Today we’d like to introduce you to Niki Cram.
Hi Niki, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was given my first point and shoot camera at the age of eight and fell in love with taking photos of anything and everything that I saw. Around the same time, my brother started to race motocross, so having a camera in hand was a great hobby and an excuse to talk to boys. I wanted to be an action sports photographer but quickly realized as I approached college that my passion for visual storytelling was much bigger than one niche category of photography. I attended Orange Coast College’s Photography program where I met my mentor who gave me my first introduction to the industry and larger productions. From there, I consistently tested with emerging talent and built up my portfolio while slowly starting to work with brands. I quit my 9-5 in 2015 and haven’t looked back. As a freelancer, it was scary at times but it is incredibly rewarding and the best decision I have ever made.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Taking the leap of faith and believing in yourself enough to start your own business is terrifying in any industry, so it definitely has not always been a smooth road. My biggest struggle (which is something I still struggle with today) is KNOWING MY WORTH! There will always be someone who will do it cheaper and faster, but knowing what I’m worth and how much I have invested in school, equipment, programs, etc and valuing that has been a process. Not always having a steady income was scary, but at the end of the day when you work hard at what you love, it will all work out.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in lifestyle photography. I look at every scenario with an advertising/marketing eye – how can I evoke an emotion in the viewer and sell whatever I’m trying to sell. While focusing on the product, I also focus on the human element and how it can be seen by others. At the end of the day, we are all consumers. Good photos sell products, so that’s my goal in a shoot. If I’m not selling a product, I’m selling a mood. I’m most proud of two things – last year I shot stills on a commercial for Samsung, and in January of 2021 I shot my first billboard off the 110 freeway.
What makes you happy?
Creating with new people makes me happy. I love walking into a space where we’re all just there to create and collaborate for the best possible result. From the makeup to the hair to the clothes to the talent; the sense of community and how none of us can have anything in common, but we all come together to make art will always be the coolest thing to me. My puppy also makes me happy because puppies make everyone happy.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.nikicram.com
- Instagram: @nikicram
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikicram
