a complete wedding guide. This is a forget-me-not guide; a small guide - partly to make sure you get the most bang out of your buck, and also to point out things that many couples forget (including me) during their planning stages or on the day itself. So here goes...

Sarah and Mark - Tzaneen

Niki M Photography has a brand new website! Visit www.nikimphotography.co.za to view all my latest work :)

Sarah and Mark's wedding was so refreshing! But lets start at the beginning before I tell you why...

Sarah and Mark are missionaries from America, and they currently look after 12 orphaned and vulnerable children (12!) at a house in Modjadjiskloof, Tzaneen. Sarah is also actively involved in Pfunanane Ministries (http://www.pfunanane.org/, go read all about it) where she is Children's Home Director.

So when she contacted me and told me all about it, I was nervous. Traveling with strangers, to a place I had never been before. But I should not have worried... this experience was so liberating. I flew to JHB and caught a lift up to Sarah's home with Cricket and Mary Floye. Luckily they were awesome company, and we had a blast.

The brief from the very beginning, in Sarah's words: 'I want lots of photos of the kids, and don't worry about me'. So thats exactly what I did. These kids are a laugh and a half, each of them is so special! That combined with Sarah and Mark's awesome sense of humour, and their friendly and energetic families from America... this was a wedding never to be repeated. 

So, now that you know all of that, the reason it was so refreshing was that I got to photograph children, not worry too much about formalities, fight off killer emus and seriously energetic Shangaan dancers, and also because I now have memories of very special people that I will never, ever forget.

This post is overdue, but its because there are a LOT of photos... so enjoy! :)

Benjamin and Georgina

Niki M Photography has a brand new website! Visit www.nikimphotography.co.za to view all my latest work :)

Charlotte and I have been trying to coordinate a photo shoot of her two little ones for so long! The time finally came during my last trip to Joburg. Benjamin and Georgina are twins, and they are so so so gorgeous, I'm sure you will agree!

We spent a few hours together and I really think these photos are so special. Ben (you'll notice) was much more at ease with the camera, and he had a ball jumping for me and playing peek-a-boo from behind a gigantic tree. Georgie was much more reserved but she definitely let us know when she was having fun :)

Enjoy!

Featured on Moment Junkie!

Niki M Photography has a brand new website! Visit www.nikimphotography.co.za to view all my latest work :)

If this day wasn't good enough, I was just informed that one of my photos was featured on Moment Junkie! (I'm grinning ear to ear, a smiley face does not do it justice)

Go check it out at http://www.momentjunkie.com/2011/05/the-cheers/

Whether or not to submit this photo was a bit of a toss-up for me... but in the end the fact that I smile every time I see this photo made me think that maybe I should try submit it, just in case they publish it and then everyone else will smile for a day!

If you are not a regular, bookmark Moment Junkie - its a super cool blog that publishes one photo per day. Photographers from around the world submit their 'moments' - I am so blessed to have had a photo featured!

Yuliya and Andrey - Port Elizabeth Couple Photographer

Niki M Photography has a brand new website! Visit www.nikimphotography.co.za to view all my latest work :)

Whoa, this shoot was so much fun! Blue sky, soft clouds here and there, an energetic couple, and a beautiful sunset to boot. Yuliya and Andrey (gorgeous couple!) hail from Russia, and they wanted special photos on the beautiful beaches of PE before they migrated to Johannesburg. I'm sure you will agree that these photos are truly special :) Enjoy...

Linda and Gerrie - Johannesburg Wedding Photographer

Niki M Photography has a brand new website! Visit www.nikimphotography.co.za to view all my latest work :)

A little while ago I travelled to Joburg for some creative fun, some learning, some business, and some general up-to-no-good-ness. Along the way, Leone Venter from Simply Me Photography (www.simplyme.co.za) and I stumbled into each other and I assisted her on three separate weddings as a second shooter.

This was the first of those weddings, and it belonged to the absolutely breathtakingly beautiful Linda and her long-time handsome love, Gerrie. The wedding took place at Olive Mystery in... the middle of nowhere... somewhere between Pretoria and Joburg, but not really :)

Details galore, three stunning bridesmaids, a trio of groomsmen with naughty grins, and one nervous groom meant it was go-time. Once Linda arrived I was extra happy to be involved in this wedding. She is one of the most gracious people I have encountered, and her smile says it all.

Unfortunately the Dominee did not allow us to take photos during the ceremony. Note to brides, make sure you ask - you would be amazed how many times photography during the ceremony is prohibited.

Congrats to the two of you and I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon :) Here are a LOT of photos... I just could not decide as usual :)

Nix xxx