About
Hi, I’m Nyki!
Based in New York City and raised just outside of Detroit, I am an eager world-traveler whose passion for, and exploration in, photography extends over 20 years. I began professionally studying photography in high school, where I started in the darkroom, developing black and white prints and negatives. Throughout my college years at Howard University (HHHHUUUU!), I transitioned to digital while working as a photographer for The Hilltop newspaper, Historian of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and eventually as Photo Editor of Bison Yearbook. It was likely my years at Howard that I first really connected with fashion and became enchanted by the personal styles of my fellow Bison.
As time passed after undergrad, I more specifically turned my focus on fashion photography, and went on to earn my Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Fashion Photography from the School of Visual Arts in 2016. It was in grad school that I uncovered my point-of-view and mission as a photographer: To broaden the ideal of beauty in the fashion industry by celebrating diversity and highlighting the beautiful uniqueness of individuals. This purpose is evident in the models that I carefully cast and the concepts of my shoots. I also make it a point to build a real connection with each of my subjects and capture truly authentic moments and expressions in my work.
My photographic mission was no doubt influenced by the years I spent working as an advertising copywriter on mainly multicultural accounts, where I wrote national ad campaigns for Walmart, Jeep, and Ford, to name a few. Those years of agency experience have given me a unique perspective as a professional photographer, allowing me to understand how to translate business strategy and client desires into memorable images that both tell a story and resonate with the intended audience.
My fascination with people and love of fashion continue to inspire me daily. I believe that there are too many beautifully unique people around the globe to focus on just one as the “standard” by which we guide society. In all, my drive as a photographer all comes back to a celebration of the beauty of God’s creations. Us!
CLIENTS & PHOTO CREDITS
BruceGlen Black & Scholared EBONY Magazine L’Oreal The New York Times Teen Noire Sephora Kahlana Barfield Brown Jovian Zayne Alex and Ani Macy’s Fashion Bomb Daily Claire Sulmers Harlem’s Fashion Row BET Networks Lip Fetish Cosmetics Chefleen ABC/Disney B.R.A.G. (Black Retail Action Group) Oscar de la Renta Levenity ESSENCE.com Mason Sylvester Helen Castillo On My Level Chey Tamra Nicole WEEN Candace Elena Couture TriBeCa Film Festival Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Miss Fancypants, Inc. Junior League of Brooklyn Harlem B.I.D. Howard University Bison Yearbook The Hilltop Newspaper 944 Magazine Detroit Woodward Avenue Action Association
EXHIBITIONS, HONORS & AWARDS
3-time CHOSEN Winner in American Photography’s AP37 and AP38 Call for Entries (2021-2022) The Webby Awards Honorable Mention for #joyFULLYBlack campaign for Frito-Lay (2023) Exhibitor in “Capturing the Black Experience in Fashion” and “Across the Waters,” Sponsored by Harlem Fashion Week (2022 & 2023) Cover Story Photographer for Teen Noir, Issue 1 (2021) Featured Artist: #SayHerName edition of the CHIME Zine, created by Gucci’s Chime For Change & the African American Policy Forum (2020) Exhibitor: “Juneteenth Tuesdays” at Billie’s Black (2013) Silver Telly Award Winner for copywriting of “Grandma’s Hands” TV Spot (2009) Exhibitor: “I Am Me Because of You” Big Brothers Big Sisters Black History Month Showcase (2015) Gold Key Winner - Scholastics Art Awards (2001) Silver Key Winner - Scholastics Art Awards (2001) Certificate Awardee - Scholastics Art Awards (2002)
